Blocked drains are very inconvenient to handle but usually they remain a part of modern day plumbing. There are a few ways you can attempt to clear a blocked drain yourself without calling a professional plumber and soon have water running freely through the pipes again.
It is very important to know the cause of blockage to clean it out. Normally, blocking in a bathroom drain occurs due to trapping of hairs and soap scum in the drain. To remove it, you can use a wire, a screwdriver or another long and thin tool. The clearing of blocked drain should be done by pulling out the mass bit wise.
A plunger is also a good resort for clearing blocked drains. Cover the drain with the plunger, making sure that there is enough water in the sink or bathtub to cover the plunger cup.
Coating the rim of the plunger cup with petroleum jelly can help create a tighter seal for more suction. Press the plunger cup over the drain and pump the plunger 15 to 20 strokes. In many cases this will clear parts of the blockage and water may begin to flow.
A drain auger can also be used for clearing the drains. You can obtain a drain auger from any hardware and home supply store. Initially remove the filter or any stoppage attached to sink or tub drain and then put the drain auger down into the pipes. Carefully use the auger in the bends of the pipe. The auger would pull out or loose up the blockage causing impurities.
If the blockage is quite deep inside where auger could not reach easily then you would need to remove the sink trap. The draining water can be collected in a bucket. Now when you will use the auger at the opening of the sink trap, it may reach further.
Once the blocked drain is clear, run scalding hot water through the pipes for around ten minutes to remove as much residue as possible and reduce the chances of the blockage reoccurring again in the following weeks.
Hence, it must be clear by now that unblocking a blocked drain is not very difficult. It just needs some patience and determination. By solving the problem by your own, you can save a lot of money that would have been paid to a plumber otherwise.
Scott Rodgers is a noted author who has been providing ample guidance on plumbing works all across the nation. His luxurious knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from Clifton Heights Plumbers (Need one?click here!) to Devon Plumbers (Need one?click here!).