How to clean a bathroom drain. How to clean the sewer drain in the bathroom and clean the pipes in the apartment

"Does not want" to go through the pipes, familiar to many, so it is important to know how to clean the blockage in bathroom... In this case, there are several options: chemicals or improvised. They have different efficacy and safety of use. The key in the fight against blockages is systematicity, because the slow outflow of water does not just happen, you do not need to wait until the pipes are completely clogged.

Why is there a blockage?

Before starting a fight, you need to know the enemy by sight, which means you need to figure out what are the causes of blockages. The first, and, perhaps, the main one is the vital activity of people. It is not always possible to control what and in what volumes enters, and therefore into the pipes. The most difficult in terms of clogging are:

  1. The hair, the longer, the more reliably the pipe clogs.
  2. Animal wool.
  3. Pieces of rags (rags).
  4. Paper, napkins.
  5. Items that should not be in the pipes.

Blockages are different, and differ in the degree of water passage. If it does not go away at all, then this is a complete blockage, this occurs if a cork of loose debris has formed in the pipes, the same hair, wool, paper. If the water leaves, but more slowly than usual, then this is an incomplete blockage. And this is even worse, because over time, an unpleasant smell will be added to the difficulties with the outflow of water, because what is stuck in a "favorable" environment with high humidity will begin to rot and give off an odor.

  • improper operation. Do not wash pets, carpets in the bathroom;
  • wrong pipe system installation... If there is insufficient slope or pipes sagging, blockages will be common.

A clogged drain hole in the bathroom can happen in every home, regardless of the accuracy of the owners. And since the bathroom is the main element of comfort in the apartment, this situation creates discomfort and a desire to quickly solve the problem. To choose the best way to clean the sewage system, you need to analyze the possible causes and try to determine how much of the drain is clogged.

The reasons for the blockage

The most common cause of a malfunction of the sewage system in the bathroom is the ingress of foreign objects into the drain. But there are a number of other reasons that lead to the formation of a blockage in the bathroom:

  • Penetration of small debris into the drain hole: hair, animal hair, threads, pellets from clothes.
  • A large foreign object has entered the drain. This blockage can be removed by disassembling and cleaning the siphon. If the debris gets stuck in the pipe, you will have to use other methods.
  • Grease build-up on the inside of the drain, which narrows the opening and prevents the water from flowing normally. More often it concerns cast iron pipes, since they have a rough inner surface.
  • Deterioration of the sewage system.
  • Incorrect installation of sewer pipes (angle of inclination is not maintained).
  • The central sewerage is clogged.

If the drain function deteriorated gradually, it means that it is clogged with small debris. If the problem arose abruptly, it means that something large got into the hole or there was a blockage in the central sewage system.

To eliminate problems with a common drain, you must simultaneously open the water in the kitchen, bathroom and flush the toilet. If water does not drain well everywhere, then this is a problem for the whole house and it will not work to solve it on our own.

The problem of worn out sewers or improper installation can be completely solved only by redoing the sewer pipe. Before major repairs, you will have to constantly carry out preventive measures and carry out regularly.

How to clean the drain pipe

There are several ways to cleanse a drain:

  • Mechanical - using a plunger or cable, cleaning the siphon.
  • Chemical - the use of potent dissolving agents or you can use folk remedies.
  • Thermal - based on the use of hot water.

When using any of the above methods, you must use protective equipment such as gloves and a mask (in case of a strong, unpleasant odor)

With a plunger and without

You can clean the drain with a plunger with air or water. But in any case, before carrying out work, you need to close the upper overflow with a cork, another plunger or rag (although this is less effective), you can seal it with tape. If this is not done, all efforts will be useless, since air will escape through the top hole and not push the blockage in the pipe.

If cleaning is carried out with air, then the surface of the bath must be dry, and the part of the plunger that will come into contact with the surface must be lubricated with Vaseline (for better tightness). After carrying out preparatory work, put the working part of the plunger over the drain and press it to the surface. Make a few sudden up and down movements without lifting the rubber part from the bath. This creates pressure that pushes the blockage. If the performed manipulation does not give a result, the procedure should be repeated using water.

Fill the bath with water (preferably hot) to 1/2 the height of the rubber part of the plunger. Make a few sharp movements, with the latter, pull the plunger out of the water. In this case, the pressure of water will push the accumulated debris to the riser or pull it back into the bath (if it is close to the hole).

The bathtub and sink are connected to each other, therefore, before the procedure, you need to close the drain in the sink to avoid splashing water.

In the absence of a plunger, you can use your own palms or a rag. The principle of operation is the same: close the hole tightly and pull sharply. Repeat the procedure several times. In this way, you can remove a slight blockage.

With a cable

If the above method does not work, then the plug is in the depth of the pipes and you will have to use a plumbing cable. It is a flexible, strong spiral-shaped wire with a handle.

You should be very careful when cleaning a small diameter plastic pipe, as you may damage the integrity.

Operating procedure:

  1. Insert the end of the cable into the drain.
  2. Move the cable forward, rotating slowly. For this work, you will need a partner, since you will not be able to rotate and push at the same time.
  3. The cable must always be taut, otherwise it will not go through pipe bends and may be damaged.
  4. Feeling that the cable has rested, you need to pull it back and forth.
  5. Remove cable from drain and wash thoroughly.
  6. Thoroughly flush the drain with hot water.
  7. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

With improvised means

If there are no special devices (plunger, cable), you can use what is in every house.

  • A vacuum cleaner with a back-blowing function will help you quickly deal with a blockage in the bathroom. To do this, you must connect the hose to the blow hole. Insert the end of the hose firmly into the drain hole. To do this, you can use a rubber bowl from the plunger or simply wrap the joint with rags and turn on the vacuum cleaner. You do not need to turn on the vacuum cleaner immediately at full power, as the sewer fasteners can be damaged. Safety precautions must be strictly followed, as the combination of water and electrical appliances is potentially dangerous.
  • Cut off the bottom of the plastic bottle and screw on the cap. Collect water in the bathtub, place the bottle with the hole against the drain and make a few sharp movements, like a plunger. Helps with small blockages.
  • Unscrew the shower head from the shower, insert the end of the hose into the drain hole and open hot water under high pressure. The boiling water will wash away the fat deposits on the pipe walls. Likewise, any flexible hose with a suitable diameter can be used. Put one end on the tap, lower the other into the drain.

With special household chemicals

Chemicals will help to quickly deal with the blockage. When choosing, you should pay attention to cast iron or plastic pipes, it is intended and what blockages it dissolves (fatty deposits or organic debris). Household chemicals are available in the form of a gel, powder or liquid.

In most cases, the principle of operation is the same:

  • The substance must be carefully poured or poured into the drain.
  • Powder filled with water.
  • Wait for a certain time (indicated in the instructions).
  • Rinse with plenty of hot or cold water (also according to the instructions).

Before use, read the instructions and wear protective gloves.

Common and effective substances:

  • Mole is quite effective, but prohibited for use in plastic pipes. On the shelves can be found in the form of liquid, powder, gel.
  • Mister Muscle - good at eliminating dirt and odor. Suitable for all types of pipes.
  • Tiret - the product quickly dissolves any blockage without having an ammonia smell.

Frequent use of chemicals leads to gradual destruction and wear of pipes.

Do not use household chemicals to clean the drain of shower cabins, as they contain acids that destroy the components of the sewage system and the acrylic surface.

It is better to eliminate the blockage in the booths using folk or mechanical methods.

Folk remedies at home

Without resorting to chemistry, blockages can be dealt with with soda, acid and boiling water. Pour a glass of soda into the hole, pour a glass of 9% table vinegar on top and quickly close it with a cork. Leave for 30 minutes. - during this time the blockage will dissolve. Rinse the drain well with boiling water. This method works well for cast iron pipes; on plastic pipes it must be used with caution.

You can also mix 200 gr. soda and salt with 300 ml of water. Pour the resulting composition down the drain and hold for 10 minutes. Then create a vacuum with a plunger or a rag and move sharply up and down to try to push through the blockage.

How to clean a drain in a bathroom or shower using folk methods

The most common ways to clean the drain

How to clean a siphon

If there is free access to the siphon, then you need to start cleaning the blockage with the siphon. If it is difficult to get to it, but no methods have worked, you will have to get to it and clean it.

The siphon always contains water, therefore, before carrying out work, you must put a rag and prepare a container for dirty water from the siphon. Unscrew the nut and remove the flask. Drain the water, pour out the accumulated debris and thoroughly wash the flask to remove soap and fat deposits. Assemble the siphon and check its tightness.

Video: how to clean the siphon

How to remove odor from plums

  • Check the tightness of the sewerage system and, if found, repair leaks.
  • Clean the siphon and replace the sealing elements if necessary.
  • Use commercially available household cleaning products to remove plaque from the inside of the pipes.
  • To prevent odor in the event of a prolonged absence, you need to pour a little vegetable oil into the drain. This will prevent the water from evaporating from the odor trap and creating an unpleasant odor. If this has not been done, it is enough to disassemble and thoroughly wash the siphon.

How to clean the faucet / mixer - if it is clogged

Poor tap water pressure can be due to:

  • Mixer breakage. Replacement of components or complete replacement of a part will be required.
  • Accumulation of limescale deposits on the inside of the mixer and aerator.

Removing plaque is easy if you know how to use pliers and an adjustable wrench.

Aerator - a metal nozzle with a fine mesh on the tip of the faucet spout. Designed to saturate water with oxygen and filter fine debris contained in tap water.

For cleaning, you need to carefully disassemble the mixer and remove the aerator so as not to damage the chrome finish. Rinse all parts with running water and place in a container with 9% vinegar. The holding time depends on the degree of soiling (from 1 to 12 hours). Take out, wash well and put back together. You can also use a toilet bowl and sink cleaner for cleaning, which is good at attacking limescale.

How to clean a clogged aerator in a tap - video

Preventing blockages in the shower or bath

Regular preventive measures will eliminate the need to deal with serious sewer blockages.

  • Use a protective mesh to prevent small debris from entering the drain.
  • Flushing the drain with hot water once a week helps to dissolve soap and grease on the pipes.
  • Periodically carry out preventive cleaning with folk remedies.
  • Clean the siphon once a month.
  • Use a plunger periodically.

Among the presented methods, at least one will be effective in a particular situation and will help to clean the drain in the bathroom. Even if the case turns out to be special or too neglected, do not despair. There are services that will provide qualified assistance in a short time using professional equipment and specialized tools.

Blockages are a common problem that any person living in an apartment or country house can face. As a rule, they appear suddenly, while there is not always the opportunity or time to call a specialist. In this case, you need to know how to clear the blockage in the bathroom at home.

It should be remembered that you should get rid of the problem even with the slightest stagnation of water. If you start this moment, it will take much more time and effort to eliminate the consequences. To understand what is the best way to clear a blockage in the bathroom, you need to know its size, location and composition.

The occurrence of blockages is caused by violations of the rules for using the sewage system. Pipes can become clogged due to the following factors:

  • Incorrectly specified slope angle of the sewer pipe during its installation.
  • Debris and hair settling in the pipe.
  • General deterioration of the sewer system.
  • The appearance of fatty deposits.

Depending on the point of the sewer, the blockages will differ. So, in the case of a kitchen sink, the cause of blockages, as a rule, is food residues and oil, flowing along with water through the drain grate. Food settles in the siphon flask, and fat can accumulate on the pipes, especially intensively if their inner surface for some reason has lost its smooth surface.

The toilet becomes clogged due to the discharge of solid waste into it - vegetable peels, accidentally washed rags. In apartment buildings, blockages can occur on the general sewer drain due to the ingress of bulky debris. In this case, the malfunction cannot be eliminated on its own due to the lack of the necessary tools and a pipe inspection window in the apartment. The bathroom drain is clogged during the process of taking hygiene procedures. Knowing the ways of clearing blockages, you can deal with them on your own, without contacting the masters.

Dismantling the siphon

The main cause of traffic jams in the bathroom is animal hair and hair. At first, the garbage lingers on the drain grate, but if it is not removed in a timely manner, it will drain together with the water into the drain and get stuck in it. In addition, small objects such as earrings and rings can be dropped while showering. Initially, everything goes into a siphon, which performs two functions: it prevents odors from the sewage system from entering the apartment and protects the pipes from debris.

If the water in the bathroom starts to drain poorly, and when you visually inspect the drain in the siphon, dirt and hair are visible, then you can disassemble this device to remove debris from it. This does not require special plumbing knowledge and equipment.

Before starting to dismantle the siphon, you should put a cloth that absorbs moisture well under it, and when disassembling the sink siphon, you can put a bucket or basin under it. This is necessary so that the water flowing out during disassembly, often dirty, does not fall on the floor. The disassembly procedure will be as follows:

  • The plastic nut is unscrewed, which is located near the drain on the inside.
  • Disconnect the flask and drain the water from it.
  • Next, you should unscrew the bottom of the siphon and clean it of debris, after which the flask is washed with water.
  • The assembly is carried out in the reverse order, after which you need to supply water to identify possible leaks and check to remove the blockage.

Application of chemistry

Many chemicals are available to remove blockages. The components included in their composition can effectively destroy organic blockages, such as fat deposits. Such products are available both in the form of powders and in the form of liquids.

When using them, it is important to maintain the time specified by the manufacturer. It is not recommended to overexpose funds, since not all materials of sewer pipes are resistant to aggressive chemical components.

It is enough just to pour liquid compounds into the drain hole and wait for the specified time. Powders are poured into the drain and filled with a small portion of water. At the end of the required time pause, the system is flushed with hot water.

The most common and reputable chemicals are:

  • Mister Muscle. In addition to floor cleaning products, the manufacturer produces products for removing blockages. It is a gel-like agent, in addition to punching blockages, it has antibacterial properties.
  • Mole. Liquid concentrate of a mixture of hydroxon sodium and acetic acid. Available in gel form. Due to the presence of aggressive chemical components in the composition, its use is highly undesirable in pipes that are susceptible to the composition of the agent.
  • Tiret. This agent is suitable for all materials of sewer pipes, as it does not contain aggressive chemicals.
  • Flop. Powder remover for plaque and grease congestion.

In addition to specialized products, substances that can be found in almost every apartment do well with the elimination of organic blockages: acetic acid and soda ash. When they react with each other, they form large amounts of carbon dioxide, which pushes the congestion. In addition, acid additionally eats away fat deposits. In order to clear the blockage in the bath in this way, you must do the following:

  1. Half a packet of soda is poured into the drain hole.
  2. After 15 minutes, half a glass of vinegar is poured and the drain is closed with a cork.
  3. Wait about an hour and a half, after which the plug is removed and 5-7 liters of hot water are poured.

The efficiency of the method with soda and vinegar decreases the more, the further from the drain is the blockage. You can do without baking soda by pouring vinegar essence and adding small portions of hot water, but the result will be weaker.

Since almost all chemicals contain acids and alkalis, it is highly discouraged to work with them without personal protective equipment. To keep your hands safe, you should wear rubber gloves and goggles provide eye protection. In addition, you should carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations. Some pipes cannot withstand corrosive chemicals and begin to deteriorate. The irregularities formed during this process will lead to the pipe losing the smooth surface of the walls, which guarantees the occurrence of new blockages in this place.

Mechanical methods

The chemicals do a good job of handling organic deposits, but are nearly useless for blockages caused by accumulated debris. The simplest mechanical method is the use of a plunger. It consists of a cup-shaped or cone-shaped rubber attachment, which is fixed on a comfortable wood or plastic handle. Its principle of operation is based on crushing the dirt stuck in the sewer.

Clearing a blockage in the bathroom using a plunger is less effective than using it in the kitchen sink or toilet. This is due to the fact that a vacuum is needed to work with it. The bathroom drain is equipped with an additional overflow. If a blockage occurs, there will be air inside, which will reduce the effectiveness of the plunger.

However, it can help in the early stages of sewer clogging. The sequence of actions will be as follows:

  1. The overflow hole of the bathroom is tightly closed. For this, a rubber stopper is used, which must be included in the set for the drain-overflow. If it is not there, you can do with a cloth folded in several layers or close it with a second plunger.
  2. The plunger bowl is tightly pressed against the drain hole so that it completely covers it.
  3. Several (10-20) energetic reciprocating shocks take place. In this case, the nozzle should not move away from the walls of the bath.
  4. Then, with a sharp movement, the plunger is removed from the drain. Pour water and check the result.
  5. If the blockage persists, repeat the same steps, but with the addition of water. To do this, so much liquid is collected in the bath so that the rubber bowl of the plunger is almost completely covered. The plunger plunges to the hole, capturing water with its bowl, after which the actions are repeated.

To achieve the desired result, you can repeat the procedure several times, but if there are no improvements, then further work with the plunger will not bring results - the garbage is too deep or has a strong structure.

Using a plumbing cable

The plunger helps with mild blockages, but the sewer can become clogged so much that it will be useless, like chemicals. If a similar situation arises, you should know how to clear the blockage in the bathroom with a cable. It is presented in the form of a thick wire, on one end of which there is a brush or a hook, and on the other end of the handle for rotation.

With this brush, you need to pull the debris out or punch it to the wider part of the sewer pipe. Clearing the blockage is done as follows:

  • The working tip fits into the drain hole.
  • The cable is pushed along the pipe by rotating the handle.
  • When the cable is brought to the blockage, several sharp jerks back and forth are made, gradually increasing the pressure.
  • Remove the cable in reverse circular motions, removing debris.
  • Hot water is supplied in order to flush the pipe with the removal of shattered deposits.

The plumbing cable allows you to get rid of blockages, which are caused even by solid debris, such as rags and cellophane films, entering the pipe. Its flexibility is enough to overcome all the irregularities and bends of the sewer pipe, even joints at 90 degrees. But to work with it, you need to be careful: too vigorous movements can damage the inner walls of the sewer pipe and drain hole. If desired, the cable can be made independently, having several meters of flexible steel rope available. It is enough to fluff its end, giving the shape of a petal.

Further prevention

Understanding the blockage problem gives you an idea of \u200b\u200bwhy the bathtub is clogged and how to clean it. But it's better to avoid such troubles. Protective grilles help to protect the sewer pipes. Their main task is to prevent hair, animal hair and various debris from entering the sewer.

In addition, a small amount of hot water, preferably with salt, can be poured into the drain several times a month. It will melt fat deposits and flush them further down the drain.

For prevention, various chemical compounds help well. Most manufacturers of blockage removers have drugs used to prevent this trouble. They are distinguished by less aggressive components in the composition and, as a rule, can be used for pipes made of any material. You also need to periodically disassemble the siphon in order to clean it and get rid of the resulting deposits. This is the most effective prophylaxis for the bath, during the operation of which the hair and hair of pets are constantly washed off.

What is the best way to clear a blockage in a pipe? This is not an easy business, so many owners call a master, whose services are paid. And so that the money remains in your wallet, and you don't have to spend time waiting for a specialist, you can try to do everything yourself.

Why are the pipes clogged, how to unclog the clogging in the pipe? Trash accumulated over time, soap residues, dirt, hair, and more are the main causes of plugging. A blockage suggests that the water does not drain well or does not go down the drain at all. If the pipes are not cleaned in time, this can lead to flooding of the house, and in apartments, in addition to deteriorating the bath, the neighbors below will also suffer. Therefore, before calling a plumber, you must first try to clean the pipes yourself.

Simple ways to clear blockages

If you are faced with a blockage problem, there are several options for getting rid of it at home. Before you start cleaning, you need to remove the visible causes of the blockage (residues from dishwashing, hair and other debris). Then you will need the most easy-to-use and inexpensive remedy for blockages - a plunger. Such a device has been helping the owners for a long time both to clear the blockage in the bathroom, and to remove it in any other bathroom.

  • Whether the sink or the bathtub is clogged, you need to fill everything with water and plug the overflow hole with a rag. This is necessary so that when using a plunger when the sewer pipes are clogged, the pressure created by the water does not decrease.
  • You need to install the plunger over the hole for the stack, pressing on the handle to create pressure in the pipes. It is necessary to pump water several times, then abruptly remove the plunger. The blockage should move to either side of the pipe.
  • If this does not happen, you need to boil the kettle and pour hot water directly into the drain. Then repeat the procedure several times with a plunger.

If it does not help, the second method will definitely break through the blockage in the bathroom, since the blockage will be broken down by boiling water.

In addition, there are many ways to clean bathroom sinks using available tools. It is useful to know them, since such a problem is most often taken by surprise. To use folk remedies, you need a plumbing cable. It looks like a flexible steel spring with a spiral at the end.

  • First you need to place the container under the siphon.
  • Then remove it in order to see if it is clogged with debris, if necessary - clean it.
  • Next, insert the siphon back into the sink and turn on the water.
  • If it also continues to accumulate, it means that the weir is completely clogged and the pipes need to be cleaned.
  • It is necessary to remove the siphon again and place the plumbing cable in the pipe.
  • At the first resistance, turn it clockwise. Most likely, this will be overcoming the first bend. And the very next cleaning jerk will remove the plug. We push the cable and pull it out, collecting debris on it.
  • If the device does not work, you do not need to push it there by force. It can break and stay there, and the pipes in the bathroom become unusable.

You can make an analogue of a plumbing cable yourself, there is a good and simple way. To do this, wrap the bottle (2 l) with paper (the thickness should be 2 cm). When it forms a spiral on the bottle, you need to circle it with a marker.

Next, you need to cut out the outlined drawing, starting from the top. We make a handle from the bottom of the bottle. Then along the entire spiral on both sides we make notches, the so-called teeth. A homemade plumbing cable has formed, with which you can try to clean the pipe.

Effective cleaning agents

Today, many chemicals can be found on store shelves that will help in the question of how to remove a blockage in a bathroom or sink. But there is a slight difficulty, because you need to decide what is the best way to do this. Sometimes it is difficult to choose from the abundance of chemicals that will really cope with the problem: it will be able to break through the blockage in the bathroom and make sure that the pipes will not clog in the near future.

Before using chemistry, it is still recommended to try to clean the pipes with a mechanical method (cable, plunger). Any procedures for clearing a blockage with chemistry harm the material, which is especially typical for plastic pipes.

There are several simple methods and tools at hand that will tell you what to do if this has already happened:


We save pipes with chemistry

There are many household chemicals that can be found in any supermarket. For example:

  • Mole for cleaning pipe blockages;
  • Domestos;
  • Mister Muscle;
  • Pothan;
  • Typhoon.

Basically, for clearing blockages, such funds are poured into the sink, bathroom and left for half an hour. More details can be found in the instructions supplied with the pipe blockage remedies. It is best to leave it overnight or for a long period, so that it not only removes the blockage, but also clears out all the dirt behind it, due to which the pipe is clogged.

Even if the house is renovated, this is not a guarantee that the pipes will not be able to clog over time. It would seem that new pipes are a way out, because old ones, in addition to the user's garbage, can become clogged with many other products - rust, metal delamination, etc.

It is for new plastic pipes that there are restrictions on clearing the blockage. For example, as mentioned earlier, chemical cleaners can damage the material, especially pvc. Therefore, there is no need to rush to "save" the pipes in this way. If they are new, it is enough to break through the blockage with a plunger.

Henceforth, you need to try to prevent the ingress of food debris, hair and other things, which can clog the drain in the sink or any other plumbing. At the same time, it is useful to periodically carry out preventive measures so that the plumbing does not get clogged.

Video instruction

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Moidodyr, come back, or how to clear the blockage in the bathroom and sink

No one is immune from minor domestic troubles. Sewerage blockage is a problem that everyone faces sooner or later. This article is about how to unclog a bathroom, washbasin or kitchen sink.

Investigation

Dear reader, we are adults and we understand that any, even the simplest work requires a clearly formulated terms of reference. In our case, before starting to clear the blockage, you must:

  • If possible, find out what caused it. For example, sand and grease require a different approach;
  • Localize the blockage. Agree that it is pointless to disassemble the siphon under the kitchen sink if the comb (intra-apartment sewer) in front of the tee or the sewer riser is clogged.

Cause

As a rule, it is not difficult to identify the cause by remembering your last actions before the sewer blockage and interviewing family members. Deduction, Mr. Watson: If the water from the bath stopped leaving after a very dirty dog \u200b\u200bor wet boots were washed in it, the reason is not difficult to guess.

In addition, there are typical causes of blockages:

  • Baths are dominated by hair, pet hair and thread... They are collected directly on the outlet grid;

  • The bath siphon is often clogged with the proverbial sand;
  • The kitchen sink is characterized by food waste and body fat.

The fat from the plates, which has settled on the walls of the sewer pipes, is the leading cause of blockages in general. As a rule, it is collected in sewer sections with a minimum slope and where hot water is actively cooling down, draining into the sink - in the sink knee and on the first meter of the comb from it.

Location

If water does not leave only one plumbing fixture and at the same time the sewer pipe with the siphon elbow removed from it is not overflowing with drains - obviously, the problem is outlet, knee or siphon... In the case of a bath, you will have to rely on circumstantial evidence - the work of the sink and sink is on. You will hardly want to crawl deep under the tub and detach its harness from the comb.

If the water drained into the sink or washbasin enters the bath through the outlet, while the toilet is functioning normally, it is clogged comb in front of the tee... If the toilet does not work either, while the drains of the apartments upstream of the riser do not enter your sewage system, it is clogged tee or cross behind the toilet... This can happen if you drop a rag or paper towel down the toilet.

Finally, if the water level in the bathtub and toilet rises even with the taps closed, there is blockage of the riser or bedding... Typically, a locksmith from your home service organization is called in to deal with them during the day and from the city emergency service at night. The work is done free of charge.

Captain Obviously, the water level on the top floor will not rise without your participation, even if the riser is clogged. Just because of the lack of neighbors from above.

Elimination

Sand

How to clear a blockage in a bathroom if its siphon is clogged with sand?

An ordinary plunger.

In the photo - an ordinary plunger. Price - 150 rubles.

  1. Put some water in the bath;
  2. Plug the overflow tightly with a damp cloth. If you do not do this, the plunger will waste air between the outlet and overflow;
  3. Cover the outlet with a plunger and pump it with several strokes;
  4. Drain off large amounts of water to remove any remaining blockage.

What to do if the bathtub is clogged and you don't have a plunger?

Open the siphon for cleaning. In new straps, for this, it is enough to unscrew one plastic cover, in old ones - to remove the union nut connecting the outlet and the tubular siphon.

How to break through a blockage in a bathroom with an old-style cast iron trim? Obviously, it will not work to disassemble it for cleaning: after half a century of operation, it is not always possible to turn the outlet out of the cast-iron siphon even after annealing with a blowtorch.

Place a hose from the washing machine on the mixer and direct a strong jet of water into the outlet. The stream will easily pass through the metal grate and wash away the sand that has clogged the siphon.

Hair

How to remove hair that clogs the outlet grille?

Option 1:

Option 2:

  1. With continuous rotation, we feed a thin plumbing cable through the outlet grate;
  2. We take out and clean it from the coiled hair;
  3. Repeat it several times if necessary.

Option 3:

  1. We substitute a low basin or any dish of a suitable size under the bath siphon;
  2. We unscrew the release. The plastic grille is turned off with open pliers inserted into it, the metal one is removed after unscrewing the fixing screw in the center;

  1. We clean the outlet grate from hair, wool and threads;
  2. We put the release in place and check for leaks.

Food waste

What to do if the kitchen sink is clogged, while the rest of the plumbing fixtures are working properly?

Siphon cleaning

As a rule, small food waste is collected in the siphon sump. How do I remove them from there?

  1. We substitute a bucket or basin under the siphon so as not to flood the floor or cabinet with foul-smelling drains;
  2. We unscrew the bottom of the siphon and carefully, so as not to lose the O-ring, shake out its contents;

  1. We collect the siphon and check it for leaks.

What to do if the gasket has lost its elasticity and after assembly the siphon leaks?

It is enough to wind up the thread on the siphon body. For winding, you can use FUM tape, ordinary electrical tape and even a strip of polyethylene cut off from an unnecessary bag.

Household chemicals

A severe blockage, in which the water does not leave at all, can often be cleaned with specialized sewage products. The most famous of them is the domestic Mole, a preparation based on sodium hypochlorite.

Mole - a means for clearing blockages.

How to use this remedy?

  1. Pour it into the sink outlet. Do not be too lazy to first scoop out water from it: a decrease in concentration reduces the effectiveness of the Mole;
  2. We are waiting for 1 - 3 hours;
  3. We wash the sewer with water.

Any chemicals can only help with organic blockages. They will not dissolve sand or debris in your drain. A mole and other means will be useless even with a large size of the fat plug in the pipes.

Handy chemicals

Instead of specialized drugs to combat blockages, you can use numerous improvised means - if only they include acid or alkali in sufficient concentration.

Here are some examples of such substances:

  • Plain or caustic soda;

Caustic soda, it is also caustic soda NaOH.

  • Preparations for cleaning the sink from scale (Domestos, Sillite, etc.);
  • Battery electrolyte;
  • Hydrochloric and oxalic acids;
  • Citric acid sachets.

How to use these folk remedies? Just like specialized household chemicals: pour them into the sink drain and leave for several hours to dissolve the organic cork. Dry preparations are first diluted with water. Better - hot: this will dissolve the blockage faster.

Fat

What is the best way to clear the grease plug?

If the water leaves at least slowly, a simple instruction will help get rid of fat: open hot water and gradually increase its pressure... The water, however, must be really hot - at least 60C. In summer, when the DHW temperature barely reaches 40 degrees, the method will not work.

A sewer comb, which is deadly clogged with fat, is pre-cleaned with a plumbing cable; then the remaining fat is again washed off with hot water.

Plumbing wire is another inexpensive and very useful tool.

How to unclog a blockage using a rope with your own hands?

It is more convenient to do this work together, with an assistant. One person pulls the cable to prevent it from folding in loops, and rotates the handle, the second feeds the cable into the sewer through the socket closest to the blockage. The cable runs through the fat plug with noticeable resistance.

Finally, the most versatile and effective way of dealing with fat plugs for owners of plastic sewers is to disassemble it and shake out the fat. Elbow blockages under the sink are eliminated in the same way.

Prevention

How to get rid of systematic blockages or at least reduce their number to a minimum?

  • Replace the cast iron drain with a plastic one... Its walls are not overgrown with deposits (except for fatty ones);
  • Eliminate counter-slopes... Any area with a negative slope is a place where debris will accumulate, gradually reducing the pipe clearance;
  • Put in sinks and tubs nets for issues... Hair, wool and small debris will remain on them, and not clog the sewers;

  • Wash the dishes with the hottest water possible... I noticed for a long time that the peak in the number of blockages in the intra-apartment sewage system occurs in the summer, when the temperature of the hot water decreases;
  • If the layout of your apartment allows it, install a washing machine in the kitchen, at the maximum distance from the sewer riser. Each time hot water with dissolved powder is discharged, the machine will rinse the comb, removing the slightest traces of grease from it. Thanks to this simple recipe for 8 years of life in my previous apartment, I have never encountered a blockage.

Not only sewage

It is not only the sewer pipe that can get clogged. This problem also concerns the water supply system. What can be done if the pressure of cold or hot water suddenly drops?

Often it is possible to clear the blockage without using a tool and without leaving the apartment:

  1. Unscrew the aerator from the mixer gander (spout). It includes a filter - several small stainless steel meshes, which are easily clogged after water outages. From six to eight grids, one or two can be left. The plastic aerator itself is cleaned of sand and scale with a pin or a sharpened match;

  1. If the pressure drops on one of the faucets (in the bathroom or in the kitchen), the second is working normally - turn off the valve at the entrance to the apartment on the water with which there are problems. Then open the appropriate water tap on the mixer at normal pressure. Plug the jumper of the faulty mixer with your finger and open both taps or lift the pressure adjustment lever.

With a high probability, the debris from the constriction of the water supply system will be washed out by the thus created backflow of water and carried away into the sewer.

Conclusion

I hope that my experience will help the dear reader in the fight against minor everyday hardships. To learn more about how you can clear a blockage in the bathroom, the video in this article will help. I look forward to your additions and comments. Good luck, comrades!