Removing obstructions in toilets, sinks and drains
If you need a plumber to unblock your drains and you’re in the Leeds area try the Leeds Plumbers who are specialist drain clearers. Of course, you may require a plumber from a different city. A plumber in Sheffield, a Sheffield plumber or a plumber in Liverpool, perhaps.
It happens to the best of us! At some point, we will all be faced with a blocked up toilet, a blocked sink or clogged drain. No matter how careful we are with what is put down our drains and toilets, an accumulation of dirt, hair and household cleaners build up until water cannot find a path through the mass.
Important tools needed to clean out toilets, sinks and drains
Before any attempt is made to clean out a drain, sink or toilet, it is important to ensure that you have the right tools necessary for the job. Don’t start a possibly mucky job and realise midway that you’ll need to rush to the store to pick up a tool you desperately require.
Plunger: Is one tool that you should think of first when it comes to sink or drain unblocking. Combination plungers are best for unblocking toilets.
Drain Cleaner: Drain cleaners are made up of a blend of potent chemicals that are able to displace dust and dirt which could be responsible for blocking of the drain. If however, one brand of drain cleaner is not working, don’t simply add another to the mix. This may lead to toxic fumes emitted by the variety of chemicals in the cleaners. It is important to read the label carefully.
Removing toilet blockages
When the water in a toilet pan does not return to the normal level after flushing, it may suggest that the blockage is situated close to the trap. To rectify this problem, fill a bucket, with water and pour it directly down the toilet with as much force as possible. Try this method a few times. Often this is all that’s needed to remove an obstacle. If this does not work, pull out the trusty plunger. Before plunging begins, attempt to remove excess water by bailing it out into a bucket. Let the plunging begin. The suction action of the plunger is usually strong enough to displace whatever may be causing the toilet to block up. Is the toilet still blocked? It could be time, to make use of a potent chemical toilet cleaner. Read all instructions before using the cleaner and give it some time, it could be a while before results are seen. Caustic soda is a better choice for those who are not eager to use chemicals to clean out their pipes. Should the blockage persist, it may indicate that the obstruction is deeper in the pipes. For this type of blockage, a WC auger is necessary. The clearing rod of the auger can enter the trap as deep as possible and when it reaches the obstruction, the handle is turned to clutch the obstruction, by pushing or pulling the head, the blockage can be dislodged.
If this is not working, you may need to give up and find a reliable plumber who can get the job done.
Clearing blocked sinks
Attempting to clear a clogged sink could be easier that you think. Before trying any unblocking method, make sure that the plug hole is clear and is not clogged up. The plug hole could be blocked with hair, waste or bits of food. This is done by lifting the plug cover and seeing if anything is trapped inside. Dozens of chemical cleaners can be used to remove sink debris or caustic soda is just as useful for this job. If the blockage persists, attempt to plunge the sink. By placing the plunger over the plug hole – the plunging can begin. Use a damp cloth to cover the overflow as this might be helpful in combination with the plunging. After a few minutes and if you still have a blocked sink and not to mention a weary arm, the trap under the sink may need to be removed. Be careful when removing the trap and place a bucket strategically under the trap to contain any water. If the blockage is discovered in the trap, a handy pipe cleaner or wire is ideal to displace whatever the cause of the blockage is. Is your drain still blocked? There’s a possibility that the drain requires more technical problem solving.
Drain unblocking
The cause of a blocked drain is a little trickier to locate and to take care of on your own. If you don’t call on the services of a local plumber, you need to know what drainage system is in place, be able to find the right manhole and be able to make use of a drain cleaning rod to remove any backed up debris that is there. It could be far easier and more time saving, as well as money saving to phone a reliable plumber to do the job. A qualified plumber is not only proficient at unblocking drains but they have access to the correct tools.
About the author: Steve Walker is a 24 hour gas safe registered plumber who has been writing articles on the web for a few years. If you are thinking about a career in plumbing then why not visit Alternative Careers.
