Obstructed Drains – A Major Vexation!.
Obstructed Drains – A Major Vexation!.
We’ve all been there – we’re in the shower, and suddenly we feel the water start to rise up around our feet. A choked drain, quite disgusting and a sign of problems to come!. What about that wet sinking feeling when you are brushing your teeth at the washbasin on a lousy Monday morning and the filled sink just refuses to drainpipe!. Everyone hates clogged drains because they not only create problems but are also unhygienic and can create a mess. However, most household bathrooms will experience a plugged drainpipe at some time and one time or another. The best way to manage obstructed bathroom drains is to learn how to unblock them.
First, let’s look at why drainage become clogged up and what are the main causes of a blockage.
Hair, dust and other particles getting stuck in the space between the drain and the pipes are the main cause. Residue from daily use of shampoo, conditioner, soap, cleaners and other products tends to further aggravate the sticky build up. Eventually the clumps of accumulated matter prevent water from flushing out quickly or may even completely seal the drain hole. If water builds up quickly in your sink or tub when it should flow smoothly out of your drain pipe, you may already have a plumbing blockage on your hands.
So how can you unblock these drainage?.
Here are a few things that you can do to clean your obstructed bathroom drainpipe and get the water running. First of all the plug should be removed. You can easily remove the stopper by pulling it off from the bathroom sink, however if it’s fixed under the sink then you need to unscrew the nuts. In case of your bathtub, the plug can be unscrewed at the mouth of the drainage or the overflow plate can be removed to expose the assembly.
The accumulated matter choking up your drain may be clearly visible when you have taken off the plug. Those greasy lumps of entangled hair and residue can be seen sticking to the sides and corners of the drain pipe. Try to pull it out, as much as you can. You may find it difficult to get at the blockage, in which case you could use something like a wire clothes hanger to fish the material out. This step of removing the residual clumps will remove the local blockage at your drain pipe point.
However, there is a chance that you will not be able to reach the blockage with the wire so you will have to try something else. A very useful tool is a drainpipe plunger which can eradicate those blockages that are too deep to reach. First, cover the overflow drain pipe with a wet cloth in order to make the air suction from the plunger stronger. Then, put the plunger over the drain pipe and push up and down half a dozen times. If you are successful, any water, if trapped, will be instantly drained when the plunger is released.
However, if this method also fails to have any affect you might have to use some sort of chemical cleaner. This method should only be used as a last resort because the chemicals used are dangerous and can be harmful to your bathroom fixtures.
Call in the drainage Professionals.
If after trying the various do-it-yourself methods you are still unable to unblock your drain, it is a good idea to call your local reliable plumber for some help. Alternatively experienced drainage contractors like Dynorod have all the necessary equipment required to unblock the drainage and inspect the interior with a CCTV inspection or drains camera. It may cost you, but you will find it is worth the money once you can use your sink and shower worry free.