How to unblock your drains? Do it yourself
In this post we tell you about unblocking drains
Identify the problem
Prepare your tools
Clogged pipes can be a real headache.
Not only can they cause a lot of inconvenience, but trying to unclog them yourself can be a messy and time-consuming task. But don't despair!
With the right tools and a little know-how, unclogging your own drains is not only possible, but relatively easy.
In this guide, we'll take you through the steps involved in unblocking your drains, from identifying the problem to getting the job done. We'll also give you tips on which tools to use, and how to use them correctly. So, if you're ready to tackle this daunting task, let's get started!
Identify the problem
If you want to unblock your own drains, it's important to identify the exact cause of the problem.
The most common reasons for clogged drains are as follows: - Hair - While we're all guilty of occasionally putting a hair tie down the toilet, the sheer volume of hair going down the drain can become a serious clog. - Food debris - When you use your sink or shower, food particles are washed down the drain.
They can easily become clogged in a blocked pipe. - Grease - Grease creates a particularly unpleasant blockage. As it is thicker than water, it doesn't flow through the pipes and can't be broken down by the built-in pipe cleaners.
- Plumber's putty: Plumbers no longer use putty to clog pipes. But old putty can sometimes harden in pipes and form a blockage.
- Tree roots: If trees are growing near your home, they can push their roots into the ground and into your pipes. Clogs caused by pipe damage: If pipes are damaged, they can become clogged.
Prepare your tools
There are several tools you can use to unblock your own drains.
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to hand. - Gloves - Disposable gloves will protect your hands from any potential damage caused by broken pipes or cleaning chemicals. - Goggles - The last thing you want to do is get cleaning chemicals in your eyes. Safety glasses will protect your eyes from any splashes. - Goggles - If you're working with gas pipes, you'll also need to wear goggles to protect your eyes. - Pipe-cleaning chemicals - You may need to use special chemicals to dissolve the plug. - Broom and shovel - When working on long pipes, it's important to keep the area clean. - Water - While you don't want to flood the pipes, you absolutely must have enough water flowing through them to unclog the clog. - Electrical socket testers - You don't want to start cleaning your pipes only to find that you've accidentally cut off the power.
Using a suction pad piston
A plunger is an excellent tool for unclogging your drain. Most homeowners should have a plunger in their tool kit. It's easy to use and can unblock most drains. Some plumbers prefer to use a suction cup to unblock drains. The plunger creates a vacuum that draws the clog towards the pipe opening. This creates a pressure that can break the clog. The plunger is an excellent way of unclogging your own drain. It uses the same mechanism as a plunger, but is more powerful and easier to use. Most pistons have a rubber bellows to seal against the drain, and a handle to press the bellows down. Most pistons have a metal head with a handle on top. The best way to use a plunger is to fill the sink with water. Place the suction cup or plunger over the drain and press down. Make sure you apply enough pressure to create suction. If there are any blockages in the pipe, you should hear the water in the sink start to gurgle. Then lift the plunger and turn off the water. You may need to repeat this step several times to remove the clog.
Using a drainage snake
A dewatering snake is a long flexible hose with a small rotating head at the end. This head is usually covered by a serrated blade that cuts through clogs. They come in many different sizes, so make sure you find one that fits your pipe. Before you start, make sure the snake is the right length. For a sink, the snake should be long enough to fit under the sink elbow. You can use the snake to plunge the drain, but it's easier and more effective to use chemicals. To unclog the drain, place the snake in the drain and turn it towards the pipe outlet. You should be able to feel the snake pass through the plug and out. Repeat this process until the drain is clear. Drain snakes are also effective for unclogging toilets. You can use an auger or a toilet plunger. The auger has a rotating head that cuts through the clog. Toilet augers should be long enough to pass under the elbow and down into the bowl.
Use boiling water
If you don't want to use chemicals, you can try unclogging your drain with boiling water. Make sure the water is at full boil before pouring it down your drain. The hot water will break down the clog and make it easier to suck out. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove the clog from your pipes. You can pour boiling water down the sink, but don't pour it down the shower trap. Hot water can damage the plastic inside the drain and cause leaks.
Use of chemical cleaners
If you've tried everything and the drain is still blocked, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. These cleaners dissolve hair, grease and other obstructions, making them easier to unclog. Be careful when pouring chemicals down the drain. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. You can use a workshop vacuum cleaner to suck up the cleaner once the blockage has been removed. Chemicals are generally solvents which evaporate once in water. Once dissolved, the plug is sucked into the shop vac.
Prevent future blockages
If you've tried everything to unclog your drains and nothing seems to work, you may need to call in a professional plumber to unclog your drains. But before you call a plumber, there are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening again. - Use strainers - A strainer is a small basket placed at the end of your drain that traps small pieces of food and hair. It's an easy way to keep pipes clean, and will save you time and money in the long run. - Unclog your pipes regularly - It's best to unclog your pipes before they become completely blocked. If you notice that water is flowing more slowly than usual or you see signs of blockage, get to work unclogging your pipes. - Keep your pipes clean and well-maintained - Regularly brush the inside of your pipes to remove any hair or dirt that has accumulated inside. If you notice that water is flowing more slowly than usual, or if you see signs of blockage, unclog your pipes.
Tips for using your tools
- Use gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from damage. - Avoid turning off the water while cleaning your pipes. This could increase the risk of flooding and water damage. - Avoid pouring chemicals down the toilet. They can damage your plumbing and cause damage to your septic system. - If your bathroom drain is clogged, don't try to unclog it while you're showering. Water can cause the clog to expand, making it harder to clean. - If your kitchen sink drain is clogged, don't try to unclog it while you're using the dishwasher or washing up. The water could cause the clog to expand, making it more difficult to clean. - If a drain clogs frequently, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Professional drain cleaning services
If you've tried everything to unclog your drains and nothing seems to be working, you may need to call in a professional plumber to come and unclog your drains. But before you call a plumber, there are a few...
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