TIPS FOR UNCLOGGING A SINK

If you have ever owned, rented or lived in any type of home or caravan, with a sink then you will have encountered this annoying problem.

Reasons for blockages

How often have we pulled the plug after washing the dishes and realise the burnt offerings in the bottom of a saucepan have now gone down that plughole. Or the water wasn't as hot as we thought after a baked dinner and the fat clogs up the drain.

After washing up your, hands are soft and slippery, and you suddenly realise your ring is missing. Oh no! It's gone down the plughole. If this happens it is best to unscrew the pipe under the sinks pee trap.

Remove articles from under sink and make sure you have a container to catch the excess water in the pipe. If you have a sensitive nose then cover it as drains are not sweet smelling in odour. Using a wrench undo the bottom plate, this will release any water or items into the basin, make sure the container is large enough to hold water in sink. With a bit of luck you will recover the ring and it will not be washed further down the drain.

If you are successful in finding the ring, you wont have to involve the other half. Now replace the pee trap cover, make sure it is tight, you do not want water to leak into your cupboard.

Shower recess

The shower is one of the other problem areas. Hair does not disintegrate. Hairdressers will know how tough hair is.

You can actually cut yourself with human hair.

It is also one of the hardest things, in fact I believe there is nothing that actually breaks down hair molecules. Therefore, you will notice how our hair blocks up our shower drain, more than any thing else.

Do not panic. It may be a simple fix depending on how long ago it was last cleaned. Lack of general maintenance will add to drain problems.

Clearing normal drain blockages.

Avoid the problem before it happens.

Once a month pour 2 tablespoons of drain-ex down each of the following: bathroom basin, kitchen sink, shower recess and laundry tub. Place plug in sinks where applicable and do not let any water down for at least an hour. It is best to do this before you go shopping, therefore resisting the urge to wash your hands or let water down the sink. Then use as normal.

2. Pour Boiling water down drain. If this does not work continue with no 3.

3. Sink Plunger

Sink plungers are not very expensive. These usually have a rubber cup with a wooden handle. Place the cup over the drain plug and pump down several times. If this does not clear the blockage you will have to delve further.

4. Use a hose

Blockages can be further down the drains. If this is the case, go and get your garden hose. Ease it down the sink drain as far as you can. Now clamp a rag around it over the plughole so as no water can escape. Now get someone else to turn the hose on. Move the hose up and down if possible gradually forcing it further down. This should clear the more stubborn blockages.

Once you have cleared the blockage go to your local hardware store and buy a small strainer to put in your plug hole. These are designed specifically for the purpose of catching all the rubbish so it does not go into your drain and clog it up.

I have to admit we are all guilty of washing dirty greasy dishes in water that is not hot enough to dilute and break-up the grease enabling it to flow naturally down the pipes. We should always pour hot water down the drain after use to give it a better chance of staying clean.

I trust that if you follow these simple ideas you will not have any more blocked drains.

Learn more about this author, Eileen Hughes.
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