A blocked drain is an occurrence that eventually happens to every home. You may have experienced being in the shower with the water level slowly pooling or even rising rapidly, submerging your feet. As you brush your teeth, you may be surprised to find that the sink is already half full of water. However, the worst possible drain blockage that could occur in a facility is if your toilet doesn’t flush properly, even after several attempts. As well as being unhygienic, this is also gross and could lead to embarrassing situations.
Blocked drains are the result of a blockage in the area between the bathroom drain and the drain pipes it leads to. It is usually caused by trapped solid objects such as hair, dust, and particles. The blockage gets worse when household products like shampoos, conditioners, soaps and detergents build up. Over time, this will become more dense and prevent water from flowing smoothly through the drain pipe.
There are several ways to get your pipes working properly again. Various gadgets on the market could remedy clogged drains since the cause of the clog is a simple material like hair. If the blockage is in a single sink trap, shine a flashlight on it. If you can clearly see that the cause of the jam is accumulated hair, you can use a wire bent at the end like a hook, or even long-nose pliers to remove the hair jam yourself.
A toilet plunger could also be used to clear a simple blocked drain. Just make sure the plunger’s rubber cup completely covers the sink, bathtub, or toilet drain. There should also be plenty of water around the plunger. Push the plunger up and down until the block is successfully dislodged. This may take a few minutes, but be patient because this method really works. However, it may not be enough if the clog is caused by rust or mineral buildup or a broken drain line.
The plumbing snake is a tool used to clean drain blocks. It is a flexible cable that is pushed down through a drain and can be turned by hand or machine depending on its size. However, care must be taken, as the use of a power snake could result in serious injury. It is better to leave this tool in the hands of a professional plumber if he does not know how to control it.
Another tool used to unclog drains is the kinetic water ram. You can unblock some drains even if the blockage is distant, as long as the drain pipe is full of water when the ram is used. It compresses air into a cylinder and releases this air with force to loosen the blockage in the pipes. It is imperative not to use too much pressure than is necessary to clear the drain. You could end up blowing the trap right out of the sink if the air pressure is too high.
Using unclogging chemicals could effectively unclog the blocked drain. But these chemicals are dangerous and can harm our environment as most chemicals are toxic and can cause burns or poisoning.
A blocked drain represents a serious health hazard. Sewer-borne germs can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It is important to be vigilant and if any of your family members have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Objects that come into direct contact with dirty water should be disinfected with household bleach diluted in water. Any items that have not been able to be disinfected, such as stuffed toys and the like, should be disposed of immediately.
When it comes to a blocked drain, it’s always best to leave the dirty work to the professionals. Your trusted plumber could quickly fix the problem. This may be more expensive than doing it yourself, but you can rest assured that your blocked drain will be completely cleared and won’t bother you again anytime soon. Above all, calling a plumber will ensure your family’s safety, as most of the devices and methods mentioned above are best used by a professional.
Make sure you have your plumber’s number listed in your emergency numbers. In most cases, a plumber is just as important as a doctor. With the help of it, your blocked drain could be gone in no time.
