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How to Avoid a Drain Plumbing Emergency
Do it yourself repair can be performed on a minor blocked drain, provided that you are equipped with suitable plumbing tools and the right plumbing know how.
Just in case your D.
I.
Y repair hits unforeseen emergency plumbing complications, it is always advised to have your local plumber accessible should the above happen.
Whether you decide to DI.
Y repair or take the easy and safe way out and call in your local emergency plumber, get familiar with the plumbing basics on unclogging and clearing drains.
The bottom section of the drainpipe is called a trap that functions to "trap" some water in the line and create a water seal preventing offensive sewer gases from penetrating the home.
Bathroom drains of showers, tubs and sinks may become blocked due to a build up of hair, soap scum and bodily oils and fats.
A slow running bathtub's drain points in large to a partially clogged drainpipe that requires prompt clearing to prevent complete closure of pipe indicating a plumbing emergency.
The following plumbing steps will guide your actions in an event of a blocked bath drain.
1.
First examine the opening of the drain for hair and other debris that can be easily pulled out by you to relief the clog.
Otherwise take an old coat hanger and bend its wires to plug the clog and pull out.
2.
Failing to detect the source of the clog employ the plunger into your do it yourself repair.
Place the plunger over the opening of the drain and fill the tub with sufficient water to cover the plunger's cup.
After sealing with a rug the overflow outlet, push up and down the plunger.
This action should be repeated for up to 6 times in which the pressure created with the help of the plunger should lift the block and open up the pipe.
When lifting the plunger water quickly drains away then you have effectively removed the clog, otherwise repeat the plunging action until reaching a point of quick water drainage.
3.
If a plunger won't clear a blocked drain despite your repeated plunging efforts move to a plumber's snake.
Run water, feed and turn about 3 feet of the snake into the drainpipe until hitting the obstacle.
Turning the plumber snake as you push forward enables the device to hook onto the clog for you to pull out.
Repeat action until you manage to break open the clog.
4.
If after using a plunger and a plumbers snake your drain is still blocked then it's time to summon your local emergency plumbing services to take over.
Whatever you do avoid pouring chemicals to clear the blocked drainpipe because it is a serious hazard should the drain overflow and spray dangerous chemicals on your or your plumber's faces.
In addition to being highly dangerous for users, chemicals also damage the environment.
Emergency plumbers urge customers to place strainers on drain openings to catch debris that will otherwise clog the pipe.
Further still monthly preventive maintenance can go along way in avoiding blocked drains.
Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to melt grease and fats.
Every three months, run down the drain half a cup of baking soda followed with half a cup of vinegar.
Let the mixture sit and fats a few minutes rinse out with hot water.
Taking care of your drains will prevent costly emergency plumbing complications in the long run.
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