Tips For Unblocking a Waste Pipe
Posted: Saturday, April 04, 2009
by Swift Goodway
PlumbersAid
In this day and age, it is not uncommon to use chemicals to unblock drains. There are not many ocas
Here's why... when they fail to unclog the obstruction you are left with a nasty smell to deal with, and probably a dangerous fluid floating around in your sink or sommink.
So, what else can we do?
I was hoping you would ask :-)
For unclogging a drain, it is not easy to go wrong with a plunger. The vertical action of a plunger is usually successful in breaking up the obstruction. Usually the blockage is unblocked. Make sure you cover the cup of the plunger with water, and cover the overflow inlet with a piece of cloth.
It is a good idea to work from the outside when clearing a waste pipe manually. Place a large bowl or bucket under the end of the pipe, when clearing the blocked section of the waste pipe.
When reassembling dismantled screwed fittings after manually unblocking a drain, check the rings for signs of wearing and replace them. Also remember to check that all the seals are in the correct positions. If you don't do this the proper way, the pipe could spring a leak at a later date. Nobody would like experience this.
You can try to use a spiral cleaner if a plunger is unable to shift an obstruction. Hardware stores usually stock them. You will have to initially disconnect the pipe from the trap, and then feed the wire through the pipe. When the wire touches the obstruction, rotate the spiral by turning the handle of the snake. The obstruction will usually break up after this is done.
Sometimes, you will not be able to remove an obstruction from the sink end. You can try pushing a garden hose from outside up the drain pipe, in situations where the waste is discharged into a gully. Sometimes, might have to give the obstruction a little help to send it on its way by turning on the tap.
If you can't clear a blocked waste pipe from any end, you can try taking the bottle trap apart. Before dismantling the trap, remember to put a bowl or bucket below the trap, and to plug the sink's plug-hole. Clean out the trap, and reassemble it after you clear out the obstruction.
When fat or oil obstructs the flow of a drain pipe, you can use heat to melt the fat and clear the pipe. A portable heater or hair dryer can be used warm the pipe. The blocked sink should clear after this. Job done :-)
If you live near Sutton, and would rather hire a seasoned plumber to resolve the problem for you, visit us at http://www.plumbersaid.co.uk/plumber-sutton.html.|If you feel that the problem is beyond your ability to fix, you will then have to ask for the help of an experienced plumber. Those of you that live in Sutton can give this local plumber (Sutton) a call.
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