When people say, “you know what the worst thing is?” We’d imagine something like unblocking a drain…
At some point in your life as a homeowner, you may be faced with the physically and financially draining (pun intended) experience of a blocked drain. Provided you have the right tools, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of know-how, you can clear up that blocked drain in double-quick time and cut down those plumbing bills significantly in the process.
Your one-stop guide to DIY drainage
When it comes to blockage removal, there is no one-size-fits-all solution – especially when it’s a DIY case. Bathroom and kitchen drains, although they look the same to the non-plumbing eye, do differ. Be sure to keep that in mind when putting your DIY skills to the test!
Kitchen sink grief
They say prevention is better than cure, but those starchy foods like pasta, potatoes and rice, have already made their way down your drain. Washed down with grease or coffee grinds, there’s sure to be messy food settling and waiting to explode in your home. Should you find yourself in this mess, you’re going to need a plunger…
If you’ve got a double sink at home that’s giving you grief, begin the home rescue as follows:
Place your plunger over one drain and fill the sink with a few inches of water. Be sure to seal the plunger around the drain.
- Block the other drain with a wet cloth before taking the plunge. The idea here is to force water, rather than air, into the drain, which will require a few forceful pumps.
- Once you’re satisfied that you’ve done enough plunging, pull the plunger from the drain on your final pump with some intense pressure.
If you’ve got a single sink with a blocked drain, use this method for optimal results:
Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring the rubber ring at its base forms an airtight seal.
- Push down gently and release quickly to begin the suction process. Do this, repeatedly, for 20 seconds or so until you break the clog free.
This should have your sink sorted in no time. In the unlucky event of water still not swirling straight down the drain, give it another go before calling for professional help.
Bathroom woes
The bathroom is a minefield of drainage systems, each of which can become blocked in their own unique ways.
- If your toilet gives you grief, you’ll once again want to turn to the plunger for assistance. Firmly place it over the outlet at the bottom of the toilet pan and plunging for a few seconds. Once cleared, flush out the toilet with a bucket of water.
- If you find that water gurgles into your bath tub from the drain when the shower’s being used, it’s likely that hair and soap residue are your culprits. To fix this, simply use a wire coat hanger to use as a hook to pull out the debris.
If all else fails, MiWay is here to help! Contact our MiHelp Team for blocked drains and other household emergencies.
But remember, there are many other ways you can take care of your home that’s not only limited to “plumbing fixes.” Having home and contents insurance will protect all the other valuables in your home that are difficult and expensive to replace. Start living your way with peace of mind and apply for an insurance quote today.
