Unclogging Drains

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Unclogging Drains
Wilco Plumbing Services
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Unclogging Drains
Some plumbing repairs require immediate
attention otherwise they can cause a lot of
inconvenience and mess. One such plumbing
nuisance is a clogged drain, which can be a
result of many reasons such as, excess hair, or
grease that restricts water flow or stops the
drain completely from working.
Cover the basin with enough water that will
submerge the head of the plunger. To create a
better seal, coat the lip of plunger with
petroleum jelly. Slide the cup of the plunger
over the drain opening and pump it up and down.
When you start pumping it, water should move in
and out of drain. A few continuous movements will
dislodge whatever is blocking the drain. Continue
doing so for two minutes or so and jerk it up
quickly. At this point, water should rush out
which is a sign that you have successfully
unclogged the drain. If it doesnt, repeat the
process two or three times.
Fortunately, a clogged drain is a repair that
with some effort you can manage to do on your
own. However, if your effort does not get you the
results you want, then you must call in our
professional plumbers right away to unclog the
drain. It could be a bigger problem than you know
it if DIY isnt helping you out and that can only
be sorted and repaired by a licensed plumbing
professional. Some tools that help unclog a drain
include a plunger, drain cleaning auger, and a
pipe wrench. You must know which one to use and
how. Below there are some methods with which you
can unclog a drain
Method 1 Using a Plunger Whether you have an
unclogged vent in the kitchen or bathroom, you
have to first cover the overflow vent with a wet
cloth. Kitchens usually dont have an overflow
vent but if you have two adjacent sinks in your
kitchen, make sure to cover the drain opening of
the other sink with a wet cloth. If you have two
bathrooms connected to the same drain, remember
to cover the overflow and drain vents. Bathtubs
have overflow vents while showers seldom do, so
make sure all of them are also covered with a wet
cloth properly for the plunger to work.
Method 2 Using a Chemical Drain Opener You can
also try using a chemical drain opener if the
plunger hasnt helped unclog the drain. However,
keep in mind that if the drain is completely
blocked, a chemical drain opener can cause more
harm than good. It contains caustic agents that
can destroy the fixtures so be careful with this
option.
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Unclogging Drains
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Unclogging Drains
Method 3 Using Drain and Trap Auger Another way
to open a blocked drain is with the use of a
drain and trap auger. Insert the auger wire into
the opening after removing the popup stopper. As
you advance the flexible wire in, loosen and
tighten the thumbscrew on the handle. Move the
wire back and forth while continuing to run the
handle when you feel something and slowly
withdraw the auger. Sometimes the blockage is
beyond the trap in the horizontal drainpipe if
there is one. You can use a pipe wrench for
undoing the nuts that hold the trap, but make
sure you cover them with a rag to avoid any
damage and place a bucket to catch water under
the pipes. You can then use the auger in the same
way to access the horizontal pipe. Replace the
trap once the drain is cleared and tighten the
nuts back with hand. Avoid over tightening them.
In the end, run hot water down the drain to clear
any debris.
The blockage can also be in the house trap a
u-shaped fitting that you will find installed
underground. You can remove a blockage if its in
the house trap or between the main clean out and
trap. Use the auger the same way and be aware of
the flow of water. If you are unable to clear the
clog rapidly, then its best to replace the trap
plug and call for professional help before the
mess gets too big to handle.
Clearing Main Drainpipe Blockage and Floor Drains
Clogged floor drains like in the basement and
shower can be unblocked using a garden hose, if
its not too close to the opening. Place a faucet
on the hose and insert it into the drain as far
as it will go. Open water on full force for a few
minutes. If its the main drainpipe that is
clogged, then you have to locate the main clean
out which should be a y-shaped fitting at the
edge of the drain. Unscrew the cleanout plug
counter clockwise using a pipe wrench and be
aware of the flow of water. Once that has
stopped, you can use the auger to clean debris.
Replacing a Drain Trap The drain trap is very
important for the smooth functioning of the
drainage system. The trap helps keep the harmful
sewer gases at bay by maintaining a plug of water
within its curved section. If it leaks the water
barrier is removed, it can quickly turn into a
messy situation. The trap is found beneath the
drain outlet of sinks in the kitchen and
bathrooms.
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Unclogging Drains
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Unclogging Drains
Its important to check the traps from time to
time in order to ensure that its working
properly and there is no damage. Often times,
leakage or seepage is not detectable for a while
and when you find out the damage has worsened.
There are several parts of a drain trap
assembly. The two important ones include a short
pipe that extends from the drain outlet to the
sink and downwards is the tailpiece. The trap is
the curved section attached to the tailpiece and
it may be one piece or two coupled sections.
Lastly, there is the drain extension which is the
pipe running from the end of trap to the
drainpipe outlet in the floor or wall. These
components are usually made of thin metal and
become damaged due to corrosion, mechanical
damage or seal failure. Whatever the reason, once
you find a trap damaged you must fix it
immediately.

• To replace the tap, here is what you need to do
• Remove the cleanout plug from the bottom of the
  curved section with a wrench and drain the water
  in a bucket. If the trap does not have a cleanout
  plug, you may unscrew the slip nuts and remove
  them.
• In case of a swivel type trap, the curved section
  of the trap will come free easily. As you remove
  the trap, keep it upright. Working with the
  swivel trap is easy when replacing it as
  adjustments for the angle or misalignment of
  fixtures become easy.
• Replace the parts in the right order coupling
  them together with slip nuts and making the right
  final adjustments for correct alignment. You may
  use plumbers joint tape or compound but it is
  not necessary. Again, make sure the nuts arent
  screwed on too tight.
• To check for leaks and to secure the barrier
  against the sewer gas, fill it with water
  immediatel

Often times the problem lies only in the slip
nuts that have loosened. This can be fixed by
tightening them. However, if there is corrosion
or any kind of damage, replacement is the only
solution. Drain trap is available in two
diameters. The one under the kitchen sink is
usually a 11/2-inch trap and that for the
lavatories is 11/4-inches. A good idea is to take
your old one to the shop to find a replacement.
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Unclogging Drains
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Contact Us
Parramatta Address
02 9186 3782
15/103 George Street Parramatta, NSW 2150
Leichhardt Address
02 8880 6409
Shop 1, 452 Parramatta Road Leichhardt, NSW 2040
Wilco Plumbing Services 2015. All rights
reserved, Wilco Electrical Services ABN
88603984836 Licence 22959C