You could be having a drain problem in your house when you begin to notice that your sink is taking a bit longer to drain. The other indicator is when water begins to pool around your feet as you stand in the shower. The final sure sign is when you get that unpleasant strange smell.
All the above are indicators that you’ll probably soon be facing a drain that is clogged or blocked. It’s something that you’ll need to handle quickly lest you face a burst pipe mess.
Blocked Drain Cleaning Methods And Tips
Your drain could be blocked in the curve or trap area, or it could be an external problem. Even before you take any other step, start by trying first to get rid of the excess gunk and hair that could have built up at the drain surface.
Before calling in the professionals who must do the drainage cleaning in accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage 2011 Act, try out some or all of the following:
Flush Using Boiling Water
This is typically the quickest and easiest way of unclogging the drain. Pour plenty of boiling water slowly down your drain in several stages, letting your hot water to work for a couple of seconds before the next pour. Try three hot pours for effect.
Clean It Using A Coat Hanger Hook
Take and straighten a wire coat hanger, then bend it at one end to fashion a small hook. Push the improvised wire hook past your drain cover and begin to fish inside there. This ought to get all manner of nasty stuff from the drain. When you feel you have removed as much as possible, flush down using hot water and hopefully, it ought to nicely clear things up.
Using A Plunger
This handy tool will easily and quickly break up any clogs. You may however need to take a couple of shots at it before the problem is fixed.
1. Begin by filling up until the cup of your plunger is covered by water.
2. Place your plunger in, making sure to let out all air in the plunger cup.
3. Firmly press the cup against the toilet or sink to create a seal.
4. Plunge rapidly and repeatedly.
5. Flush using hot water once the drain is unclogged.
Try Baking Soda And Vinegar
If using a plunger doesn’t bring the desired results, mix together about half a cup of vinegar and a handful of baking soda. Pour the mixture down your drain and follow up with a couple of cups of hot water. You may leave it to sit overnight and then flush down using more hot water come morning.
Use Caustic Soda
Add about 3 cups of this stuff to approximately 2 litres of water and mix it well. Also referred to as Sodium Hydroxide, it could cause some nasty chemical burns, therefore always use eye protection and rubber gloves.
When the mixture begins to heat up and fizz, pour it down into your clogged drain. Leave untouched for between 20 and 30 minutes and then flush down the drain using hot water. If you deem it necessary, have the process repeated.
If none of the above methods works, then it’s time to bring in the professionals. It is vital that you only engage expert tradespeople that are conversant with the 2003 Standard Plumbing & Drainage Regulations.
