Reason of clogged drains are usually lining of fat and soap, mixed with hair, dirt and textile fibers. If the blockage is limited to the drain in the sink, dishwasher, sink or the bathtub, causing blockage is most likely hiding immediately in the upper part of the drain or below the siphon.
Nowadays most of the sinks are equipped with separate cap which is operated by a lever on the back of the valve. The inside has a link in the form of a cross on who collects the most diverse material. The first step is to clean the drain cleaning that cap.
To avoid similar problems in the future, regularly check that is the plug of sinks clean and if it is necessary clean it with hard plastic brush. For these are suitable narrow brushes glass jars, which can clean and upper part of the drain port and drain.
Pressure against dirt
If the buildup of dirt on inaccessible place somewhere in the pipes, it can help you a full range of mechanical aids. Accessories for unplugging the rubber cap or cartridge of compressed air, which offer trade with construction equipment and home, work on the principle of pressure. Their use is simple: fill in the basin of water so that the top of the rubber cap is covered. Short and quick movements usually clusters are removed in a very short time and then you can rinse with a little hot water.
In the case of particularly hard-line blockage, it can help compressed air which for this purpose is available in cans with a special plastic attachment. Use is generally the same as for accessories with a grooved. However, it is enough to press the bottom of the can and thus drop the compressed air at high speed. When the water starts to flow off again, sink needed some time to rinse well. Such cans with compressed air can obtain for little money at a good plumber or in store for the construction and home. And with a device for cleaning pipes with a hand pump can not avoid the use of chemicals. Such devices have different extensions and are suitable for all common drains such as showers, bath, bidet and washbasin.
Cleaners for pipes with compressed air are completely easy to use, hand pump can produce pressure up to 4 bar. Before you start process, do not forget that the opening overflow basins must be plugged with a damp cloth or, better yet, a piece of newspaper that swell from moisture, as we achieved would not equalize pressure through the opening.
Chemical products for Emergency
The most popular toys for unplugging drains include chemical detergents, which can be bought in any drugstore. Chemical cleaners can remove a particular problem, but at the wrong use can create new layers in the heat sink, and maybe even more damage than help. All effective cleaners contain aggressive substances. We will only mention the most common: they are sodium nitrite or sodium chloride. These can be corrosive in contact with skin, eyes or mucous membranes, while some may cause damage sewer pipes.
Some manufacturers recommend their funds even for defrosting frozen installations as due to strong chemical reactions that occur generate temperatures more even than 90 ° C. In such temperature can be, for example, deform the plastic parts of the siphon. For health and the environment are particularly hazardous substances containing chlorine. If a man inhaled gases to decomposition, can damage the lungs and airways. If the cleaning agent contains acid, can also create a dangerous chlorine gas. In some instances arise even flammable gas, which can cause an explosion. Therefore, during the cleaning never smoke!
As a gentler solution can serve resources that already found in most households. Thus, for example, with a few tablespoons of baking powder or soda and half a cup of vinegar, or by pouring down the drain, produce carbonic acid, which will degrade the contaminants. Close the drain. After a few minutes, rinse thoroughly with hot water. Furthermore, you can use high-pressure cleaners and steam. With their help you can remove deposits that are not caked, washing powder residue machine, clumps of hair, etc., And tubes will again be clean and smooth.
Cleaning the siphon
If so far described measures do not help, assistance can be only dismantling the siphon. Experience suggests that most of clusters are located at sump or directly in the drain connection. With the help of pliers to grasp the water pump to work and carefully loosen both nuts. Steel jaw key cover with a soft cloth or adhesive tape to avoid damaging the protection of chromium. Loose bolts can then until the end of hand unscrew and remove. Do not forget before start of work under to set pot or bowl for water!
When you completely dismantle the siphon, all parts thoroughly clean with hard brush. It may happen that the hard layers must remove the old blade knife or scraper. Once all the parts thoroughly rinsing, reverse assemble them in the order again. Take this opportunity, and replace all gaskets and rubber sleeve on the wall jack. If the entire trap is in poor condition, replace it all over. Common measures siphon basin are 1 ¼ inches with 40-mm tapped. When purchasing be sure to provide the old trap as a pattern. In some cases replacement of the plastic siphon with flexible connection anyway is the most practical solution.