What to do if the water in the bathroom is not going well and TOP 17 methods to clear blockages
Even homeowners who watch their own homes carefully have at least once encountered a situation where the water in the bathroom is not going bad or not at all. There can be only a few reasons for this problem, and almost all of them depend little on the cleanliness of the plumbing users. In order not to get lost in an emergency, you need to know the main ways to clear blockages. However, the best way to fight pollution is prevention or prevention.
Main reasons
In a situation where the water does not come out of the bathroom well, it is quite difficult to accurately determine, at a glance, the cause of the blockage. There can be several reasons, they are all independent of each other. To eliminate each of them, you need a specific approach and set of tools.
A clogged drain
Even for the neatest homeowners, the bathroom drain hole can get clogged from time to time.The reason for this is the ingress of hair, animal hair, soap residue, grease. This type of blockage is easy to remove on your own, does not require a deep system scan.
Insufficient slope of the outlet pipe
The correct installation of pipes, namely the angle of inclination of the outlet pipe, plays an important role in the operation of the sewer system. The value depends on the pipe diameter. Insufficiency of this parameter can lead to the regular formation of blockages, which can only be treated by a professional. The only option for a complete solution to the problem is to dismantle and replace the site with the wrong slope or the entire system.
Small section size
Pipes in residential buildings are of two types: metal and plastic. The flow rate of the pipe depends on the correct size of the section: the smaller the size, the less water the system passes through. Sometimes an incorrectly sized section can increase the amount of blockage by 60%. This indicator can also decrease due to temporary changes, for example, metal corrosion.
Clogged sewer line
Deeper than the clogging of the drain, the type of pollution. The reason may be not only oily contamination, but also mechanical contamination. Requires the use of household chemicals or plumbing fixtures. Removal, as a rule, is difficult due to the inaccessibility of the place of pollution. If the sewer pipe in the common house is clogged, it is forbidden to try to fix the problems on your own, it is better to seek help from a plumber.
Types of blockages
To find a way to deal with the blockage, it is necessary to assess the causes of the problem. Only the correct identification of the source of the problem will significantly reduce the time spent on removing the blockage.In some cases, it is better to immediately resort to the help of a specialist.
Mechanical
The reason for the formation of such a blockage is negligence in the operation, namely the stuffing of any foreign objects, for example, food waste, sand, household waste. To fix the problem, you will need to remove the item; cleaning products will not help you.
Operational
The main reason for the formation of this form of blockage is deposits on the walls of the pipes. It is easier to remove these blockages by chemical means. It occurs due to the long operation of pipes without prevention of stagnation control. The longer the service life, the narrower the hole in the pipe becomes, the greater the risk of water stagnation. When cleaning, as a rule, the cause of the appearance remains. You can fight against this type of pollution by regular prevention.
Technogenic
They do not depend on operating conditions. As a rule, they appear due to improper installation of the sewer system (for example, incorrect calculation of the diameter of the pipe, multiple bends, the presence of right angles), as a result of accidents or wear ( cracks). Disposal can only be entrusted to professionals, since the desire to save money can lead to even higher repair costs. To eliminate it, a specialist will have to analyze the causes of the blockage - check the slopes, bends, integrity.
Sometimes only a new laying of pipes will help solve the problem. Damage can be repaired by replacing the pipe section.
Basic methods to solve the problem
There are three main ways to get rid of a blockage in your bathroom:
- chemical;
- mechanical;
- hydrodynamic.
The choice of one of the methods is determined by the source of the blockage. In some cases, it is recommended to combine the above methods. It is also worth noting the traditional methods of dealing with the problem, which are often used as a universal remedy for all types of blockages.
Chemical
The most common cause of blockages is the accumulation of deposits of grease residue, soap, dirt and other biological waste. Such stagnation can be eliminated with the help of specially developed chemicals, the composition of which includes acids or alkalis. These products are available in gel, liquid, capsule or powder form.
It is important to read the label carefully to understand what type of blockage a specific substance can remove.
Fund overview
The household chemicals market is full of products for all wallets. However, it is worth choosing a way to eliminate blockages not only by price characteristics or popularity of advertisements, but also by the reasons for the formation of blockages. Only the correct selection of the product will help to solve the problem quickly and efficiently. All substances designed to fight blockages contain caustic soda, a powerful reagent that quickly dissolves all contaminants. Each of the substances has specific effects on the human body (in contact with the skin or mucous membranes).
"Mole"
"Mole" has been popular for decades due to its unconditional benefits:
- ease of use - no need to disassemble the siphon, the agent is poured into the drain hole;
- cleanliness - there is no dirt from cleaning;
- speed - the waiting time for the result is minimal;
- cost - the price is attractive, lower than the rest of the funds on the market.
The product is marketed in the form of a liquid, a granular powder or a gel. The main active ingredient is sodium hydroxide (up to 60%). It also includes:
- potassium hydroxide (no more than 10%);
- surfactants (10%);
- water (5-25%);
- ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (5-10%).
When using the product, care should be taken. If "Mole" comes into contact with the skin, immediately flush the substance with large amounts of water. If the product enters the body or the eyes, consult a doctor immediately! The disadvantages of "Mole" can be considered:
- toxicity;
- inefficiency for large blockages;
- lack of protection against children;
- longer, compared to other means, waiting time;
- inconvenient packaging.
"Mr Muscular"
The product is effective in the fight against light contamination, perfect for prophylaxis. The composition contains an alkali, which gently dissolves even old fats. The application does not damage the surface of the pipes (subject to manufacturer's recommendations). Available in the form of foam, gel, granules. The method of application depends on the form of release:
- Mousse:
- Pour the bundle (2 sections) down the drain.
- Wait for the formation of foam, wait the time indicated on the package.
- Drain the water.
- Freeze:
- Pour the contents of the package into the drain hole.
- Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse.
- Granules:
- Dry the drain.
- Pour the pellets into the hole.
- Pour into a glass of water. Wait 30 minutes.
- Wash.
The advantages of using "Mister Muscle" are:
- antibacterial effect;
- Efficiency;
- elimination of unpleasant odors;
- affordable price.
Main disadvantage: the product is not intended for difficult soiling.
"Flip"
The effectiveness is similar to "Mole". Most often used to clean sinks.The form of release assumes two options for use: pouring the substance with hot or cold water. The waiting time is 15 minutes. The advantages of the tool include:
- antibacterial effect;
- elimination of unpleasant odors;
- speed.
The main drawback is toxicity. Skin contact is undesirable and requires immediate rinsing with plenty of water.
"Hyphen"
Differs in the most active marketing campaign. Effective in removing contaminants in pipes or sewers, both plastic and metal. The composition of "Dash" is harmless to humans and animals. Benefits of using the product:
- speed - it takes 5 minutes to clear a small blockage, up to 30 minutes for a complex blockage;
- good smell;
- protection against children.
The disadvantages are the high cost and the violent reaction of the substance in contact with water, which requires taking precautions when using.
Terms of use
The use of either remedy in each specific situation is individual. Before use, you must read the instructions. The mode of application is identical:
- Pour the amount of liquid specified in the instructions into the pipe with a blockage.
- Wait the recommended time.
- Turn on the water and check if the problem persists.
If the problem persists, the procedure can be repeated, consult a specialist or use another method.
Mechanical
You should think about this method if cleaning with household chemicals did not bring results. This involves the use of a plumbing plunger or cable. For a successful result, you need to know the rules for using these funds.
Ventuz
A plunger is the first way to deal with a blockage, which chemicals have not helped clear. The procedure can be messy, so it's best to change clothes, cover the bathroom floor. In this case, the fight against blocking goes through the following steps:
- Fill the bath with water until the rubber part of the plunger is completely submerged (about one-third). It is best to plug the overflow hole beforehand.
- Cover the drain hole at the bottom of the bathroom with the rubberized part of the plunger.
- Press the handle several times. This will push any existing debris into the exhaust pipe.
- Wash off remaining traces of contamination with a jet of water.
If the water does not flow after several repetitions of the procedure, it is possible that the contamination is deep in the pipes and requires the use of a plumbing cable.
plumbing cable
One of the most effective ways to combat bathroom blockages is to use a plumbing fixture. There are several types of this tool, each suitable for different forms of contamination.
Cable
The simplest form of plumbing cable is perfect for dealing with blockages in an apartment. It is a rope made of spirally twisted galvanized steel wires. The thickness is about 6 mm, the length can be up to 5 meters. Benefits :
- high wear resistance;
- good cross-country ability;
- torque resistance in the opposite direction of curling.
The disadvantages can be considered:
- low penetrating power;
- high risk of loose ends;
- low elasticity.
Rope cable has poor resistance to hair and fibrous causes of pollution.
On springs
This type also does not belong to the category of professionals, it is intended for solving everyday problems.The thickness does not exceed 10 mm, the length is 5 meters. It has a ribbed structure. Characteristics of such a cable:
- high flexibility and cross-country ability;
- wear resistance;
- Maintenance difficulty: the internal cavity gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean;
- small strike force.
The use of a spring-loaded cable is recommended for cleaning pipes and sewers with many bends.
Professional
To solve large-scale, and not just everyday problems, a professional plumbing cable - spring with a core is suitable. The diameter of such a cable reaches 30 mm, the length is 60 meters. It is a twisted wire intertwined with a spring spiral, with a steel core. There are two types of rope:
- With a rotating core - there is a place to fix the nozzle, the last layer is rolled up with a gap.
- With a rigidly fixed core - they look like a rope-like cable. The last layer is fixed in the form of a spring. May have an attachment for a nozzle. They are characterized by high wear resistance.
This type of rope can withstand even strong torques, has high penetrating power and does not leave damage on the pipe.
Increase the slope of the drainage system
Water can come out of the bathroom poorly due to insufficient slope of the outlet pipe (or their system), and therefore there is no movement to the sewer. In such cases, it is not recommended to use a chemical or mechanical method. To increase the slope, you will have to lower the riser bell or raise the bath itself. However, it is important to know that too much slope will lead to the effect of water boiling when draining.For this reason, it is necessary to respect the recommended slope value, namely 15%.
Hydrodynamic
Hydrodynamic elimination method a blockage in the bathroom means cleaning using high water pressure. This will require a compressor to create flow and a special hose. Steps:
- Prepare the material.
- Insert the end of the hose into the pipe (it is better to remove the siphon first).
- Turn on the compressor.
- As soon as the water begins to decrease, the procedure must be stopped.
This method is one of the most effective and safest.
folk ways
A blockage in the drains is a fairly common everyday problem that citizens usually try to solve on their own, without the help of professionals. Indeed, often a blockage does not require serious intervention or the use of household chemicals, there are enough improvised means available in every household. Below are the most popular popular ways to clear blockages.
Lemon
To solve the problem, you need 4-5 lemons. It is necessary to squeeze the juice and pour it into the drain hole. After 1.5-2 hours, the system should be flushed with high pressure hot water. This method is perfect for avoiding contamination (the procedure can be done every 3-4 months).
A vacuum
The vacuum cleaner is used in a set with a plunger, from which the wooden handle is removed. After that, it is necessary to make a hole in the rubber bowl and insert the vacuum cleaner hose into it. You can fix the junction with electrical tape or clamps. The dust collector is previously removed from the vacuum cleaner. The resulting blocking tool is brought into the drainage hole. The bowl should be pressed firmly against the hole.
After turning on the vacuum cleaner, the sewage will be blown out, which will create pressure inside, helping to remove debris.
When using this method, remember the precautions to take when working with electrical devices in a humid environment.
A soda
If the blockage is not old, regular baking soda will do just fine. The hole is filled with 200 g of soda, poured with vinegar, tightly closed for 15 minutes. The reaction that occurs will eliminate fatty deposits, eliminate stagnation. It is necessary to wash off the solution with a large pressure of hot water for several minutes.
Strawberry
A brush used for household purposes can also be used to clear a blockage. If the blockage is deep, a plumbing or metal cable will be needed so that the flange can penetrate as deeply as possible into the drain. With gradual movements, it is turned into the drain hole to remove contamination.
Thread
A regular stiff wire will work to clear the blockage. A hook is made at the end so you can grab the debris that caused the blockage. Clean the pipes by lowering the wire into the drain hole and slowly twisting up and down. As the causes of the contamination are reached, more and more effort will be required as the debris is either pushed forward or removed.
Prevention recommendations
It is worth taking regular preventive measures to avoid blockages. These measures include:
- Periodic cleaning - the pipes are disassembled and washed.
- Regular flushing - once every few days it is necessary to flush the drain with warm water. Special chemicals may be used.
- Using nets will prevent debris from entering the drain.
Thus, regular preventive maintenance can significantly save time and money by eliminating the effects of pollution.