Blocked drains are annoying, right? They’re one of those household things that happen from time to time and you’d really rather they didn’t. They smell bad and if they’re left for too long can cause structural damage to your house, which is even less fun to sort out. At least blocked drains are easy to fix – most of them can be taken care of by pouring boiling water down the drain as this helps to shift the blockage and dissolve any grime that may have been causing the problem.
If the boiling water doesn’t work, give some thought to what might be causing the problem so you have a better idea of how to attack it directly. Common causes of blocked drains are leaves, leftover food and dishwasher soap. You could also find out if your neighbors are having similar problems as, if so, it might fall under the jurisdiction of the authorities if the blockage was caused by something they’re responsible for. If it’s just you having problems, then it’s up to you to sort it out.
Once you’ve established what your problem might be, you could try using a plunger and hook to dislodge the problem. This is a particularly good way of shifting blockages in bathroom drains or minor external blocks. Use the plunger to displace whatever the problem is, then use a metal hook to fish out anything that won’t move by itself. Be careful not to damage any pipes while you’re doing this. If you don’t have a hook, try using the end of a clothes hanger.
For more stubborn blockages, it’s recommended to use caustic soda. This comes in crystal form and is also known as soda crystals or sodium hydroxide. Wear plastic gloves and goggles when using it as it’s highly corrosive and could damage your clothes or skin. Follow the instructions on the packet and pour the soda down the drain where it should dissolve the blockage and allow whatever was stuck to move on and the problem to dissipate. You could also use specialist drain cleaners here, or thick bleach.
Sometimes, though, the problem is too serious for you to shift on your own. If this is the case, then call in a plumber who might be able to insert a camera down the drain to check the problem and make sure it hasn’t caused any structural damage. You should take care to avoid blocked drains by clearing external drains of leaves on a regular basis and cleaning internal drains to reduce the probability of them getting blocked – prevention is always better than cure!
*Disclaimer* This information should be used as a guide only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information on this issue. We cannot be held responsible for any loss, inconvenience, damage (whether special or consequential) or claims arising out of the use of this information.
Read On : Blocked Drains
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How to unclog a drain
Ok take your drain cover off. The first thing you have to establish is where the drain flows to. This is very import as it’s the direction you will rod. The best way to tell this is the:
Dip test
For the dip test you can use your rods or a long piece of wood. Simply put the rod in the drain and feel the channel at the bottom of the drain, this is a half circle pipe in the centre of the drain base. It will run from one side of the drain to the other.
At one side there will be the entrance pipe (coming from another drain, toilet or sink etc.) And the other side will be the exit pipe. The exit pipe is the one to rod (tip most blockages are just in the exit pipe so when doing the dip test you may free it).
So dip one side of the channel and hold the measurement (were the water level comes to on the rod) and do the same at the opposite end of the drain. You should have two different measurements one side will be deeper than the other. It’s the deeper side of the drain which is the exit pipe, thus the one to rod.
To save time don’t rod straight away as you don’t know if the blockage, is in another drain further along the drain run. So you must follow in a line from the exit pipe of the drain, to find the next drain. If the first drain is near to the road then this might be the only one before the main line and the drain to rod.
You may find the next drain is empty this is great as it may identify which pipe run the blockage is in, as long as it’s the same run! It may be a storm drain the best way to tell the difference between the too it put your head down into the drain and smell. If there is very strong sewage smell in the drain it’s highly likely it’s a sewage drain. (There may also be a very slight stream of stagnant looking water).
If the drain is only a quarter full of sewage or it’s very thick, run your taps and flush your toilets which connect to this drain. Sometimes the building water pressure can clear the clogged drain itself.
To unclog a drain you should start by putting the plunger on the end of the rod tightly! Connect a couple more rods on about two meters. Put the plunger tipped rods in the drain down into the exit pipe. Then push down hard on the rods until you’re into the exit pipe one meter or so. Then pull back sharply, do this several times (like a pumping action) without letting the plunger tip remove itself from the exit pipe. What you’re trying to achieve is to move the large volume of water in the pipe back and forward sharply to release the blockage. This can unclog a drain run as far away as 100 meters.
This should have made you puff a bit by now! Pull the rod out and if the water has not fallen check you’re rods and plunger tip are tight and repeat the process.
NI Drains