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Clogged drain:what to do to solve the problem?

Clogged drain:what to do to solve the problem?

Food waste, piles of hair, hardened soap or grease are all factors causing clogs in the pipes. The water no longer flows or flows very slowly and sometimes nauseous smells can appear over time. To avoid these phenomena, mechanical, chemical or more natural solutions can effectively unclog your pipes.

Unclogging by mechanical action

First reflex in the event of obstruction of the pipes:go to see on the side of the siphon. If the idea of ​​sneaking under the pipes does not put you off, this technique is effective. Unscrew the pipe located under the sink, generally U-shaped, then remove all the dirt that has collected in it. Attention, before dismantling the siphon, remember to place a container below it.

Another method that has been shown to be effective is to use a suction cup. The stopper will be unlocked with a back and forth movement performed on the bathroom or kitchen sink. A word of advice:on installations with many openings, you must ensure that you block them all, otherwise the suction cup may not work.

If nothing helps and the cork resists, you will have to get a ferret. In the form of a long rod consisting of a crank and an end with spikes, this tool is to be inserted into the pipe in a rotating fashion until it reaches the element causing the obstruction. By pulling on the ferret, the dirt that has accumulated will break and your pipes will be released.

Unblocking with natural solutions

The good old boiling water technique may be simplistic, but if the obstruction is not very serious, it can quickly pay off. Just pour a large pot of very boiling water into the tub or sink. This will help dilute grease and soap and clear clogs. On the other hand, for maximum efficiency, be sure to remove stagnant water first before pouring hot water, otherwise its efficiency will be reduced.

Clogged drain:what to do to solve the problem?

You can also make your own ecological unblocker. Mix 200 g of salt with 20 cl of white vinegar and 200 g of baking soda. Pour it all down your clogged drains. After about thirty minutes, pour a pot of boiling water. Thanks to the chemical reaction, the different ingredients will act on the cork until it disintegrates.

Unblocking by chemical action

When mechanical and natural actions have failed, we are sometimes forced to opt for chemical solutions. Chemical unclogging should only be used as a last resort given its harmfulness:care should be taken with the products used, as improper use can damage the pipes. Similarly, during use, always plan to wear protective gloves to avoid exposing your hands to chemicals.

You will find drain cleaners of different brands, in liquid or powder form, in supermarkets or in specialized stores. Note that powder formulas are more popular because they are less corrosive than liquid drain cleaners.