Having a blocked drain is a common problem in households. It can become a hassle and cause inconvenience if not attended to immediately. If you live in New Forest and have troublesome blocked drains, there are certain professional steps that you can follow to effectively unblock them.
Step 1: Safety First:
Always prioritize safety before starting with any drainage work. It is advisable to wear suitable protective clothing like safety gloves and glasses. You should also have an old towel or rag handy, to clean up any expected mess.
Step 2: Identifying the Issue:
Before starting to unblock the drain, it’s crucial to identify where the blockage is actually located. You might be able to tell by looking at the slow draining water or water pooling around the drain. If the blockage is in one of the small pipes leading to the main sewer, it could be causing a blockage in a specific area like a sink or a toilet. However, if it’s a blockage in the main sewer, this can lead to issues across the whole property.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Tools:
After identifying the issue, you should consider the right tools for unblocking the drain. The most commonly used tools include a plunger, coil or wire, a plumber’s snake, and electric power cleaners. Although manually clearing the blockage may seem feasible, the right tool can make a big difference.
Step 4: Using a Plunger:
Using a plunger can be an effective first step as it can loosen minor blockages. Make sure there is enough water in the sink or bathroom to cover the base of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain hole and start plunging vigorously.
Step 5: Using a Plumber’s Snake or a Coil:
If the plunger fails, a plumber’s snake or coil can be the next practical step. It is a flexible wire that can reach deep into the pipe and break apart any blockage. To use it, you have to carefully feed the snake into the drain whilst turning the handle. This will allow you to navigate it further down the pipe.
Step 6: Utilizing Chemicals:
If both the plunger and the wire methods have proved ineffective, then you could consider using chemical products for unblocking the drains. These are usually sulphuric acid or caustic soda based products. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective clothing while using them.
Step 7: Calling the Professionals:
Sometimes unblocking a drain can be complex, especially when blockages are persistent or located in an inaccessible area. If you’ve exhausted all these steps and the drain remains blocked, it may be time to call in the professionals. A professional plumber has the knowledge and specialized equipment to deal with such issues.
Maintaining the Drains:
Once the issue has been resolved, preventing future drain blockages should be a priority. Regularly pouring hot water down your drains can help keep them clear. Keeping food and other debris out of your sinks and using a sink strainer can also prevent blockages.
In conclusion, unblocking a drain can initially seem like a difficult task, but by following the correct procedure, using the suitable tools, and calling in professionals when needed, you can effectively get rid of blocked drains. However, drain unblocking newforest prevention should always be better than cure, taking appropriate steps to avoid blockages will keep your drains running smoothly and save you from potential hassles in the future.