How to unclog a bathroom

Very often, various kinds of problems arise with bathtubs and sinks, or rather with draining water from them. There may be various reasons for stagnation, in which water will accumulate and cannot immediately drain into the pipe. Knowledgeable people may begin to look for the problem inside the pipes or try to remove the blockage, and if the cause was not found, they will certainly call a plumber. However, you should not rush to seek qualified help; perhaps the problem is much simpler, and it is quite easy to solve.

Preventing blockages

Preventive measures boil down to keeping out debris that is foreign to the pipes. It is easier to prevent blockages if it becomes a habit. Install a silicone mesh to catch hair and debris over the drain.

Its price is a little more than 100 rubles, and it saves remarkably from blockages. Here is a link to a trusted seller >>> And here is a link to a special chain that also collects hair and dirt; to clean the drain, you just need to remove it from the drain. It costs a penny. Read more >>>

Install a special mesh with small holes in the drain hole. It won't hold everything, but a lot of debris remains on it.
Carry out preventive cleaning from time to time using the following methods.
Regularly – once a week, flush the pipes with boiling water. The volume of water is within 2-3 liters. This will wash away the soap scum deposits on the walls.
When replacing pipes, check the correct angle of inclination.

Today there are a large number of chemicals on the market for clearing clogged pipes; after reading the instructions, you can choose what you need

Chemistry comes to the rescue

The choice of chemicals for cleaning sewer pipes is extensive - in any hardware department you will find something that you can afford.

The assortment is large - gels, granules, powders. In such chemical compositions, the active substance is either an alkali or an acid. Whatever you choose, the first thing you should take care of is your own safety.

Aggressive chemistry will not improve your health if you accidentally drop it onto your palm, so let's talk about precautions.

We open the windows, put on a protective mask and goggles, and wear thick rubber gloves on our hands. If the windows of your house face different sides and it is possible to provide cross ventilation, do it.

Never use two different cleaning chemicals at the same time, even with the best intentions - compounds can form that will harm not only the sewer system, but also you.

If you are a resident of an old housing stock with cast iron pipes, this method is not suitable for you. If you have plastic pipes, you should not increase the contact time of chemicals and elements of the sewer system prescribed by the manufacturer. By the way, the label should say that it is intended for your type of pipe.

If the blockage problem has been acute for quite a long time, perhaps one chemical filling will not be enough for you. Therefore, wait the allotted time (read the label), spill hot water and use the services of a trouble-free plunger. Together, both methods will definitely help you!

What if there are children and animals in the house? And you don’t want to use aggressive chemicals? Isn't there a more gentle way? There are such recipes, and we will definitely tell you about them.

Chemical cleaning methods

Various solutions and powders are used in cases where it was not possible to clean the drains with mechanical devices, or they are not at hand.

Patented drugs from the store or food solutions are used. Let's look at the most popular and best means for removing sewer blockages with your own hands.

Household chemicals

The most popular drain cleaners are:

“Tiret” - available in gel form, copes with fat and food residues;
“Bagi Pothan” - granules that remove hair, fur and limescale;
"Mr. Muscle" - has the form of a gel or foam, dissolves hair and lime deposits.

After purchasing the drug, you should do the following:

dry the pipeline with a rag or vacuum cleaner;
fill the channel with a solution or powder and then add hot water;
pause according to the instructions set out in the instructions;
pour up to 1000 ml of boiling water into the neck.

Folk remedies

Let's look at some time-tested ways to get rid of sewer blockages.

Salt and soda. You need to use one of these substances. The powder is poured into the drained drain, after which a glass of hot water is poured into it.
Boiling water. Under the influence of high temperature, fat deposits dissolve and the pipe deforms. This leads to peeling and destruction of hard deposits.
Vinegar. In large quantities, acid dissolves all organic matter. Using vinegar you can get rid of fur and hair.

Removing blockages using improvised means

A plunger is one of the most common means at hand to combat this problem. Our great-grandfathers also used this miracle helper. Everyone probably knows how to use a plunger correctly, but it never hurts to brush up on your knowledge.

The plunger must be installed so that the hole in the bathroom is completely closed.

Next, you need to press the plunger handle several times. During the process, a stream of air enters the drain, which pushes the blockage.

Before using a plunger, it is better to initially pour hot water into the toilet.

This method allows you to cope with minor blockages. In addition, improvised means are used not only to remove blockages, but also to prevent them.

If the blockage is still not detected

If after completing all the procedures you see that the water is not draining well, but there is no blockage and you cannot find it, then the problem is not in your pipes. Perhaps this is a problem with the public sewer or the neighbor's. In this case, it is best to contact the staff of the utility service that services your home. They should send a technician to deal with the general sewer system.

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Preventing blockages in the bathroom

In order to prevent the formation of a plug in the drain system, follow the preventive measures:

Carry out preventative cleaning every 2 weeks.
Install a special fine mesh in the drain hole that will trap debris.
After showering and washing your hair, remove hair to prevent it from ending up in the drain.
Replace the pipes with plastic ones to avoid corrosion build-up and rust chips.

To prevent blockages, keep the bathtub clean, remove hair, avoid getting wool, threads, sand and other debris into the drain hole.
You can clear the blockage in the bathtub yourself, using improvised means or specialized household chemicals. After cleaning, follow the rules for using plumbing and carry out preventative cleaning to avoid recurrence of the problem or more serious troubles.

Effective methods for clearing sewer clogs

A good old plunger and cable.
These two things are found in almost every home. A plunger is a stick with a rubber tip shaped like a large suction cup that can suck out or push debris through.

Using this simple invention you can get the following results:

Prevent the formation of blockages.
Eliminate the causes of slow water drainage.
Assess the scale of pollution.

Recommendations for using the plunger:

Install the device so that its rubber part covers the drain hole.
Draw a small amount of water into the bath (dry efficiency is reduced).
Make a few pumps, moving the handle up and down.
Check if the water is leaving.
Rinse off the pumped out debris.

If this doesn’t help and the blockage in the bathroom still doesn’t go away, then what should you do? Use cable:

Insert it into the drain hole.
Push forward into the pipes and twist at the same time.
When the voltage drops (the blockage is cleared), carefully move the cable back and forth.
Remove and wash the product.

Chemicals

The modern chemical industry has taken care to make the process of removing blockages as fast and comfortable as possible.

Manufacturers are vying with each other to produce products for cleaning pipes from debris and deposits. The release form can be varied:

powder;
gel;
liquid.

The most common and inexpensive remedy is Mole, a domestic product that perfectly removes odors, food and fat residues, and also breaks down fibers (hair, wool, etc.). Produced by different companies and may differ slightly:

by composition;
price;
duration of action.

Compatibility with the type of pipes is usually indicated on the packaging. Here is a non-exhaustive list of effective drugs:

Mister Muscle.
Bugs.
Pothan.
Tiret.
Floop.
Mole.

Folk way to clear clogs: baking soda and vinegar

If you don’t have a plumber, a plunger, a cable, or purchased products at hand and the bathtub is clogged, it’s worth trying the folk method. To do this you will need:

½ cup baking soda;
½ cup vinegar;
1 liter of boiling water.

Follow these instructions:

Wipe the tub and the metal drain ring dry.
Pour baking soda into the drain hole.
Pour vinegar in there.
Pour in boiling water after 1 minute.
After 2-3 minutes, turn on the water - it should flow freely.

Siphon cleaning

If you are still sure that the reason for the slow drainage of water is a necessary or valuable item, it is worth learning how to clean the siphon in the bathroom. This will make it possible to remove what got into the drain and caused the blockage.

Siphon cleaning technology:

Lay a cloth under the siphon and place a basin or bucket.
Slowly unscrew the closure nut to prevent liquid from gushing out.
Remove the flask and drain the dirty water.
Remove debris, small parts or lumps that are causing the problem.
Rinse the siphon and remove plaque.
Reinstall the siphon.
Check the connections for tightness.

Now, if your bathtub suddenly becomes clogged, you will know what to do.

It is also worth watching a video on this topic:

Methods for eliminating leaks

As a rule, repairing a siphon is not a difficult task. And the materials necessary for this can be found in the pantry of almost any home. Below are some recommendations on what to do if the siphon is leaking.

Required Tools

Plastic siphons can be disassembled by hand, so no special tools are needed. Although in some cases a screwdriver, a cable for cleaning drain pipes may still be useful (a metal brush with a long handle or even an ordinary wire brush will also work), and it is advisable to stock up on a rag and a container for water. To restore the tightness of spare parts and their joints, silicone glue or sealant, a “liquid nails” type composition, and sometimes even a regular medical bandage are useful.

Siphon leaks can be eliminated using “liquid nails”

If you have to disassemble a metal siphon, especially one that has been in use for a long time, you may need tools such as a grinder and a drill. With their power, it will be possible to disassemble the siphon by sawing off the caps of the bolts, and then drilling out what is left. In order not to damage the metal siphon during disassembly, it is recommended to use power tools.

Restoring the tightness of gaskets

Abrasion or other changes in the condition of the gaskets can cause the siphon to begin to leak. Rubber parts that have hardened during use are best replaced. Usually they are available in any specialty store. In order for the purchased parts to last longer, they are lubricated with liquid soap or Vaseline, which facilitates the installation process.

However, there is not always the desire or opportunity to purchase new gaskets. In this case, you can try to restore the old ones. To restore them, they must be lubricated with silicone glue, sealant, or a compound called liquid nails, and then put in place. When the applied composition dries, the plumbing fixtures can be used. This measure will extend the life of the rubber gaskets for several more years.

Repairing cracks

If the pipe is cracked at the seam, then repairing it is quite simple. To begin with, the split site is cleaned with sandpaper and then lubricated with pre-diluted epoxy glue. If desired, dyes can be added to the composition used.

To repair cracks you will need epoxy glue

When the surface is lubricated, it is wrapped with a medical bandage. This event is performed two or three times. This creates several layers of epoxy glue and bandages on the pipe. The drying time for this design is about six hours. After drying, the siphon can be put back in place and the plumbing can be used. A pipe reinforced in this way becomes much stronger than the one originally purchased.

Sealing connections

Sealing of connections may be necessary due to manufacturing defects or during operation. Sometimes it becomes necessary to additionally seal the joints of the siphon parts. For example, a worn thread prevents the rubber gasket from being pressed tightly against the hole. In this case, tow or silicone tape is used for compaction. It is important to remove excess sealant after securing the nut. In some cases, if the thread is seriously damaged, cold welding can be used, however, this will extend the service life for only a short time, since the fragile plastic will soon continue to crumble. In this case, it is better to take care of purchasing a new siphon.

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Cable

Plumbing cable is a thick twisted wire, rolled into a small spiral. For convenient rotation, there is a handle with a wooden or plastic attachment at the end.

This device is actively used to remove sewer blockages. Moreover, we are talking mainly about metal pipes.

Application:

The end of the cable must be carefully inserted into the drain hole.

It is best to do the work together. So, one person slowly rotates the handle, and the other carefully pushes the cable forward.

When the cable is twisted, accumulated debris is removed from the pipes, that is, the blockage is destroyed.

As soon as the tension in the pipes decreases, you need to pull the cable back and forth several times.

The cable is carefully removed, washed and stored.

If the procedure is ineffective, it is repeated.

Precautionary measures

Fecal water and sludge are very toxic and chemically aggressive substances; Sewer gases are also explosive. The danger is compounded by the fact that toxic substances can enter the body through intact skin.

Mains plumbers are well aware of this and do not neglect safety precautions.

Domestic plumbers rarely have to deal with large masses of toxic substances or gas emissions from a pipe, but in each such case the consequences are severe precisely because of the neglect of safety precautions

Apartment residents have nothing to fear: the water seal in the siphon elbow reliably locks the pipe outlet. But when replacing the siphon, its pipe will be open, and you will have to work with your hands in the immediate vicinity of the sludge deposits and clean it off. Therefore, stock up on latex gloves, a plastic apron and a petal respirator. If suddenly you experience that same 1 in 10,000 cases, it will do no harm.

Siphon cleaning

Male owners don’t think long about how to clear a clog in the bathroom. As a rule, they immediately begin cleaning the siphon. This procedure allows you to get rid of debris accumulated in pipes and unpleasant odors in the room.

Cleaning procedure:

On the floor directly under the siphon you need to lay a rag that absorbs moisture well.

Place a basin on top of the fabric. This simple measure will prevent dirty water from getting on the floor.

The bolt nut must be unscrewed very carefully. After this, you need to remove the flask.

Immediately after this, the water that formed the water seal will flow into the basin.

The siphon itself should be thoroughly rinsed with water and all plaque removed from the walls.

Such cleaning can also act as a preventive measure. For this purpose, the siphon is cleaned every 2-3 months.

What to do if there is a sewer smell coming from the drain?

It may be that you regularly clean the room, fill the plumbing with chemicals, but this does not help. And the unpleasant smell of sewage from the drain is still present, how can you remove it?

It is worth noting that sewerage is not always the source of an unpleasant odor. Shower trays are often made from acrylic. If the technology is violated, an unpleasant odor may come from the pallet. In some cases it can be eliminated.

We recommend that you read our special article on why an acrylic bathtub smells and what to do about it?

To fix the problem, you need to find out where it is coming from.

Why does the shower smell like sewer? The most common reason is improper plumbing design. If the siphon is installed according to the rules, then the water will go into the sewer, and a small part will remain in the pipe. This creates a water seal that prevents unpleasant odors from filling the apartment. When there is no water seal, the sewer smell goes directly into the bathroom.

Don't ignore the unpleasant smell of sewerage. Even if it does not affect your mood and general condition in any way, you need to remember that it is harmful to your health. Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia can have a detrimental effect on the respiratory tract.

If everything is in order with the siphon design, then the reason may be a damaged sewer pipe. If the tube has come loose and does not fit tightly to the riser, an unpleasant odor may appear.

In addition, the problem may lie in the fact that the remains of skin and debris that accumulate in the pipe begin to rot. If you are sure that everything is in order with the plumbing, then you need to clean the siphon using the methods that we wrote about above.

Cleaning the siphon at home

If the cause of the blockage is in the siphon, you can clean it at home. It is worth noting that this cleaning is useful not only for blockages in the bathroom, but also for preventing the elimination of unpleasant odors.

On the surface under the siphon itself, you need to lay a rag that absorbs moisture well.

Place a bucket or basin on top of the rag. These things will protect your floor from excess water and thereby reduce the cleaning time afterwards.

Carefully unscrew the closure nut and remove the entire flask

Please note that water will flow out after opening the flask.

The siphon itself is washed with hot water, thereby thoroughly washing away any remaining debris.

Afterwards, return all the components to their places, the main thing is to make sure that the pipe does not rest against the siphon flask.

Open the water and check the parts for damage.

At home, this procedure is recommended as a preventative measure, about once every few months.

The kitchen faucet is leaking, how to fix it yourself

To repair a plumbing fixture in the kitchen yourself, prepare the following tools and materials:

A knife with a sharp tip.
Adjustable and hex wrench.
Screwdrivers.
Consumables: new cartridges, rubber gaskets, taps - axle boxes.
Technical aerosol WD 40, if metal elements are stuck to each other.

It doesn't matter what type of faucet is installed in your kitchen. Its repair should begin with shutting off the water supply and draining its remains into the sink

Next, we proceed to repairs, according to the design features of the plumbing fixture.

Single lever kitchen faucet repair

Single lever faucets fail due to:

Cracks and chips formed on the body.
Cartridges clogged.
Wear of gaskets.
Aerators clogged.

Dealing with these breakdowns is quite easy. If the leak appears for other reasons, it is necessary to act in a certain sequence - slowly and carefully:

Remove the decorative plug from the faucet body using a screwdriver or a sharp knife.
In the resulting hole we will see a screw that connects the adjusting rod and the lever.
Unscrew it with a hex wrench.
Remove the lever from the body and unscrew the decorative casing. If the parts are not stuck to each other, you can do this by hand. Otherwise, use WD 40 prepared in advance.
There is a clamping nut under the decorative casing. Carefully unscrew it with an adjustable wrench.
If the ball device is disassembled, there will be a sealing collar under the nut. It will need to be carefully inspected for defects, tears and degree of contamination. We take out the ball and inspect its surface. It should be clean and even. Next, remove the support springs and seals. If they are in poor condition, then this is what leads to leakage.
When disassembling the mixer with a cartridge, it is removed and subjected to a thorough inspection.
Failed parts are replaced with new ones.
We assemble the tap in reverse order.

Repair of a two-valve mixer

If a two-valve faucet is installed in the kitchen, the principle of repair work is as follows:

Remove the decorative plug on the flywheel in the valve.
Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw that secures the flywheel.
We remove the flywheel. In front of us there will be a crane - an axle box.
We unscrew it counterclockwise and inspect it for defects.
If the gasket of a worm-type axlebox is damaged, replace it with a new one. If you have a crane with an axle box with ceramic discs, they are completely replaced.
We assemble the product in reverse order.

Eliminating the causes of leaking plumbing fixtures on your own is quite easy and simple. But faucet leakage is not the only problem with faucet malfunction.

Other faucet breakdowns and fault prevention

In almost all cities and towns, the quality of water in taps leaves much to be desired. Because of this, dirt appears on the aerator over time. When there is too much scale on the inside of the aerator, the water pressure decreases. The problem can be solved quite easily by replacing the aerator. It can be unscrewed quite easily with an adjustable wrench or by tapping a hammer on the surface.

If the faucet is leaking due to a crack formed in it, only a complete change of plumbing will help. Silicone sealant can fix the leak for a short time.

To extend the life of your kitchen faucet, it is recommended to use water filters, use appliances carefully, do not tighten the valves too much, and constantly monitor the condition of the plumbing.

You can fix plumbing leaks in the kitchen quickly with your own hands. To do this, you will need to prepare consumables and the necessary tools, carefully familiarize yourself with the sequence of work and stock up on free time.

What causes blockage

In most cases, a dense plug is formed due to small debris, clothing threads, hair, pet hair, and even pieces of soap getting into the drain pipe.

When you first encounter problems with your bathtub drain system, remember that there are three categories of blockages:

Mechanical - caused by the accumulation of debris deposits.
Operational - formed due to the lack of regular prevention.
Man-made - associated with improper installation of the system, wear and tear of equipment and all kinds of gusts, accidents, leaks, etc.

If there is no blockage and the water outflow is weak, check the pipes. Perhaps the reason lies in the insufficient slope of the outlet pipe or in the small size of its cross-section. Increasing the slope of the drain pipe will eliminate the problem. Lower the socket of the sewer riser or raise the bathtub.

If you need to remove a blockage, use comprehensive methods to clean all pipes, including the sewer riser.

What does biogas consist of?

Most of the sewer system is an empty pipeline system. Inside it, any gases move easily and freely occupy the available volume. In private buildings, such independent structures are connected to settling tanks and special waste containers. Fermentation occurs there, the gradual decomposition of organic substances. With an excessive increase in gas volumes, the pressure in the entire sewer network rapidly increases. If it exceeds the permissible value, then gas enters the home. As a rule, this manifests itself in the same way: an unpleasant odor from the toilet, sink or bathtub, as well as gurgling sounds in the hydraulic valve.

The composition of biogas includes: methane, carbon dioxide, impurities of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds. The first component occupies approximately 63% of the total volume, the rest are significantly less. Moreover, some of the latter are more harmful to health.

Biogas is formed during anaerobic (without air) methane fermentation of biomass Source strojdvor.ru

Causes of blockages

Causes of blockage: improper care of plumbing equipment and violation of the rules of its operation; which leads to the accumulation of debris, which clogs the lumen of the pipes, disrupts the drainage of water, and provokes the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Mechanical cleaning, the use of commercial cleaning chemicals, as well as traditional methods will help get rid of the problem.

The most common cause of a clog in the sewer is the accumulation of hair, threads, and animal fur. Small debris and specks clump together, block the lumen of the pipe and disrupt the normal outflow of water

A plug can form as a result of improper installation of pipes, if the recommended angle of inclination is not observed. In this case, dismantling the pipeline and installing a new sewer system in accordance with the standards will help correct the situation.

In old metal pipes, the cause of blockage is rusty chips or metal build-up. To eliminate a problem of this kind, you cannot do without the help of a specialist and replacing communications with new ones - plastic.

Possible actions in case of siphon leakage

Modern plumbing units are predominantly made of plastic, so they can be easily disassembled, removed and replaced. Initially, you need to stop the water supply, find out the cause of the leak, and then decide on further actions.

If you discover that it is leaking under the sink precisely because of the siphon, you can take the following actions:

Clean the sink, prepare a container for collecting water (it will need to be placed under the siphon itself before removing it), and rags. Additionally, you can fill the drain with detergent for plumbing. This will remove some of the dirt characteristic of sinks and dissolve grease.
Diagnosis of the leak site. If an area of water accumulation is already visually visible, then you can immediately begin replacing or repairing the device. If you don’t know where the drains pass, you can insert a plug into the drain neck, after pumping out the liquid with a plunger, draw water into the sink, and then remove the plug. At this time, it is important to observe from which place the water is flowing;
Removing the siphon. You need to be prepared that the element can be filled with a variety of dirt, some of which will immediately fall off after disconnection, so you should not forget about the container and rags prepared in advance. The plumbing product needs to be washed, inspected and the issue of replacement or repair decided.

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Causes

A clogged bathroom drain can lead to serious plumbing problems. If the drain is clogged, all the dirt flows back into the container, it will not be very pleasant to take water procedures when mold with hair and soapy water come out of the drain hole.

Signs of a clogged bathroom:

Water drains more slowly than usual.
The dirt flows back into the container.
Unpleasant smell.
Puddles of water around appliances with drains.

The most common reasons why pipes become clogged are:

Hair and dead skin cells stick to the walls and begin to build up if not cleaned.
Clogging occurs due to frequent washing of things in the bathroom and constant use of water procedures. The water itself flows down the drain, and the soap settles on the walls.
A clogged pipe must be cleaned once a month. Long-term lack of proper care leads to the appearance of growths and limescale. The pipes begin to loosen and leaks appear.
The sewage system quickly becomes clogged if it was installed incorrectly during repairs. Due to the low slope, dirt accumulates faster.
Do not make many bends when installing the pipeline. They also accumulate more hair, grease, sand and other debris.
The sewer pipe should not be narrow. Otherwise, you will have to clean it very often, because it gets clogged faster.

Having found out the cause of the clogged drain, you can begin cleaning it. If you are not sure that you can cope with the task, then you cannot do without the intervention of a specialist.

Biogas pressure

Sometimes owners install independent drainage systems with their own hands. But in order to ensure the proper functioning of the septic tank, certain knowledge is required. Due to their absence, the container sometimes turns out to be hermetically sealed, devoid of ventilation. As a result of waste decomposition, biogas is released, which subsequently creates pressure inside the pipeline network. It begins to negatively affect plumbing siphons.

After draining the water, the volume of the latter increases, and at the same time gas accumulations are displaced. As a result, the pressure inside the system increases, a certain amount of gas overcomes the hydraulic seal and comes out. For this reason, the sewage system gurgles in the bathroom or other plumbing fixtures, since their constituent elements could not resist the gas pressure. This process usually results in the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The described problem can be eliminated using technical methods.

A water seal is a curved pipe that holds water, preventing the penetration of gases from the sewer network into the room Source remoo.ru

It happens that the drain sloshes loudly in the sink or bathtub even without draining. At such a moment, the volume of accumulated gases exceeds the permissible limits, and some of them penetrate through the water layer. This often happens in devices with small outlets, which are not always able to provide the necessary resistance. For example, modern plastic water seals designed for bathtubs have a small drop. It is easily overcome even by slight pressure of waste gases.

The main problem in the situations described is incorrect assembly of the system. The real root cause why the toilet gurgles in the bathroom when flushed is hidden in the complete tightness of the pipelines, as well as the lack of ventilation. As a rule, such a technical miscalculation is allowed at the stage of creating a project or during installation work.

As soon as it becomes obvious that the sink or toilet is “squelching”, you must immediately call a specialist Source i.ytimg.com

Expert advice

Experts recommend:

Purchase and install high-quality and reliable plumbing fixtures from trusted manufacturers. Such products do not retain debris well; they will not be destroyed during the cleaning process.
When carrying out emergency work on a clogged drain, do not use excessive force to avoid damaging it.
Do not use motor fuel or concentrated acids for cleaning. These substances are toxic and corrode plastic, metal and rubber.

What to pay attention to before cleaning a pipe

Before starting repair work, it is necessary to determine the location of the blockage. In most cases, it is formed in a siphon. This device has a narrow cross-section, joints and bends. You can find the traffic jam using a flashlight.

Materials for making kitchen faucets

The following materials are used in the manufacture of kitchen sanitary ware:

Metal alloys.
Polymers.
Ceramics.

Each individual option has its own characteristics and advantages:

Metal taps are the most popular and widespread. They do not oxidize and do not corrode. They are also resistant to chemical reactions. Modern models delight consumers with a long service life, aesthetics, and ease of use.
Products made from polymers have the most affordable prices. They do not have such a long service life as metal plumbing fixtures, but they are pleasing with their attractive appearance and comfort.
Ceramic products are time-tested. This material is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature, corrosion, or abrasive substances.

Mechanical methods

Mechanical methods can be used to clean the sewer system. These include a plunger, cable or vacuum cleaner.

Using these methods you can quickly remove the blockage.

plunger

Excellent for breaking through clogged pipes with a plunger. It consists of a long, straight handle with a flexible rubber cup mechanism mounted underneath.

This rubber piece acts like a suction cup to pull out any clogs. At home, this is the easiest method that perfectly cleans any drain holes.

How to unclog a bathroom:

A better result will be achieved if you plug the hole located above the drain, which is intended for overflowing water.
Do not use chemicals while using a plunger. During the procedure, hazardous substances may get on clothing or skin and leave burns.
The base of the plunger should be covered with water.
Place this item over the drain hole. The rubber cup should completely cover it. The handle should be vertical. If you tilt it slightly, it will reduce the force of pulling dirt.
Press down on the plunger until it adheres well to the bathtub. Then move the handle up and down for 15-20 seconds.
Then you need to pull out the plunger and look at the result. If the water drains well, you can stop the procedure; if it doesn’t drain well, repeat.

After clearing the drain, turn on the hot water to flush out any remaining debris. Gradually increase the pressure so that not a trace remains of the blockage.

Cable

At home, sewer systems are cleaned using a plumbing cable. If the plunger does not help, you can use this device.

A plumbing cable is a flexible metal rope, which is made with a diameter of 6 mm and up to 5 m in length.

You can also make it yourself. For example, take a wire hanger and straighten it, and at the end make a small hook, with which it will be more convenient to pull out the hair.

How to clear a clog in the bathroom:

The wire is carefully inserted into the drain hole so as not to damage the siphon. Simultaneously with insertion, it is necessary to rotate the cable. When the cable is inserted to the maximum possible depth, it is turned 2-3 times and removed

The hook will catch hair and other waste. You can repeat the procedure until all contaminants are removed.

After that, turn on the hot water to clean the sewer system.

Vacuum cleaner

You can also clean the siphon and remove blockages from the pipes with a vacuum cleaner. The household appliance is convenient to use.

How to clear a blockage:

The rubber nozzle from the plunger is installed on the vacuum cleaner pipe and securely secured with electrical tape. Don't worry, the glue can be cleaned with alcohol.
You need to remove the garbage bag from the household appliance and connect the hose and pipe to the blowout hole.
All you have to do is turn on the device and start cleaning the drain hole.

This is the easiest method on how to clean a siphon at home.

Cleaning with professional units

Hydraulic or electromechanical cleaning can only be done by a plumber, since he has all the necessary equipment and the ability to use tools.

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In this way, debris that has accumulated over several years is eliminated. At the same time, the craftsmen select devices that are suitable for your pipes so as not to damage or deform them.

Using a cable for severe blockage in the bathroom

A special plumbing cable is a dense wire coiled in a spiral shape. At one end of the cable there is a special wooden handle. On the other side there is a boron. The most positive feedback about the use of this method relates to eliminating severe blockages in metal sewer pipes.

Procedure for clearing a blockage with a plumbing cable:

The end of the cable is inserted into the bathroom drain hole or directly into the pipe.

It is best to carry out this work with someone's help. This is necessary for someone to hold the handle on one side while twisting the cable clockwise. The second person pushes the cable forward.

It is very important that the plumbing cable is always tensioned, otherwise it will twist. Using a plumbing cable helps to effectively solve the clog problem.

It easily passes through the pipes and, getting into the center of the blockage, pushes it well

Using a plumbing cable can effectively solve the clog problem. It easily passes through the pipes and, getting into the center of the blockage, pushes it well.

After cleaning the pipes in the bathroom, you need to remove the cable and put it away.

If necessary/if necessary, you can use the cable again.

How to fix

Inside the bathroom

We first determine the location of the blockage. If water does not drain from the sink, but does not linger in the bathroom, the sink siphon is clogged. When there is a bad odor coming from your bathtub drain and strands hanging off the crossbar, the U-flap or corrugation is likely clogged.

If the water drains at first and then stands, it may be a riser. With a combined kitchen and toilet sewer system, proper functioning of the toilet indicates a clogged wiring inside the room.

There are three cleaning methods:

hydraulic;
mechanical;
chemical.

Hydraulic “emergency” is carried out with a plunger; at the initial stage it is usually possible to break through the plug. The plunger allows you to clean the system by alternately creating a vacuum - excess pressure by a compressible rubber valve. The liquid, together with the dirt, rushes under the kvach by inertia. Hair caught on the crosspiece is removed with a crochet hook.

Close the overflow hole tightly with your palm (or a wet rag) for efficient operation of the kvacha. To prevent the rubber valve from sucking in air, immerse it halfway in water.

Plungers for sinks and toilets are sold; the latter have a tapering nozzle. Plumbers have powerful piston ones in their arsenal, however, this is not a panacea, since the joints of the plastic wiring cannot withstand excess pressure. Specialists use high-pressure units for hydrodynamic sewer cleaning:

Mechanical cleaning is combined with using a plunger. They use wire hooks, polymer brushes, and devices for winding threads. As a rule, a steel cable is used during partial disassembly, otherwise it is easy to break through the corrugation. The cargo cable and steel wire (“steel wire”) are inferior to the plumbing cable, wound in the form of a flexible shaft with a cross-section of 10–16 mm.

Adviсe:

Accessories:

The equipment listed above helps to temporarily restore patency. The issue can be radically resolved by dismantling the clogged unit. To clean the flat siphon:

Loosen the union nut connecting the flat elbow to the neck fitting.
Unscrew the nut connecting the adapter to the outlet or corrugated hose connected to the sewer.
Remove the elbow along with the adapter (it is acceptable to leave the adapter).

Removing the flat elbow

Disassemble the assembly by unscrewing the coupling nuts, clean and rinse.
Check the permeability of the outlet and the area behind it with a wire. The folds of the corrugation trap dirt, so take it out and rinse the sleeve.
Replace stretched conical seals. Reassemble in reverse order.

Assembling and disassembling the siphon:

Leaking joints are untwisted, dried, coated with silicone sealant, assembled, and the composition is waited for complete hardening according to the instructions on the tube.

The chemical method is more of a preventative measure. Factory-made products are effective against grease, but are powerless to dissolve scale; they will not overcome a ball of hair; the restoration of patency will be temporary.

Be sure to wear protective gloves! Follow the instructions on the bottle label regarding the dosage of the drug, exposure time, and safety precautions.

Do not rely on craftsmen’s recipes, especially those containing acids: excessive concentrations of solutions will damage gaskets, damage the coating of plumbing fixtures, and pose a health risk.

Notes on the device design

Bottle and tubular U-shaped models are designed for sinks; the former are more convenient to maintain. Bathtubs are often equipped with compact U-shaped flat ones. For cheap corrugated siphons, the shutter is installed by bending an accordion accordingly; the design is small-sized, but unreliable. A rigid connection with wiring is preferable to a flexible corrugated hose, but requires precise installation.

Pipe U-shaped.

Bottle

The bottle model does not require complete disassembly; just unscrew the settling tank. Leave a gap between the end of the vertical pipe and the bottom of the tank, otherwise deposits will quickly fill the gap. The distance is adjusted by moving the body along the pipe (for adjustable structures), fixing the position with nuts.

Don't forget to place a basin or bucket under the sink before starting work.

Unscrew the bottom.

Disconnect the sleeve.

We remove the body.

We wash it and put it back.

Sewer riser

In five-story Khrushchev buildings, inspection hatches are provided on the first and top floors; tall buildings were equipped with inspection hatches every three floors. Local cleanouts were also installed - outlets closed with plugs.

The risers of the current plastic network are equipped with revision tees with threaded covers. Similar smaller devices are installed near problem areas: walled up, hidden, sharp bends.

Briefly about the revisions:

If there is no hatch, it is advisable to disconnect the toilet corrugation to gain access to the riser tee. If there is a hard connection, you will have to remove the toilet or clean it through it.

Connecting the toilet using rigid bends.

Clean with a special cable with a handle. The tip can be equipped with hooks that hold fibers, strands, bags, and rags when pulling. It happens that they attach a pointed blank (for example, the peak of a jackhammer), break through the blockage, periodically lifting it and letting it fall freely, it is convenient to operate from the attic:

From the apartment proceed as follows:

Remove the threaded inspection cover (flanged for cast iron).
Lower the cable until it stops against the obstacle.
Holding the whip with your hand, simultaneously rotate the handle.
They impart a reciprocating motion to the wire to break through the barrier. Periodically remove and remove any trapped debris.

There is a danger of pushing the congestion lower. Then you will have to ask the residents of the lower apartment to open the audit, pushing the blockage towards them and removing the contents by hand. To prevent it from falling further, first plug the inner hole with a rag tied from the outside. Carefully monitor the movement of the spiral; it happens that repairmen pierce the plastic or run the wire towards the neighbors.

They produce mechanized cables with a set of attachments:

The worst option is a cast iron riser laid inside concrete panels. You can only get to it through repair hatches or from the attic. Wet walls of the entrance between floors indicate poor permeability of coupling joints: sewage stagnates and leaks through loosely caulked joints. For repairs, it is necessary to dismantle the brickwork covering the technical openings in the entrance.

An example from experience: “metalworkers” pulled out a drain pipe in the attic, dumping slag into the riser, and the cast-iron sewer system became tightly clogged. It was not possible to break through the jam with a cable or a load. The plumbers dismantled the masonry of the opening in the entrance, cut out a pipe segment with a grinder, and removed a bucket of slag. The hole was closed with a rolled sheet, welded with an electrode using cast iron.

External reasons

The sewage system in the basement or manhole usually becomes clogged due to the fault of careless residents who wash away unusable preserves, rags, bags, and construction waste. The latter can indirectly point to the culprit of the emergency.

The approximate location of the blockage is sometimes visible from the joints leaking under high pressure. Don’t try to do something yourself, call the management company. A clogged well is filled with sewage flowing out, and it’s time to call an emergency.

Causes of blockages

Pipes can become clogged for a number of reasons:

errors at the stage of laying the sewer system. If the pipe slope is insufficient, lumps of debris will form on an ongoing basis. In this case, the solution to the problem is to completely replace the sewer system;
long-term operation of pipes - even plumbing products made from high-quality materials begin to cope with their functions worse over time, the pipes become loose, and their inner surface becomes covered with various growths;
primary choice of materials - for example, deposits will form on cast iron pipes faster than on plastic analogues;
entry of foreign objects through the drain;
lack or insufficient care of home sewerage.

Hair is the leading cause of clogged pipes.

What causes clogged pipes?

Why is it dangerous for humans?

As a result of excessive accumulation of biogas inside the sewer system, the following serious consequences are possible:

Poisoning. Nausea, dizziness, low performance, severe fatigue, and inattention are observed.
Sudden ignition. When the gas reaches a high concentration, there is a risk of explosion.
Distribution of infectious agents of various diseases. The most dangerous among them today are considered to be: dysentery, tuberculosis, and polio.

It is important to remember: the percentage of gas components changes periodically, for the most part it depends on the stock volumes and the composition of organic matter. Therefore, it is almost impossible to foresee the consequences of inhaling gas accumulations. Biogas should not be allowed to enter living rooms in order to prevent harmful effects on the human body. When a toilet gurgles in a home, this portends the entry of dangerous gas components from the pipeline system into the premises. It is unacceptable to ignore such an alarming signal; we urgently need to address the emerging complexity.

A well-functioning sewer system never attracts attention: water leaves through the drain, then enters the riser, through which it is sent to the collector Source kanaliza.ru

Traditional methods of dealing with blockages

Folk remedies will help remove the blockage in the bathtub. They effectively and safely clean the lumen of the pipe with minimal labor, time and financial expenses.

Soda and vinegar

The chemical reaction of alkali and acid effectively copes with contaminants of any nature. Moreover, this cleaning method is safe for human health, plumbing and pipes.

Cleaning algorithm: pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain hole and pour 250 ml of vinegar, 9%. After 20 minutes, flush the pipeline with plenty of hot water.

A chemical reaction that occurs as a result of the interaction of baking soda and vinegar will help clear the clog.

Lemon

Lemon will help remove minor stains:

Squeeze the juice of one citrus and pour it into the pipeline.
Leave for 2 hours so that the natural acids have time to break down the impurities.
Flush the drain with plenty of hot water.

Hot water

You can clean pipes using hot water. It copes especially effectively with deposits of salts and fat. To clean, pour 2 liters of boiling water into metal pipes, and the same amount of water at a temperature of 70-80 ℃ into plastic pipes.

To enhance the effect, additionally use auxiliary means:

Pour 0.5 cups of salt and soda into the drain hole, pour 1 liter of hot water and leave for 2 hours.
Mix 2.5 liters of boiling water and 100 g of washing powder. Pour the resulting soap solution into the pipe and leave for a couple of hours. After cleaning, rinse the drain thoroughly with hot water.
Heat the baking soda in a cast iron frying pan (for 15 minutes) and then dissolve it in 250 ml of water. Pour the solution into the drain hole and leave for 2 hours. After the allotted time, rinse with hot water.

You can clean the drain hole and sewer with hot water at a temperature of 80 ℃. For metal pipes it is permissible to use boiling water

Features of the main types of kitchen taps

Thermostatic or touchless faucets are mostly installed in bathrooms. And in kitchens it is customary to use simpler plumbing fixtures - two-valve or single-lever. They all have the same elements: body, spout, aerator and sealing gaskets. Otherwise, these devices are very different from each other.

Installation of two-valve taps

Two-valve mixers are the most common. To open or close the water, just turn the valve. These products have two separate taps combined in one body and one spout. You can turn on hot or cold water independently of each other. Their main disadvantage is adjusting the position of the flywheels to obtain water at the required temperature. The design of the two-valve device consists of the following elements:

Valve heads.
Valves.
Cases.
Spout.
Aerator.

The faucet body is installed in the hole made in the kitchen sink and connected with a sealing gasket for high-quality sealing. The design of the mixer directly depends on the type of locking elements used. At the moment there are only two options:

Lapped ceramic discs that rotate within a limited area from each other.
The valve heads perform rotational and translational movements or reciprocating movements.

Depending on the structure of the device, the ease of its operation also depends. Such structures fail due to leaky rubber seals. You can solve this problem on your own.

Video

In order to understand the nuances of drain cleaning using mechanical methods, folk and chemical means, watch the presented videos:

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There are special traps to combat moths. The sticky layer with which they are covered contains female pheromones that attract males. By sticking to the trap, they are eliminated from the reproduction process, which leads to a decrease in the moth population.

Hydrodynamic method

This method of cleaning sewer systems is very effective. Washing is done quickly and efficiently.

The most important advantage of the hydrodynamic method is that it does not damage the pipeline, but on the contrary, its service life is extended, since the method is gentle.

This method is also environmentally friendly and destroys deposits of any nature.

Hydrodynamic cleaning is carried out only by plumbers, since its use requires special equipment.

The technique involves releasing a jet of water under pressure, its temperature can reach 120 degrees.

The hose with the nozzle moves further thanks to the jet thrust, which is created by jets of liquid supplied at high pressure.

It is recommended to carry out flushing using the hydrodynamic method 1–2 times a year. Thanks to this cleaning method, the sewer system will operate smoothly throughout the year.