Archive for December 1st, 2009
It is easy to become extremely frustrated with a blocked drain. However most blocked drains can be unclogged at home with some tools. This eliminates the need to call a plumber in most cases. The tips below should help you solve your blocked drain problem.
What can you do to clear out the blockage?
If you look closely at the clog, you may be able to identify what is causing it. In most cases it will probably be bits of hair or some soap which you should be able to easily pull out. The thought of doing this is obviously not very attractive, however it should solve your problem. Sometimes a pair of tweezers or some bended wire should do the trick.
The plunger method
If the first method does not work out, the next step would be to try using a plunger. A plunger is a very useful tool for clearing the drain and has a high success rate. You should first put water in the bathtub to cover the bottom part of the plunger, block the overflow outlet with a rag, put the plunger over the drain, and push down and up four or five times.
The plunger method usually works in forcing the clogged material to move away. To test whether the clog has been removed, once you lift up the plunger the drain should clear away. If it has not then you may need to use the plunger several more times.
Try the snake method
If you have tried the plunger method with no results, you should try using the snake. You begin by guiding the snake into the clogged drain whilst turning the handle in a dextral manner. Hopefully the clog should be within easy reach, and this would then be easy to unclog. If it is not, then you will have to feed the snake through the opening of the overflow. This should hopefully solve your problem.
In most cases, the plunger or the snake should solve your clog problem. However if you have tried these methods several times and not had any success, then it may be time to call the professional plumber.
Ways you can avoid clogging up your bathtub
Most bathtub clogs occur because of substances such as bits of soap or hair that block up the drain. Try to avoid this by not dropping bits of soap into the drain
Most experts have claimed that if you pour boiling water into the drain of your bathtub once every four weeks, it will help in stopping any clogs from occurring. The hot water has the effect of melting any particles that build up
Make use of any household items that you have, such as baking soda or vinegar. These chemicals can also dissolve any other particle build up that causes the clogs
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about local plumbers, boilers, Birmingham plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.