How to clear a blockage in a pipe in a bathroom. How to clean the blockage in the bathroom with improvised means and household chemicals at home

It is impossible to find an owner who has not at least once encountered the problem of blockages in the domestic sewage system, its most vulnerable points are the drains of the toilet, kitchen sink and bath. The drainage of the bathtub is often associated with the sink and, if clogged, excludes its use, moreover, it is susceptible to specific pollution. Based on this, knowledge of how to remove a blockage in the bathroom is of no small importance in household management.

In the arsenal of the modern consumer there is a wide range of methods for cleaning siphons and pipes from aspirates, including various types of solutions and mechanical devices. Most of the work is easy to do with your own hands without calling the master, this only requires knowledge of the technology and the choice of the best option for eliminating the blockage for specific conditions.

Bathtub clogging can be caused by various reasons. The main ones are:

• Debris settling, pellets in the siphon and on the walls of the sewer pipes after draining the water from the washing machine, a large amount of hair clinging to the drain hole grate, clogging the passage hole.
• Drainage of liquid food waste, dirty water after cleaning into the bathtub also contributes to the accelerated formation of blockages, the accumulation of fatty deposits on the walls of the pipes.
• If the siphon in the bath has been improperly installed, or the sewer pipes are laid with a low slope, the pipeline will clog too often, forming blockages.
• The general deterioration of the system with rough inner walls of the pipes contributes to the appearance of permanent odors and significantly accelerates the formation of blockages, preventing the rapid release of dirt into the sewer system.
• Prolonged absence of hot water when using the bathroom leads to the formation of fatty deposits on the walls of the pipes and the adhesion of dirt to it. This constricts the passageway and contributes to frequent blockages.

How to remove blockages in the bathroom

All methods of eliminating blockages in sewer pipes can be conditionally combined into several groups:

• Mechanical. An effective way to clean the bathtub when the blockage is a tight plug is to apply physical force to it. Clogs are removed with a variety of mechanical devices in the form of spiral cables of various lengths, many models have tail nozzles.
• Hydraulic. The sewer pipeline is cleaned by the movement of a stream of water or the destruction of sediments with water jets directed at the walls of the pipes under high pressure. In everyday life, plumbers of various designs are mainly used, in the form of a long hose with various spray nozzles at the end, plumbers are used for professional cleaning of long pipelines.
• Chemical. The technology is based on the decomposition of the components of blockages by chemical substances; in domestic conditions, both independently prepared folk remedies and various compositions of household chemicals are successfully used.

Plumbing cable

When deciding how to break through a blockage in a bath, the consumer often chooses reliable and durable mechanical devices. Modern household plumbing cables are a spring with a length of no more than 10 m, having a diameter of 6 or 9 mm. Since it must rotate during cleaning, all devices have a handle at the end; for convenience, the spiral is sometimes placed in the case. To increase the efficiency and quality of cleaning work, many devices are equipped with nozzles of various shapes - spirals, brushes, pointed tips, pointed plates in the form of tentacles.

Standard spiral wire cleaning is carried out as follows:

• For the convenience of work, the siphon is removed, which is subsequently washed and cleaned of dirt.
• A plumbing cable is inserted into the inlet of the sewer pipe and gradually pushed forward by rotating the handle.
• If resistance is encountered on the way, the cable is moved several times back and forth, achieving the passage of the plug.
• Upon reaching the riser (the distance to it can be approximately determined by eye or measured with a tape measure, and then glue the mark on the cable with electrical tape), the spiral is returned back and cleaned of dirt.
• The cleaning operation is repeated several times, rinsing the rope in a container with hot water and detergent. Do not make quick and abrupt movements of the cable when pulling it out - the iron spiral can damage the inner walls of the plastic pipes and this will lead to an increase in the frequency of blockages.

If the blockage in the bath consists of hair, it is possible to remove it at home using another mechanical method. For its implementation, special plastic devices are purchased in the retail network in the form of narrow strips with jagged edges - snakes, designed to pull hair out of the drain grate. The device has a length of about 500 mm and is equipped with a handle for ease of use.

Ventuz

The presence of a plunger is mandatory in every apartment and house. Perhaps this is the best remedy for blockage in the bathroom due to its efficiency, speed of work, cheapness, lack of mechanical and chemical effects on the sewer pipeline. A typical fixture is a rubber hemisphere with a central handle on the outside for mechanical squeezing. When the handle is pressed, the air under the hemisphere is squeezed out into the drain hole and thus the water flow moves, pushing out the plug.

A huge assortment of plungers is presented in the trade network, from the simplest devices of the above design to complex professional devices operating on the principle of a hydraulic pump.

To get rid of the blockage with a plunger, proceed as follows:

• If the plug actively prevents the drainage and the water in the bath does not drain, put a plunger on the drain hole and carry out a repeated procedure of pressing the handle. After the water has drained off with an unsatisfactory result (slow drain), carry out the following operations.
• Close the drain hole with a plug and slightly fill the bath with hot water, then remove the plug and allow the water to drain for a while to fill the pipes.
• They put the plunger on the drain hole and reciprocate with the handle about 10 times; for the best effect, it is advisable to seal the overflow hole with the second hand, pressing a rag placed in a plastic bag to it.
• The plunger is removed and the draining process is analyzed, if the operation was successful, the pipes are washed with hot water, if there is no result, the procedure is repeated.

Cleaning the siphon

The siphon, due to its curved shape, is quite often clogged with dirt, it is almost always removed when using a plumbing cable, which, without a nozzle, hardly passes through the drain grate. When modern household models of cables with wide heads are used, they are inserted into the sewer pipes, while the interfering siphon is removed, subsequently clearing it of dirt and rinsing.

The procedure for complete removal and cleaning of a standard siphon is as follows:

• Place a dry cloth or dishes with low sides under the siphon (if space permits), unscrew the plastic clamping nuts from the overflow pipe and the corrugation entering the sewer pipeline with your hands.
• Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw securing the drain grate to the siphon body, after which the flask is easily removed from under the bath, how can you remove the corrugation leading to the sewer.
• Place the siphon, corrugation in a bucket of hot water and detergent, unscrew the lid of the sump, if any, and clean the part from dirt, completely rinsing all the elements in water.
• The assembly and installation of the siphon is carried out in the reverse order, then the water is turned on and all joints are checked for tightness by applying a dry cloth.

Chemicals

Thanks to active advertising, chemical preparations have confidently occupied their niche in the market for anti-blockages, which is clearly evidenced by their wide range in the retail network. Manufacturers of most household chemicals confidently declare and write on packages that their product is capable of: dissolving limescale, hair, paper, organic food debris, grease and other contaminants. At the same time, the chemical components in the composition do not destroy sewer pipes made of the popular polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The drugs sold in the trade network are produced in the form of liquids, gels, powders and granules, the method of their use depends on this, which consists mainly in filling or pouring a substance into the drain hole.

According to various rating polls, the following group of chemical means to combat blockages is popular with an ordinary consumer:

Mole- a well-known trade mark, under which a number of domestic manufacturers supply their goods to the market, is distinguished by a good combination of efficiency and affordability - a 1 liter bottle can be purchased for 55 rubles. The main components of the drug are potassium and sodium hydroxides, surfactants (surfactants), acetic acid. When using, the Mole is poured into the drain hole and left for 1.5 - 3 hours, during which time the plug should completely dissolve and free the pipes for water to pass through.

Chirton (Clean gutters)- An English drug of Russian production, produced in granules, can be attributed to the funds with the best price-effectiveness ratio. Chirton is more often produced in small packages weighing 60 g, costing from 20 rubles. The main components of the drug are caustic soda and sodium nitrate. Distinctive features of the application are the speed of action for 15 minutes and the ability to work in cold water. Since the alkali contained in the composition has a high concentration, the drug can cause burns and, upon contact with water, forms a poisonous gas, therefore work is carried out with gloves, and the room is well ventilated.

Bagi Pothan- Israeli pipe cleaner, perhaps the most potent drug of all analogues on the market. Its effectiveness corresponds to the price of 400 rubles. per 600 g granule packing. Bagi Pothan contains surfactants, caustic alkali and inorganic acids, thanks to which the product dissolves hair, paper and any organic waste within a few minutes. When using the drug, due to its extremely aggressive composition, the use of gloves and the organization of good ventilation of the room in which the cleaning work is carried out are obligatory.

Tiret- a gel-like preparation of an English brand from a Russian manufacturer, widely advertised in the media, with an average cost of a 1 liter bottle of 400 rubles. The main components of the composition are active chlorine with a whitening effect (5 - 15%), anionic surfactants (less than 5%). A 0.5 liter container is designed for 2 - 4 applications, the gel is poured directly into the drain hole of the bath and left for 5 minutes, after which it is washed off with plenty of hot water. When using Tiret, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Sanfor- a well-known brand of gel from a Russian manufacturer with a wide range of chemicals for various household purposes, always distinguished by the high efficiency of the presented product. The preparation contains hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide, active salts and surfactants. The cost of a bottle with a capacity of 750 g - from 80 rubles. The drug allows you to clear the blockage in the pipe in the bathroom for 5 - 15 minutes, is able to dissolve hair and does not require increased protection during operation.

Deboucher Aqualon- a domestic remedy for removing blockages, which includes sodium and potassium hydroxides, active catalysts and chlorine. The average cost of a 1 liter bottle of Aqualon Deboshir gel is 120 rubles. When used, the drug is poured into the sewer and left for 1 - 2 hours, after which it is washed off with hot water. The negative side of the product is an excessively high consumption - 0.5 liters of liquid is required to eliminate one blockage.

Folk remedies for removing blockages

At home, you can make preparations with your own hands to get rid of blockages. None of them will dissolve hair and paper, but they do a good job with other stains. The use of self-prepared formulations allows you to save money on the purchase of household chemicals, and due to their low efficiency, their use is more useful for prevention.

In the domestic economy, the following popular methods of dealing with gaps are most famous:

Hot water

Many users forget about this simple and effective method, with which any operation must be started before clearing the blockage in the bathroom at home. Hot water from the tap is not hot enough, so if you heat it up in a kettle and pour it into the drain hole, you can dissolve (soften) the blockage or grease on the walls of the pipes. If the plug cannot be completely removed, the preliminary application of boiling water will facilitate further cleaning work.

Important: When using hot water, you should be careful - the maximum temperature limit that the PVC pipe can withstand is 70 ° C, its presence in 100 ° C boiling water is permissible no more than 5 minutes.

Vinegar and soda

For proceed as follows:

• Pour half a pack of baking soda (250 g) into the drain hole and wait for it to disappear after dissolving in the remaining liquid on the walls of the pipes.
• After some time, one glass of 9% vinegar essence is poured into the drain and closed with a cork.
• Approximately half an hour after the end of the chemical reaction, hot water is turned on and the pipes are rinsed. For greater effect, before this, it is better to pour boiling water from a kettle into the drain.

Soda and salt

This combination is used as a liquid solution. For its preparation, 500 g of a pack of soda and 200 g of salt are dissolved in a liter of water, after which it is brought to a boil.

The hot solution is poured into the sewer pipes and the drain hole is closed with a plug. After the composition has cooled down, after about 2 hours, the pipes are washed with boiling water, and then with hot water.

Caustic soda

Caustic soda, unlike baking soda, has a pronounced effect, it is better to use it as a liquid solution, mixing about 200 g of the substance in a liter of boiling water. Then the composition is poured into a bath and closed with a stopper, after 2 hours the pipes are washed with hot water.

Prophylaxis

Taking preventive measures will help to avoid such a dangerous "disease" of the sewer pipeline as blockages. The most commonly used methods are:

• Cover the drain hole with removable fine grates to retain dirt and hair.
• To prevent contamination, cleaning with household chemicals or home-made solutions from available improvised components is used every six months.
• Periodically rinse the sewer in the bathroom with boiling water.
• When draining hot water with powder from the washing machine into the bathtub, it is effective to use a plunger to clean the pipes with a retained and reciprocating water stream.

To eliminate blockages in the bathroom, a wide range of methods are used using plungers, plumbing cables and chemicals. In this case, the overwhelming number of plugs is removed in the first way. Not only to remove the plug, but also to improve the drain, you can use plumbing cables with a tip in the form of a ruff, reagents purchased in the retail network or prepared by hand.

You can remove the blockage in the sewer pipe yourself. It is not necessary to call a plumber.

You can save a lot by cleaning the pipe with home remedies or household chemicals.

Causes

A dirty 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 will crawl out of the drain hole.

Signs of a blockage in the bathroom:

1. Water drains off more slowly than usual.
2. The dirt flows back into the container.
3. Puddles of water around appliances with drains.

Before cleaning, you need to find out the reason why the drain in the bathroom is clogged.

The most common reasons why pipes are clogged are:

1. Hair and dead skin cells stick to the walls and, if not cleaned, begin to accumulate.
2. Clogging occurs due to the frequent washing of things in the bathroom, the constant use of water procedures. The water itself flows down the drain, and the soap settles on the walls.
3. A clogged pipe must be cleaned once a month. Prolonged lack of proper care leads to the appearance of build-ups, limescale. The pipes begin to loosen and a leak appears.
4. The sewage system quickly clogs up if its installation was incorrectly carried out during the repair. Due to the low incline, dirt accumulates faster.
5. Do not make many bends when installing the pipeline. They also collect more hair, grease, sand and other debris.
6. The sewer pipe should not be narrow. Otherwise, you will have to clean it very often, because it clogs up faster.

Having found out the cause of the clogged sewage system, you can start cleaning it.If you are not sure that you will cope with the task at hand, then you cannot do without the intervention of a specialist.

Mechanical methods

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

With the help of such methods, it will be possible to quickly remove the blockage.

Ventuz

They perfectly pierce clogged pipes with a plunger. It consists of a long, straight handle with a flexible rubber cup mechanism mounted at the bottom.

This rubber piece acts like a suction cup, pulling out any debris. At home, this is the simplest method that perfectly cleans any drain holes.

How to unclog a blockage in a bathroom:

1. The best result will be achieved by plugging the hole above the drain, which is intended for overflowing water.
2. Do not use chemicals while using a plunger. During the procedure, hazardous substances can get on clothes or skin, leave burns.
3. The base of the plunger must be covered with water.
4. Place this item over the drain hole. The rubber cup must cover it completely. The handle should be upright. Tilting it slightly will reduce the pulling force of the dirt.
5. Press down on the plunger so that it sucks well. Then move the handle up and down for 15–20 seconds.
6. 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's bad, repeat it.

After clearing the drain from the blockage, turn on hot water to rinse the remaining dirt. Gradually increase the pressure so that no trace remains of the blockage.

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

Plumbing rope is a flexible metal rope that 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 they make a small hook, with which it will be more convenient to pull out the hair.

How to remove a blockage in the bathroom:

1. The wire is carefully inserted into the drain hole so as not to damage the siphon. Simultaneously with the introduction, it is necessary to rotate the cable.
2. When the cable is inserted to the maximum possible depth, turn it 2-3 times and pull it out.
3. Hair and other waste will cling to the hook. You can repeat the procedure until all contamination is removed.

After that, hot water is turned on to cleanse the sewer system.

Vacuum cleaner

You can also clean the siphon and remove the blockage from the pipes. The household appliance is convenient to use.

How to remove the blockage:

1. The rubber nozzle from the plunger is installed on the pipe of the vacuum cleaner and properly secured with electrical tape. Don't worry, the glue can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
2. Remove the garbage bag from the household appliance and connect a hose with a pipe to the blow hole.
3. It remains to turn on the device and start cleaning the drain hole.

This is the easiest method for cleaning a siphon at home.

There are a number of commercial products specifically designed for drain cleaning.

When using household chemicals, be sure to protect your hands with rubber gloves, wear a respirator and goggles.

To remove the blockage, you can use the following tools:

1. Domestos- an irreplaceable assistant in cleaning the bathroom. Cleaning with it does not take much time. Domestos can cope with this problem no worse than specialized alkaline products. How to use it: pour 7-10 caps of the product into the drain hole and leave it overnight. It is important that no one uses the bathroom at night, so you should warn all household members. In the morning, rinse the pipe with plenty of hot water.
2. Mole sold in liquid form. The entire procedure takes approximately 90 minutes. The liquid is poured into the drain hole, kept for the prescribed time (indicated in the instructions). Then the systems are flushed with hot water, simply by opening the tap. If the product accidentally gets on the skin, rinse immediately with clean water and contact the nearest burn department.
3. Tyreth- an excellent tool if you need to clean the sewer pipes and siphon at home. The liquid is a gel, unfortunately, it is not used economically. One bottle is enough for only 2 cleanings. Tiret is poured into the drain hole, and left to act for 5 minutes, if the blockage is strong, you can stand it for 30 minutes. The remaining cleaning agent is washed off with running water. Tiret should not be mixed with acids, as the reaction can cause severe burns to the respiratory tract.
4. Mister Muscle can be used for cleaning all types of drain pipes. The substance is granular, but it can also negatively affect the condition of the skin, so do not forget to wear rubber gloves. Mister muscle is poured into the drain hole and left for half an hour. During this time, the chemical will have time to eliminate not only the blockage, but also kill pathogenic microorganisms, remove the stench. Then rinse the drain hole with hot water.
5. Sky another noteworthy remedy for. It destroys germs, dissolves soap deposits, hair and even threads. The product is on sale in sachets. The contents of one sachet are poured into the sewer hole, which must be unclogged, and wait 15 minutes. Then the residues are washed off with running water. Be careful when removing residual agent around the drain hole.

Household chemicals will solve the problem well and quickly. But if you are an asthmatic and a respirator does not help, it is better to use folk methods of removing a clogged pipe.

Folk remedies

In the life of every person, sooner or later there comes a moment when there is a problem with how to clean the siphon in the sink and remove the blockage in the bathroom.

If the house does not have a plumbing cable or plunger, you can use folk remedies.

There are many ways you can use baking soda. But for its application it is necessary that there is no water in the bathroom.

Correct elimination of the problem:

1. Bring rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Caustic soda can cause chemical burns and has fantastic degreasing properties. It is easy to deal with a clogged drain if there is such a remedy in the house. Take a bucket and pour 2 liters of water into it, add 3 cups of caustic soda. Mix the solution well with an old wooden spoon. When the liquid starts to sizzle, pour it into a clogged siphon. Let the solution work for 20-30 minutes, then turn on the hot water. The procedure can be repeated if it was not possible to clean the clogged drain the first time.
2. Mix ½ cup table salt with ½ cup baking soda, add water and pour into a pipe. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then pour in boiling water. Salt, baking soda, and boiling water will create a chemical reaction that should dissolve the plaque.
3. Baking soda and vinegar are natural alternatives to chemicals. This method is environmentally friendly and will not damage plastic pipes. Pour boiling water down the drain. Then add ½ cup of baking soda and push it inside. Leave the drain alone for 5 minutes. Next, pour in 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup boiling liquid. The baking soda and vinegar will fizzle, this chemical reaction will help clear the pipe. After 10–20 minutes, pour a kettle of hot water down the drain to flush out any dirt weakened by this product.

Baking soda, vinegar, and salt are cheap remedies that can be found in the grocery section. These cleaning agents quickly remove dirt from the pipes and flush out the siphon.

Boiling water

This method can be applied regularly, even every day. But if the pipe becomes heavily clogged, the boiling liquid may not help.

Boil more water and pour slowly down the drain 2-3 times, letting the hot water work for a few seconds. This is the fastest way to clean out the drain if the bathtub is clogged.

Dish detergent

Dishwashing detergent is capable of breaking down grease stains. It can be used if you need to clean the siphon or.

What to do to break through the drain - the algorithm of actions:

1. First, boiling water is poured into the sewer.
2. Then add ¼ cup of dish detergent.
3. Wait 15–20 minutes and refill the boiling water.
4. After half an hour, you can turn on a large pressure of hot water and rinse thoroughly.

Dish detergent can be used in conjunction with a plunger. This makes cleaning even better.

Sulphuric acid

Sulfuric acid is a good chemical commonly used to unclog a bathroom pipe if it gets heavily clogged.

Sulfuric acid is a harsh chemical and can be used, but plumbers do not recommend it. They argue that it will not work to get rid of the blockage with its help, in addition, its use will lead to the destruction of the sewage system.

Better to buy household chemicals that can be found on the counter of any hardware store.

This method of cleaning sewer systems is very effective. Washing is fast and efficient.

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

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

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

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

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

Prophylaxis

The likelihood of blockages is higher if the sewer pipes are already old. In order to clean the drain holes as little as possible, you must first replace the entire system.

Remove dirt from the outside whenever possible. After each shampooing, it is necessary to put on rubber gloves and remove them from the drain hole.

It is also necessary to use a plunger at least 2 times a week, as well as after each shampooing. This will remove all hair from the drain hole.

Such simple measures will prevent dirt from quickly accumulating on the inner surface of the pipes.

Cleaning the sewer system can be done not every week, but once a month. If the drain becomes clogged faster, then cleaning should be done more often.

The situation when the water in the sink "does not want" to go through the pipes is familiar to many, so it is important to know how to clean the blockage in the bathroom. In this case, there are several options: chemicals or improvised. They have different efficacy and safety of use. The key in the fight against blockages is systematicity, because the slow outflow of water does not happen just like that, you do not need to wait until the pipes are completely clogged.

A plastic device for removing a blockage from pipes called "snake"

Folk methods for cleaning pipes are also very effective.

Why is there a blockage?

Before starting a fight, you need to know the enemy by sight, which means you need to figure out what are the causes of blockages. The first, and perhaps the most important, is the vital activity of people. It is not always possible to control what and in what volumes enters the sink, and therefore into the pipes. The most difficult in terms of clogging are:

1. The hair, the longer, the more reliably the pipe clogs.
2. Animal wool.
3. Pieces of rags (rags).
4. Paper, napkins.
5. Items that should not be in the pipes.

Blockages are different, and differ in the degree of water passage. If it does not go away at all, then this is a complete blockage, this occurs if a cork of loose debris has formed in the pipes, the same hair, wool, paper. If the water leaves, but more slowly than usual, then this is an incomplete blockage. And this is even worse, because over time, an unpleasant smell will be added to the difficulties with the outflow of water, because what is stuck in a "favorable" environment with high humidity will begin to rot and exude an odor.

• improper operation. Do not wash pets, carpets in the bathroom;
• incorrect installation of the pipe system. If there is insufficient slope or pipes sagging, blockages will be common.

Note! You can deal with blockages, but it is easier to prevent their formation.

Blockage prevention

Preventive measures come down to not letting debris foreign to the pipes into the sink. It is easier to prevent blockages if it becomes a habit. Key measures:

1. Install a special mesh with small holes in the drain hole. It will not hold everything, but a lot of garbage remains on it.
2. Perform preventive cleaning from time to time using the methods below.
3. Spill the pipes with boiling water regularly - once a week. The volume of water is within 2-3 liters. This will wash away any soapy deposits on the walls.
4. When changing pipes, check the correct angle of inclination.

How to clear a blockage in the bathroom: plunger

Using a plunger is the most common way to clear a blockage in a bathroom at home.

Note! Using a plunger is an excellent prevention of the formation of soap deposits on the pipes in the bathroom.

It would seem that the most traditional way, but for its implementation you need to understand the process. If a blockage has formed in the sink, then cleaning is quite simple:

• install a plunger on the drain hole;
• make 10 sharp up and down movements.

Often this vacuum is sufficient for cleaning.

The bathroom is another matter. All due to the fact that there is a different water drainage system. When water overflows, air enters the opening, and in such conditions it is impossible to create a vacuum. You need to act like this:

1. Close the water outlet tightly with the plug.
2. Lubricate the plunger with Vaseline and press it against the drain.
3. Do 10 back and forth movements. The sharper the better.

Note! When clearing the blockage in the bathroom, you need to close the hole for pouring water well, you just don't need to plug it with a rag - this will not give the desired effect. The best solution is to use another plunger, but this requires an assistant.

If this did not help "break through" the blockage, you should use another method. To do this, pour water into the bathroom, and it must be hot. Level - half the height of the rubber plunger bowl. The latter is immersed in water at an angle. At the last swing down, the plunger must be pulled out of the water. Repeat the procedure several times if necessary.

Plumbing cable

The previous method is only suitable if the blockage is minor, it cannot cope with a serious blockage. Option - plumbing cable. It is suitable if:

1. Blockage deep in the pipe.
2. The "plug" that closes the water outflow is strongly compressed.

The essence of the method is to mechanically get rid of the blockage, pull it out or push it deeper into a wider pipe. The length of a standard cable is 3 meters, and this is quite enough for removing deep blockages.

The technique of using the cable is simple, but it must be strictly observed. Subsequence:

• the cable is inserted into the drain hole;
• one person pushes, the other rotates the cable. This contributes to the destruction of the blockage and prevents the cable from kinking at the pipe bends;

• after the blockage has been passed, you need to make a couple of jerks back and forth. After opening hot water, you will wash off the dirt formed on the pipe;
• now you can gently pull out the cable.

You can buy this cleaning attachment at any hardware store.

Note! It cannot be used for plastic and chrome-plated pipes, the structure of the cable may damage their inner surface.

Special means

There is a huge choice of ready-made chemicals that can be used to get rid of the blockage, as well as the spread of prices. Before you clear the blockage in the pipe in the bathroom with one of them, you need to familiarize yourself with the recommendations for using such tools. If the blockage is running, then only chemical means cannot be dispensed with, you will have to use the mechanical ones presented above.

Advice! When choosing, one should give preference to the one where it is indicated that it dissolves wool and hair.

Important Tips:

1. Powder and liquid products do not differ in effectiveness.
2. When buying, check with the seller if the product is suitable for the type of pipes that are available in your home.
3. Liquid products should be poured directly into the drain hole, after pouring powders, pour hot water (1 glass).
4. After the time specified in the instructions, spill the pipes with hot water in order to rinse the pipes well and remove debris.
5. When using these products, it is important not to use the bathroom for a while. It is optimal to clean at night.

Note! When using any chemical agent, it is important to strictly adhere to the instructions. After all, even the highest quality ones cause damage to the pipes.

Specific means

In the store in the thematic section, you can get confused, but there are a number of tools that are especially popular with consumers. Among them:

• "Mole" is a well-known remedy used by our mothers and grandmothers for a long time. But it cannot be used for plastic pipes;

• Mister Muscle is suitable for all pipes. The active substance penetrates into all the nooks and crannies of the sewer system. In addition to eliminating various types of blockages, it removes bacteria, thereby eliminating unpleasant odors;

• Tiret removes blockages quickly. Has no ammonia odor;

• "Potkhan" - dissolves all types of blockages, and quickly.

When working with any chemicals, rubber gloves, an oilcloth apron and safety goggles should be used.

After using the product, if there is a siphon in the bathroom and kitchen, it must be thoroughly cleaned.

Traditional methods

If you are looking for methods on how to clean a blockage in a bathroom sink or in the bathroom itself and do not want to use chemistry, and mechanical methods cannot be used for some reason, folk methods will come to the rescue.

There are many dubious methods that not only will not be able to get rid of the blockage in the pipe, but will also lead to additional expenses. Among them:

• Using a vacuum cleaner. The pipe of the household appliance is brought to the drain hole and turned on at full power. The results are deplorable, and the most minimal of them is the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner.
• Citric acid is simply not effective.

In practice, the effectiveness of soda has been confirmed, and it can be combined with salt or vinegar.

Soda + vinegar

To implement this method, you need the following ingredients:

• soda;
• vinegar (it is best to use white distilled);
• boiling water;
• rag or terry cloth.

Cleaning sequence:

1. Pour half of the soda bag into the drain hole. It is important that the baking soda is dry.
2. Pour vinegar in a volume - 0.5 tbsp. well, if you warm it up a little. Cover the hole immediately with a rag. This will keep the volcano that forms from the baking soda and vinegar inside the pipe.
3. Leave everything as it is for 30 minutes. During this time, the debris that blocked the outflow of water will dissolve.
4. Boil the kettle afterwards.
5. As soon as the allotted time is up, pour boiling water into the hole.

If it was not possible to completely get rid of the blockage immediately, then the manipulations should be repeated.

Soda + salt

Another option, how to clear the blockage in the bathroom with soda, is even easier to implement. You need to take 0.5 cups of salt and soda, hot water. Cleaning sequence:

1. Pour baking soda and salt into the drain hole.
2. Add 1.5-2 liters of boiling water there.
3. Leave on for 8 hours. It is important that the drain is not used during this period.

Cleaning the pipes is a simple task and there are tons of options available to suit different types of pipes. When using them, you must follow the instructions and safety measures. But prevention is still the easiest option, and it is completely uncomplicated. You just need to get used to the fact that the pipes should be flushed regularly.

Each of us has come across more than once with such a situation when water does not go down the drain. The reason, as always, is trivial - the bathtub was hammered. What to do? How to clean it at home, especially if there is water? The main thing is not to panic. There are several ways to independently solve the problem, we will talk about them in detail today.

What happened and how to deal with it?

The cause of the blockage is the accumulation of fat on the inner walls of the sewage system, soap and powder deposits, as well as hair and fibers of various tissues, are added here. Where did all this come from, you ask? The fact is that the inner surface of the pipes is not perfectly smooth, this is especially typical for old cast-iron structures.

This is the reason why the drain is clogged.

Plastic is also susceptible to similar contamination, albeit to a lesser extent. Here, plaque formation begins at the pipe and O-ring joints. Under such conditions, it is enough to appear on the fly in one place, and the rest of the particles will cling to it, reducing the internal section of the pipe until they completely clog it. This is the reason why the pipes in the bathroom are clogged. What to do in this case?

There are three ways to solve the problem:

• using overpressure;
• chemical method;
• mechanical method.

Let's dwell on each method in more detail.

Overpressure

With the apparent complexity of the wording, we are talking about using an ordinary rubber plunger. This simple tool consists of a rubber bowl and a handle on which the bowl is worn.

Plunger and metal cable

We install the plunger on the drain hole in such a way that the handle is located in the center of the latter, then press with force and abruptly release it several times. As a result of such cyclic actions, an excess pressure is created in the pipe, which can push through the formed plug and thereby ensure at least a minimum drainage of the liquid.

See the video below for details.

If the first method did not help, go to the second - chemical.

But do not rush to disassemble the system in the first place that comes across. Firstly, it is troublesome, and secondly, it is not a fact that you will be able to collect it again without outside help. Do everything competently and slowly.

Read more: What glue should be used to glue the tiles in the bathroom and how to choose it correctly?

The most convenient place for dismantling is the siphon, which connects the sink to the general sewage system. It fits into the pipe tee and is secured with a rubber seal or (in earlier versions) with a cable tie.

Rope cleaning

Neither option will cause trouble, since the pipe can be carefully removed from the rubber seal by first disconnecting it from the sink and turning it slightly around its axis to the right and left. The bobbin can be gently removed with a small hook. The rubber, if it is not damaged, can be reused during installation, but the cable will have to be laid with a new one.

After the siphon is removed, we introduce a metal cable into the hole of the tee, at the end of which there can be either a spring or a ruff. We introduce the cable until it hits the blockage. Then, with a translational movement, we punch the cork as far as possible and rotate the ruff or the spring using the handle located at the other end of the cable.

It is better to do this operation together - one punches, the second rotates, although it is quite possible to do it alone. In this case, the cable must be periodically removed and cleaned of dirt.

We carry out the action until we feel that the cable goes into the void. We repeat to each side of the tee.

In some cases, a flexible cable allows you to break through the blockage directly through the drain hole of the bathroom.

More details about the process can be found here.

Small remark- the so-called "dead" water level always remains in the siphon, and when dismantled, all this disgrace will rush outward, that is, onto the floor. Therefore, before you start disassembling the unit, spread rags, newspaper, plastic wrap - in general, everything that you do not mind throwing away later.

The siphon is made, as a rule, in the form of an S-shaped pipe, one end of which is connected through a flange and a collar with the drain hole of the bathtub or sink, the other, as mentioned above, enters the tee of the sewer pipe. There is also a rubber O-ring under the union nut.

As you can see, this procedure is not the most pleasant one, so here are some tips on how to avoid it for a certain period of time:

• Periodically open a tap of cold or hot water, so to speak, "idle", allowing a clean stream of energy to flush the sewer.
• Pour grease thinner into the siphon once a week or two and rinse as well, but
  preferably hot water. This will be more beneficial.
• Do not use washing powder in such operations, as it does not have time to
  completely dissolve in water and contributes to the worsening of the situation.

If you need help cleaning your bathroom, you can order a professional service. To do this, you just need to leave a request in the form below on the right on our website.... The consultant will guide you on prices for services.

That is, in fact, all that we wanted to tell you. We hope that the material was useful to you and helped you fix the problem. If it's not difficult - share the article on social networks with your friends - they will probably find it useful... The editors will be very grateful to you :)

Bathroom blockages are one of the most global problems in any apartment. And not only in the apartment, in our age of modernization for convenience, it has become common to install bathrooms in private houses and cottages. If the sewage system has ceased to function normally, all kinds of problems immediately begin - this is the appearance of an unpleasant odor, and the overflow of dirty water from the drain. Even with observance of all the rules of operation, the blockage still cannot be avoided. The article will discuss what to do if a blockage has formed in the bathroom.

The bathroom sewer system starts to clog up from the very moment it is used. From the first days of operation, organic and inorganic deposits settle on it. Therefore, the reasons for clogged pipes in the bathroom are varied.

• Most often, it leads to accumulations of hair, pet hair, soap solutions and deposits of household chemicals, which over time are pressed and compressed. All this begins to rot, mold and fungus may appear. Such blockages are simple to medium types in complexity. Complex types, the so-called deaf blockages, include the drainage of water after construction work.
• They are also divided into local ones - this is when the blockage occurred in only one apartment, and general - when the central sewage system was blocked.

What causes a blockage in the sewer

First, let's figure out what the drainage system is.

Typically, the sewage system originates from the kitchen and runs into a common riser through the bathroom and toilet.

• In modern construction, plastic analogs have replaced the old cast iron pipes. They have a number of advantages:
  1. less susceptible to the formation of pollution;
  2. due to the properties of the material, there is no condensation on such a pipe;
  3. plastic pipes do not rust or rot.
• Blockage of cast iron sewer pipes, first of all, does not depend on their predisposition to rust, but on their location. They are mounted at a slight slope in relation to the junction of the riser.
• The sewerage system on each floor has an auxiliary window designed for additional cleaning, as a rule, it is located 15 cm above the level of the bath or sink.

Tip: for prevention purposes, so as not to resort to laborious cleaning of the blockage in the bathtub, it is recommended to spill the sewer pipes in the bathroom with boiling water with the addition of soda or bleach. To prevent blockages, it is recommended to do this every seven days.

Tip: there is another way using soda ash. One cup of baking soda is poured into the drain hole, followed by a cup of vinegar. At the moment when the reaction starts, you should rinse the drain with boiling water.

Tip: as a prevention of blockages, it is quite effective to use an elementary filter plug, which prevents hair and any debris from entering the sewer system.

How to remove a blockage in the bathroom

Parsing the siphon

Before using chemicals and other cleaning products, you can try to disassemble the siphon. In this case, the likelihood of quickly eliminating the blockage increases and it becomes possible to clean the siphon itself from the formed sediment (it does not harm the drain system, but it is from it that an unpleasant odor emanates from the bathroom and bacteria grow in it).

When disassembling, it must be taken into account that it is easier to dismantle a plastic siphon than a metal one, since the metal corrodes, and the parts are firmly connected to each other. Therefore, in an old house, where the drain system is metal, it will not cope without the help of a plumber.

To work you will need:

• rag;
• basin;
• technical gloves.

Stages of work

• It is necessary that the bath is without water, so if it is clogged and the water is standing, it must be drained.
• Before removing the tightening nut and flask, you must substitute a basin or bucket.

• After inspection, the sewer pipe is cleaned mechanically. To do this, it is enough to rinse the drain with boiling water.

Tip: Usually in the bathroom, dirt accumulates at the base of the drain, so it will not be difficult to clean it by simply removing the protective grill.

With hot water

The first step is to determine the type of blockage, that is, to check where the contamination has arisen - local or the central pipe is clogged.

• It is necessary to pour boiling water into the drain of the bathroom, it is possible with soda. This method should help, especially when there is an accumulation of soap or chemical deposits.
• This procedure should be done carefully so as not to scald with boiling water.

Using a plunger

The most common and simplest device for cleaning sewer systems is a plunger.

• The rubber bowl of the plunger should be larger than the drain hole and fit snugly against the drain in the bathroom to create a vacuum.
• Holding the plunger handle, several sharp jerks are made in order to break through the blockage in the drain pipe. After that, the plunger must be abruptly pulled away from the bath.
• If the first cleaning did not bring the expected results, then the same procedure is repeated several more times.

Chemical cleaning

Today on the shelves of stores there is a very diverse selection of chemicals for clearing clogs. Of course, with their help there will be an immediate result, but do not forget that such chemistry contains acids and alkalis and must be used with extreme caution.

Advice: if the general sewage system is completely clogged, then it should not be cleaned with chemicals, since a caustic substance can go back into the bathroom and harm the enamel. Also, with frequent use, the sewer pipes themselves can quickly fail.

There are some rules when using chemicals:

• chemical vapors are very harmful to health and therefore cleaning should be carried out in a well-ventilated area with a protective mask and rubber gloves;
• it is recommended to use drugs manufactured only by industrial means. Homemade cleaners such as acid concentrate or kerosene can render the sewer system unusable;
• in no case should you use several tools at once, this can lead to the opposite effect. There is a risk of a reaction, in rare cases with consequences;
• when using chemical compounds, you must strictly follow the attached instructions:
  1. in the required amount, the agent is poured into the drain;
  2. the specified time is expected;
  3. the drain is flushed with a stream of water.

Plumbing cable application

Also, for cleaning drain systems, a steel cable is widely used, which has a diameter of 4 mm, one end of it is equipped with a handle to simplify work, and the other has a brush or a brush with stiff bristles. It is not difficult to get it, as it is sold in any hardware store. When buying a steel cable, you need to consider its length.

Advice: in the practice of specialists, the use of an electric spiral cable is common, but it cannot be applied independently.

Stages of work

• When using a cable, you need direct access to the sewer pipe itself; for this, the drain hose or siphon is disassembled and removed.
• The cable is slowly introduced into the sewer hole, at the same time rotational movements are made in a clockwise direction. Rotation should be slow to avoid kinking in the cable.
• If possible, during the cleaning with the cable, water should be poured in at the same time, to facilitate work and soften the seals in the pipe. The cable continues advancing until it encounters a blockage.
• After the blockage in the pipe is found, it is broken with the help of all the same rotations with a cable. This method takes much longer than the others.

Cleaning pipes with a vacuum cleaner

At home, you can use an ordinary household vacuum cleaner to clean the drain, which has a blow hole.

But before using the vacuum cleaner, you need to prepare it:

• for work you need a small rubber ball;
• it is cut into two parts, which should be one larger and the other smaller;
• a small part of the ball is placed inside a large one and a hole is made in the center equal to the diameter of the vacuum cleaner tube;
• the vacuum cleaner hose is fixed in the hole in the ball and fixed with electrical tape or a clamp. But before attaching the hose to the blowing hole of the vacuum cleaner, you need to remove the bag from the dust container;
• the resulting bowl is placed against the drain and the vacuum cleaner is turned on.

This simple and primitive method removes blockages very well.

Hydrodynamic method

It so happens that the blockage cannot be removed by any of the above methods. Then more efficient equipment should be used.

• Hydrodynamic blockage removal is carried out using a high pressure water jet. Thus, all deposits that have accumulated over the years are washed out very carefully.
• It is used mainly for flushing pipes in hard-to-reach places, since it does not break the tightness at the joints.

Thermal method

Clearing a blockage in a bathroom with a jet of hot water under pressure is called a thermal method.

• This method is great for dealing with hard grease plugs.
• If, in conjunction with hot water, chemical agents are also used that destroy organic deposits and bacteria, then in this case disinfection is also carried out.

Preventive measures against blockages

So that there is no question of how to remove the blockage in the bathroom, it is necessary to periodically carry out the prevention of sewer pipes, which allows you to keep the drain system clean.

• To prevent fat deposition, flush the sewer system with boiling water twice a week for 10 minutes;
• install protective grilles that protect pipes from various types of debris and dirt getting into them;
• do not leave rags and all kinds of waste near the drain, once they get into the sewer system, it is they that form an impenetrable plug in the pipe;

Only with proper care and compliance with the rules for using the bathroom, it is possible to extend the service life of the drain system. Indeed, with frequent use of cleaning agents, the sewer system is subject to rapid wear.