Having a blocked drain can be a real pain, especially if you rely heavily on the plumbing system of your house. If you are a Portsmouth resident, and you experience blocked drains, professional plumbers are always ready to help. However, you can also try to unblock the drain yourself using DIY methods before calling in the experts. This article will highlight some of the best DIY techniques to unblock drains.
To begin with, the plunger is a classic tool used in many homes to resolve minor blockages. To use this method, simply apply petroleum jelly to the edge of the plunger to establish a better seal and fill the sink slightly with water. Place the plunger over the drain and then begin to push and pull vigorously. If the problem is minor, the plunger should be able to unblock the drain.
If the plunger doesn’t work, readily available tools such as a plumber’s snake, also known as a hand auger, can be very helpful. This tool has a coiled spiral snake that’s flexible and can be pushed down the pipe to break up or retrieve the blockage. You need to keep turning the snake until it reaches the clog, then push and pull until the blockage is cleared.
Baking soda and vinegar is another DIY method that is not only simple but also eco-friendly. You start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then follow with half a cup of vinegar. Wait for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with hot water. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can break down fatty acids into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain.
Hand removing the blockage can also be tried, particularly when the sink trap is blocked. However, make sure to place a bucket underneath to catch any unblock drain portsmouth water or debris. You can then use a wire or a coat hanger to pull out any debris causing the clog.
For a toilet blockage, a tool known as a closet auger (or toilet auger) can be used. This is similar to a plumber’s snake but it’s specifically designed to unblock toilets without causing any damage to the porcelain bowl.
Finally, if you suspect tree roots are causing your drain blockage, a rooter machine, which is a specialized tool designed to cut through tree roots and other obstructions, can be rented and used.
In conclusion, trying to unblock a drain yourself can be a cost-effective way but it’s not always guaranteed to work, especially if the blockage is severe. In such cases, it’s always best to hire a professional plumber. If you’re a resident of Portsmouth, there are plenty of local professionals available to help. Try the DIY techniques first, and if they fail, don’t hesitate to call in the experts.