Repairing a clogged drain

 

Be gentle with old drains

A partial clog can be solved by cleaning the drain. Older pipes can be damaged by using drain cleaning chemicals, so opt for a naturally biodegradable drain cleaner or use this homemade solution: pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly add a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes, then flush with a litre of boiling water.

When to use a plunger

Some clogs require the use of a plunger. The secret is to create a vacuum. If you are working on the kitchen sink, you must close the dishwasher pipe and seal the drainage openings of the other sinks. If it is the sink or bathtub, plug the overflow opening with a wet rag. With at least a couple of centimetres of water in the basin, quickly soak several times, pulling sharply upwards at the end to move the clog away. 

When to try other tools

If soaking fails to remove the clog, use an auger. If the drain opening is clogged, sometimes a clothesline with a small hooked end succeeds in removing the clog. You can also disconnect the trap under the sink with a plumber's spanner to reach the clog or to retrieve whatever you have lost down the drain.

When to call a plumber

If you do not notice any improvement in drainage after all this, and especially if more than one drain is sluggish in your home, you should contact a plumber as the problem could be caused by a clog or improper venting of the drainage system.

Call the Emergency Plumber in Basingstoke. We are 24 hours available.