Any blockage is a problem that needs a quick solution. If the blockage is difficult, you will have to call a plumber. In most cases, you can clean a plum yourself using improvised means. Let’s consider ways how to eliminate clogging in the bathroom with your own hands without the need to contact specialists.
Causes of clogging
Most often it is:
- accumulation of fatty plaque, which narrows the drain holes;
- lumps of wool and hair;
- accumulation of fabric fragments, threads, small details such as buttons and buttons;
- food residues (crumbs, tea leaves, husk flakes, eggshell);
- lime;
- accident;
- incorrect installation of the siphon;
- wear and tear of drain pipes;
- household clogging.
It should be understood that you can only deal with local blockages on your own. If the problem is general, only the special service will be able to help here. The same applies to situations with worn pipes and incorrect siphon installation, since not everyone knows how to do it correctly.
How to distinguish local clogging from general clogging? If the plum is clogged in only one specific place, for example, in the bathroom, then the cause is local and, most likely, it will not require much effort to eliminate it. If there is a blockage in both the bathroom and the kitchen, then a plumber will be called.
Better ways to eliminate clogging
Many years of experience in dealing with domestic blockages allowed us to select the top most effective means. They, in turn, are divided into:
- mechanical – special devices such as a spiral cable with a brush, or siphon disassembly to eliminate the problem using direct contact;
- power (physical) – cleaning with the application of pressure with the help of a plunger;
- chemical – corrode the mud plug. Both factory formulations and home-made products can be used.
Cable for plumbing
- The siphon is removed, cleaned of visible deposits.
In case of strong, hardened plaques, a cloth is moistened with vinegar and applied for several minutes. After that, the dirt is easily cleaned. The same effect is achieved with toothpaste, citric acid, soda solution or household soap. Abrasive methods are not recommended, as it is easy to scratch or completely damage the soft plastic.
- The cable is inserted into the pipe hole and twisted, pushing it inside. In case of obstacles, the cable is slightly removed, then pushed through again.
- As soon as the cable reaches the riser, it is pulled out and cleaned of stuck contents.
If necessary, the procedure is repeated several times.
Importantly! Sudden movements can damage plastic pipes, so use physical force carefully.
Plunger
Put it with a rubber pad on the plum and press the handle vigorously several times. The sphere will compress and push a portion of air into the pipe, helping to hydraulically clear the blockage. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
Importantly! For greater efficiency, you can drain 3 liters of boiling water with the addition of a few tablespoons of baking soda. At the same time, after each portion of soda boiling water, it is necessary not to stop the action of the plunger until complete cleaning.
Chemical compositions
They are produced in the form of gels, powders, granules, and liquid compositions. The method of application is always presented in detail on the packaging. It usually boils down to the fact that the product is poured into a clogged plum and waited for several minutes. Among the most effective are:
- Mole;
- Shirton;
- Vagi Potxan;
- Tiret;
- Deboucher Aqualon;
- Sanfor.
Folk remedies
They do not require large investments and are almost always at hand. Can be used for preventive purposes without spending a lot of time.
- Boiling water. (Directly from the tap or heated additionally).
This is the simplest and first tool used for any cleaning method. Boiling water dissolves fats, softens any types of deposits, preparing them for removal. It should be understood that prolonged contact of hot water over 70 degrees with plastic pipes can be dangerous.
- Vinegar with baking soda
Soda is poured into the plum, a glass of vinegar is poured into it and closed with a cork. After half an hour, the cork is removed, and the plum is additionally cleaned with hot water.
- Soda with salt
They are mixed with a liter of water, and soda is taken more than salt (500 and 200 grams, respectively). Everything is dissolved, boiled. Salty boiling water with soda is poured into the clogged hole and plugged with a cork. They wait for three hours, then turn on the hot water to wash off the remaining deposits and solution from the pipes.
- Sparkling water
Light clogging can be tried to remove with Coca-Cola. To do this, the contents of a one and a half liter bottle are poured into the drain and closed with a cork. Then, after three hours, the boiling water is opened and the remaining dirt is washed away.
- Citric acid
Copes well with calcareous deposits. A bag of citric acid is poured into a plum, the cork is closed. After some time, everything is washed off with hot water. If necessary, everything is repeated.
- Caustic soda
It is more caustic sodium and therefore more effective. It must be used on a water basis. To do this, mix 200 grams of caustic soda with a liter of boiling water. Everything is poured into the clogged hole, plugged and waited for at least three hours. Then the boiling water is opened and the remains are washed away.
Prevention
In order to prevent clogging, follow the following recommendations:
- Periodically open the faucet with hot water for a few minutes to ensure complete washing of soap residues, grease and other impurities. The use of a plunger will help to enhance the effect.
- Once a month, clean the plum using special household chemicals (for example, Mole). One cap of such a remedy is poured into a plum at night, and in the morning the hot water is opened for a few minutes. You can also pour a liter of hot water with half a glass of baking soda into the drain.
- After machine washing, turn on hot water and, if necessary, clean the drain with a plunger. It is necessary to remove the remains of wool, coils and powder.
- Cover the drain with a special net to prevent hair and skin particles from entering the drain. Such nets are sold in hardware stores and hypermarkets.
- Do not wash adhesive substances, earth, sand in the bathtub or sink, as they are not exposed to any chemical means. It will be necessary to extract them mechanically.
Clogging in the bathroom is an unpleasant phenomenon that is easier to prevent than to deal with it. Follow preventive measures and remove blockages as soon as the water starts to wash off poorly. Don’t expect more serious consequences when home remedies are ineffective.