Do it yourself: Tips about how to Clear Out Blocked Drains

Cleaning Strainers and Stoppers 

A lot of clogs compile all around the strainer or stopper in the sink or bathtub. To unblock the drain, all you may need to do is take out the strainer and clean it. If there is a strainer over the blocked drain, you should take off any screws keeping the strainer in place and then pry the strainer out with the tip of a normal screwdriver. When the strainer is free, take out and rinse away anything that has collected around the strainer. Stoppers need to be cleaned on a consistent basis since hair tends to twist around their base. First take out the sink stopper. Various stoppers are removed by turning them with your fingers. Others will require that you remove a pivot rod that is attached to the opener. This rod should be placed beneath the base of the sink. If you have to use pliers to take out the stopper, make sure to pad them so you won't chip the chrome finish. Once the stopper is removed, wash it and wipe out the base of the drain opening. 



Utilizing the Plunger 

One of the most trustworthy instruments for unclogging drains is the plunger. It can typically clear the obstruction if it's not too far into the main drain. Block the overflow holes, other drains in adjacent sinks, or any other openings by cramming wet rags into the holes. If water is not currently present in the basin, run two to three inches of water over the drain hole. The water will help to force the obstructions out of the way and lets you know when you are successful in pushing the clog out. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. The petroleum jelly helps to create a tighter seal, thereby producing greater suction. Push the plunger handle down powerfully numerous times. After plunging for a minute or two, stop to test whether water will drain from the sink. Try plunging again if the drain is still slow. When clear, run hot water to flush away any leftover debris from the clog. 



Cleaning the Trap 

If a plunger doesn't clear the clog, you'll have to clean the trap under the sink. Make sure you have a bucket in place to catch waste water. Check to see if there is a clean-out plug in the trap; it will be a square or hexagonal plug in the base of the bend. If so, take off the plug and push a straightened coat hanger or bottle brush around the bends of the trap to remove debris. If the trap does not have a clean-out stopper, remove the trap by loosening two couplings that hold the trap in place. If you have chrome pipe fittings, you'll need to pad the water pump pliers to safeguard the finish. Penetrating oil may help to loosen up a stubborn trap joint. Hold the trap over the bucket and insert a straightened coat hanger or bottle brush into the trap. Push the hanger or bottle brush around the curves and force out debris. Clean the trap with hot, soapy water. Before reconnecting, examine the trap for wear or corrosion. The metal or plastic material may begin to thin and start to leak. If you detect wear, replace the trap. When you reassemble the trap after cleaning up, you many need to reseal the threads. Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.



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