How to quickly remove a blockage in the bathroom, clean with medicines and improvised means

All owners of private houses and apartments are faced with clogged water in the bathrooms. Even new sewage systems periodically clog, water barely escapes into the drain hole, there are puddles in the bathtub and sink for a long time, and an unpleasant smell appears in the room . Most problems can be solved without the help of a plumber. Consider how to independently remove the blockage in the bathroom, what set of available tools you need to have at home, how often to carry out prevention.

Reasons for the appearance of mud plugs

The sewer outlet is clogged for a number of reasons, their knowledge will help to avoid further problems, correctly determine how to prevent or repair the system.

Mechanical

The blockage is formed by foreign bodies in the pipes, which block the passage of water. They reduce the channel along which the water flows, cover themselves with a bloom, which reduces the gap. It is difficult to eliminate such a blockage - cable or pipe dismantling is required, often you need to contact a plumber.

Operational

During operation, soap, skin particles, hair and grease particles flow into the drain along with the water. They settle on the walls, gradually reducing the diameter of the pipes. This is facilitated by material defects - chips, burrs. The sewer drain is clogged with poor quality tap water with particles of sand, rust and human waste. This is the most common type of blockage and cannot be avoided.

Technogenic

Improper installation of the sewage system, the wrong angle of water discharge are the causes of artificial blockages in the bathroom. Wastewater naturally flows downwards, it is important to correctly calculate and define the slopes of water evacuation.

A common cause of standing water is a malfunctioning siphon, which is responsible for trapping odors in the pipes.

What are the pipes

Sewer pipes are made from different materials that can cause or prevent debris retention and restrict water flow.

Asbestos cement

Asbestos-cement pipes are easy to install and do not suffer from chemical and biological effects. They are less durable than cast iron and plastic pipes and are not used for horizontal laying in the ground.

Concrete and reinforced concrete

The heaviest of all pipe types, making assembly and transportation difficult. They are mainly used for backbone networks.They are distinguished by high strength, reliability and slight invasion by deposits.

Melting

Strong and durable pipes (75-85 years). Due to the rough inner surface of cast iron, grease and soap deposits stick to it easily.

Ceramic

Ceramic pipes withstand high temperatures, but do not tolerate low ones. They are fragile and difficult to mount. The durability of pipes can be up to 50 years, but they actually last longer. They are usually used in large companies because of their resistance to harsh environments.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene pipes are cheap and durable, very light and reliable (up to 50 years). They do not collapse when deflected by the cold. The lack of pipes is poor resistance to the sun, they are afraid of ultraviolet rays.

PVC

PVC material has a long list of advantages - light weight, low cost, long pipe life, smooth surface and resistance to deposits. Disadvantages - they do not like high temperatures, change their configuration, are not fire resistant.

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Polypropylene

Lightweight polypropylene pipes are suitable for domestic sewage. They are conveniently mounted, the material is hygienic and they last up to 50 years. A wide assortment of products is produced, you can get them for every need.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pipes are widely used all over the world. They are distinguished by a wide variety of components and manufacturing technologies. The pipes are lightweight, easy to install, seamless and can withstand all temperatures. Sometimes cracks appear.

How to use a plunger correctly

If the drain is clogged, the plunger comes to the rescue first.The simplest device is in every household, it is easy for them to break through a simple blockage. How to use:

• the bathtub or sink is filled with water so as to cover the rubber part of the pedestal plunger;
• firmly close the additional holes for water drainage (above the drain hole in the bathtub or sink), if there is no plug, use a damp cloth;
• firmly press the rubber hemisphere against the hole, preventing the passage of air;
• with vigorous and sharp movements, press the wooden handle without tearing the pear.

Check the descent of the water, if necessary, repeat the procedure. After cleaning, you must reverse the pipes with strong pressure of hot water to completely remove the dirt.

Using a Plumbing Cable

The cable is used if the drain is clogged away from the drain hole and does not puncture it with air pressure. Heavy greasy and soapy deposits sometimes completely clog the water hole.

Cables are produced in different lengths and modifications. They are flexible metal cords 3 to 5 meters long and 4 to 10 millimeters in diameter. Pushing them into the sewer, the blockage is moved into the thick part of the main pipe or pulled out with a hook at the end.

Tip: When using a cable, especially a long cable, it is best to work in pairs. Strength and dexterity are required, the cable is advanced and turned at the same time.

The technology is simple, but requires certain skills:

1. The end of the cable is inserted into the drain hole. Sometimes you have to disassemble the siphon or remove the flap from the fitting.
2. A basin for water is placed under the open edge of the pipe, and a container is prepared for collecting garbage.
3. The cable passes on the side of the riser and turns at the same time.When the cable rests against the blockage, it is pushed 2-3 times with careful movements. The free movement of the instrument testifies to the crossing of an obstacle.
4. Gently remove the cable, with which a mountain of debris often comes out.

Some important points to use this method:

• the cable does not remove viscous deposits that have poorly clogged the walls of the pipes - it simply expands the space for the passage of water;
• the tool will easily damage plastic pipes and chrome surfaces.

After the end of the work, the pipes are washed with very hot water to get rid of small debris.

The rope is a convenient and reliable way to remove foreign bodies, hair, fabric particles that often accumulate in bath sewer systems during washing and washing.

Chemical cleaning method

Chemicals are popularized by advertising, they are convenient, effortless and do not pollute the bathroom. Available in gels, solutions, granules and powders. Many contain a set of antibacterial ingredients and eliminate the smell of sewage.

Bulk chemicals are usually packaged in a single dose for ease of use and to eliminate the substance's interaction with air.

The products are not always safe for pipes, they can cause corrosion and they also damage plastic materials. When using, it is important not to mix different substances and to observe safety precautions.

Important: the drugs should be used according to the attached instructions, do not exceed the dosage, rinse with water in time so as not to destroy the pipes.

How to choose a drug

Anti-clogging agents are based on aggressive materials that dissolve organic matter.They are effective under certain conditions which must not be violated.

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Recommendations for the choice of a drug:

1. Acid products. More effective for bathrooms, as they dissolve hair, threads and small debris better.
2. Alkaline. They break down fat deposits well, so they are convenient for cooking.

After using any substance, you need to pour hot water for a long time in order to wash off the remnants of debris and the used agent, which can corrode the pipes.

Use baking soda and vinegar

Home remedies come to the rescue first. Every housewife has soda and vinegar. How to apply:

• free the drain from water;
• pour 1/2 pack of soda into the hole;
• carefully pour 1/2 cup of 9% vinegar and close the hole with a cloth for 30-40 minutes;
• pour 1-1.5 liters of boiling water.

When finished, pour with a stream of hot water for 10-15 minutes.

What are the professional tools

Ready-made preparations for sewer pipes are produced by many manufacturers. Funds differ not only in effectiveness, but also in price. Expensive products are not always better or more reliable. Consider a list of the most popular bathroom drain cleaners.

Mole

The anti-blocking drug, proven for several generations, is still sought after due to its effectiveness and low price. Produced in the form:

• granulated powder;
• freeze;
• liquids.

Contains sodium hydroxide. The application scheme is simple - pour the recommended dose for 1-2 hours, remove debris with strong water pressure.

Bagi Pothan

Israeli drug in powder form is one of the strongest patching removers.You need to work with him strictly according to the instructions so as not to be poisoned by fumes. The drain is previously cleared of water by 5 centimeters. Pour dry matter and pour water. The exposure time is 3 minutes, after which the sewage system is well washed with strong water pressure.

Disadvantages - high price, harmful fumes.

Chirton - cleaning the gutters

The blocking medication is packaged in separate doses for a single flush of the sewage system; Chirton is also produced in the form of a gel. Differs in enviable speed - 15 minutes. The drain must first be dried before adding the medicine and pouring water. The active substance is an alkali.

Practical remedy for preventive treatment, which is recommended once a month.

Drain opener

Unclog Gel helps break up blockages without removing water. This makes the drug particularly convenient. Available in 1 and 5 liter containers. For the absorption of the accumulation of mud deposits, 5 minutes is sufficient. After that, the remnants of the drug and the debris are washed off with water.

Sanox - clean runoff

Another economical sewer cleaner. Withstands single blockages in 15-30 minutes, with strong blockages - it is necessary to increase the exposure time. You can clean pipes of any material.

Mister Muscle

Mister Muscle's granules and gel quickly clear pipes of debris, are easy to use and have many positive reviews. Thoroughly dissolve organic residues. The pellets are packaged for single use.

Special technology for pipe cleaning

To clean the sewer system from blockages, professionals use special devices:

1. High-pressure cleaners. Flushing is carried out with strong water pressure, expelling debris from the pipes.Water jets go in several directions - forward along the movement of the head and at angles. Used to unclog backbone networks.
2. Use of spirals, flexible pipes, cables.
3. Thermal wash. Hot water (120-160°) is supplied under pressure.

Professionals also use chemical rinsing agents.

How to clean the siphon

To clean the siphon, the device is disassembled. Basic rules of work:

• prepare a basin and a large cloth to collect the water;
• remove the clips and release the balloon, drain the liquid;
• soak in a solution of a chemical agent and rinse well with running water;
• for tubular and bottle structures, disassemble the branch pipe and clean it from dirt;
• recover the siphon so that the branch pipe does not press on the balloon;
• check the tightness of the assembly with strong water pressure by opening the tap.

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Usually, the dismantling of the siphon in the event of a blockage is associated with the removal of debris in the pipes with a cable through the formed inlet to the sewer.

How to get odors out of a drain

An unpleasant smell from sewage is not a simple inconvenience, it is the spread of pathogenic bacteria throughout the apartment. Necessary measures to remove the smell from the drain:

1. Cleaning and rinsing a siphon when the odor trap is not working properly. In the absence of water for a long time, it can dry out, opening a direct path to the sewer. In this case, they simply pour water. In houses with seasonal use (summer cottages), it is better to install a dry seal.
2. Check the drain pipes and straighten the corrugations.
3. Reinstall the hose so that it is under water in the trap.
4. Rinse the pipes with a chemical descaler.

Provide ventilation in the bathroom, if necessary, force it. At the shower cabins, access to the pipes is often closed, the pallet is tightly installed, it is difficult to clean the sewage system.

It is important during installation to use a floor shower drain with removable elements. In this case, the pipe is accessible and can be cleaned with a cable.

How to clean an old faucet (mixer)

Tap water contains a lot of salts, which gradually settle inside and outside the mixer. Deposits turn into stones, disrupt the operation of valves, impede the flow of water and spoil the appearance.

If the water supply is interrupted, the mixer is removed and disassembled. During cleaning (internal, dismantled and external), the following rules are observed:

1. Do not use abrasive materials. They scratch glossy surfaces, disturb the configuration of internal parts, then water does not pass well.
2. Folk remedies for cleaning - Coca-Cola, laundry soap, vinegar, baby oil, toothpaste. Soak a cloth and cover the faucet parts with it for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with water.
3. Chemicals for chrome surfaces.

To get rid of plaque, do not use bleach or toilet bowl cleaner. You can spoil the appearance of the mixer with dark spots.

Prophylaxis

Preventive measures can reduce the number of blockages in the bathroom:

1. Protection of water drainage in the bath with a net, a hair trap. If, when the water flows, the hair is intertwined with the net, then it should not be pushed down the drain, it is better to choose it and put it in the trash.
2. Preventive use of mild chemical or folk remedies.It is much easier for them to deal with a partial stoppage of the water flow than with an overall blockage. For prevention, strong means are not chosen - they corrode the pipes, accelerate their wear. Deformations and cracks are possible.
3. Do not wash sticky substances, fatty compounds in the bath, wash objects contaminated with earth, sand.
4. When repairing sewage networks, replacing pipes, contact a professional. They will be able to deduce the correct slope of the pipes. With technological blockages, the whole system will have to be redone.

If the sewage system regularly clogs, not all cleaning measures lead to a lasting result, it's time to think about replacing the pipes with new ones. When choosing pipes, you should focus on species that are not prone to clogging, with smooth and even surfaces.

A clogged bathroom drain is a common problem; sooner or later everyone has to meet him. Elimination usually begins with the simplest methods, combining them.

Proper operation, prevention and protection measures can help reduce the likelihood of new blockages.