How to take on your clogged waste pipes issue

What comes to mind quickly when faced with plugged drains pipes in your bathroom? The simplest one is to use the good old plunger. The process is pretty straightforward to apply. But you should avoid applying unnecessarily too much force to the plunger when pulsating it up and down. Place the cup of the plunger exactly over the drain pipe and push it downwards and upwards with short sharp movements that generate suction within the drain pipe and pipe. In theory the suction created by pulling up quickly will dislodge the material that is clogging your bathtub, toilet or sink. Some washbasins and bathtubs are provided with overflow openings that have to be blocked temporarily with a wet cloth for the plunger to develop effective suction.

An alternative for plunger is a chemical drains clearance product, one that uses corrosive chemical to unclog the blockage of the drain pipe. However this option should be used only after you have used the plunger to unclog your drainpipe. Let the chemicals stay in the drain for some time and then wash them out with hot water, do this slowly to ensure that the water is flowing away. Just to be careful, you must put on clothes that you wouldn’t care about if they get spoiled by dirt or harmful chemicals. And since plunging can throw water in any direction you might want to consider eye-wear in order to protect you from any chemicals. The chemical product comes with specific manufacturer’s directions; it is important to read and follow them carefully.

If the plunger does not work, try detaching the drain trap by removing the bolts with suitable tools. Removing the drain trap can release a sudden rush of waste water, so keep a mop and pail handy, put a bucket underneath the p-trap before you disconnect it. In order to avoid scratching the chrome surface of your pipes while at the same time getting a tight hold up them, you can cover the metal jaws of your wrench with electrical tape. You will be able to check the drains P-trap for any stoppages in the pipe opening after you remove it. If you don’t see anything, the problem might unfortunately go far deeper and may be located between the trap and the drains pipes soil stack.

If you are trying to unclog your toilet you can use a toilet auger. A drainpipe snake should be used if you are trying to unclog your sink or tub. Because of their size and length, drainage snakes are well designed for getting at stoppages in small spaces in difficult to reach places. Once the snake has reached the blockage you can twist the adjustable handle which will drill into the obstruction so you can then pull the material out. After removing the blockage, reassemble the P-trap and let hot water flow into the drain pipe to double check it works properly. Everything should be sealed properly after the whole process is over, the P-trap and pipes should also be checked for any leaks.

If all these methods fail then you need to call in a professional plumber. Some common problems that are beyond the capabilities of the common homeowner are blockages in the soil stack or the sewer service by tree roots or even a collapsed pipe which could be the result of old age or deterioration of the pipes because of Mother Nature or an unforeseen Act of God.

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