How to unclog a bathroom

To ensure that water flows through the sink without stagnation, the siphon must be cleaned from time to time. How to clean the siphon? You can do this in eight ways:

plunger;
using chemicals;
with the addition of soda and vinegar;
with the addition of soda, salt and water;
cable;
dismantling and washing the structure;
removing the sump;
hydraulic pump.

Each of the options is effective and worthy of attention. The choice depends on the degree of contamination and the availability of funds necessary for the procedure.

Preventing blockages

Preventive measures boil down to preventing debris that is foreign to the pipes from going down the sink. It is easier to prevent blockages if it becomes a habit. Key measures:

Silicone stopper for collecting waste in the sink

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

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.

Types of siphons and their features

The choice of siphon is influenced by the following factors:

Installation location;
The amount of water that the siphon should pass through.

Bath siphons

Siphons designed for installation under the bathtub consist of two pipes - drain and overflow. In front of the siphon elbow, in which the water seal is located, both pipes are connected into one. Most models of bathtub siphons allow for adjustment, since the drain and overflow holes on different models of bathtubs may be at different distances.

Today there are bath siphons with automatic and semi-automatic drain adjustment. In the first case, to open the drain plug, you just need to press the button, in the second, you need to turn the handle located at the level of the overflow hole.

Siphons for installation under a bathtub are made of polymer materials or metal, most often copper alloys. The latter are, of course, more expensive, but if you plan to purchase an automatic drain, then it is better to take a metal piping, since the plastic ones are unreliable and often break. When purchasing a regular bathtub overflow drain, you can safely buy a plastic model; it will serve for quite a long time.

Shower siphon

The siphon, which is installed under the shower tray, must have sufficient capacity. Such siphons are often called ladders. There are drains that are mounted directly into the floor; in this case, installation of a pallet is not required.

Siphons for washbasins

Siphons for sinks are available in different modifications.

Pipe models. This is a siphon in the form of a rigid curved pipe. For ease of cleaning, some models have a plug installed in the lowest section of the siphon.
Corrugated models are convenient because they can be adjusted in length, which greatly facilitates installation. However, such a siphon becomes clogged with debris faster than others, since the inside of the tube is not smooth.
Bottle siphon models have a fairly rigid design. The siphon body itself is shaped like a bottle and has a twist-off lower part, which makes cleaning easy.
Siphon in a box. This type of siphon is used when you need to free up space under the sink. The siphon itself is installed in a hole made in the wall, and is connected to the drain hole by a thin tube.

Siphons for household appliances (dishwasher or washing machine)

As a rule, the siphons described above in a box are used for household appliances.
The siphon itself is installed on the wall in a convenient place, and the drain outlet pipe is connected to it under a decorative cover. Sometimes household appliances are connected to the sink siphon. In this case, select a model with a larger capacity and an additional pipe for connecting the drain hose.

Siphons for kitchen sinks

As a rule, bottle-type siphons are installed on the sink, since they are the most practical and fairly easy to clean. The fact is that kitchen drains may contain grease, which quickly clogs siphons, reducing their capacity.

Today, sinks with two or three compartments are often installed in the kitchen. Naturally, it will be unprofitable to install a separate siphon for each drain, so special double (or triple) siphons are used that have a common body and several outlet pipes. When installing household appliances in the kitchen that require connection to the sewer system, it is necessary to purchase siphons with additional outlets.

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.

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.

Solution No. 2. Removing blockages using household chemicals.

To clean the siphon in the bathroom, manufacturers of household chemicals offer special compositions. It is imperative to choose exactly those products that are intended for cleaning pipes; such products do not contain aggressive components that can adversely affect the condition of the equipment. The product should be poured into the drain for the time specified in the instructions, and then rinsed with a strong stream of water. This method turns out to be effective even in cases of severe blockages, but you need to take into account that many ready-made compositions have an unpleasant aroma and are prone to vaporization, so it is better to leave the bathroom while the product is working.

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:

Method six: disassembling and washing the siphon

Sometimes neither a plunger, nor a special product, nor even a plumbing cable can remove blockages. In this case, you have to solve the problem yourself by removing the siphon:

The liquid remains in the siphon after it is removed. To prevent water from spilling, you need to tilt the siphon to the side and wait until all the water has poured out;
The siphon has two pipes. In order to disconnect it from the sink device, you need to unscrew the nut located on top of the pipe. After this, the siphon will be disconnected;
Unscrew the bottom of the siphon;
Wash all parts of the device, check for debris and fat accumulations;
Reinstall the siphon, checking for leaks during assembly. If there are any, the nuts need to be tightened.

Problems also arise with clean devices. The point is due to incorrect installation, namely, the fitting of the pipe into the glass is too deep: the liquid does not pass due to the small well.

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.

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.

Replacement

Let's move on to how to change the siphon under the shower stall. It is not recommended to buy cheap products, since in order to replace a failed siphon, you will have to remove the pan. And to do this, of course, not in all cases, you have to dismantle the shower stall. Not all parts can be reused later, so you should immediately choose a reliable product that will not require frequent maintenance. No matter how reliable the equipment is, it cannot last forever. To replace the siphon, first remove the decorative panel from the bottom of the tray. It is often secured with snap-on clips. To open them, you should press the panel around the periphery with slight force. Dismantling is carried out as follows: 1. The elbow is detached from the external sewer pipe. 2. The elbow is unscrewed from the pallet, for which an adjustable wrench or washer is suitable. 3. The overflow, if any, is disconnected. 4. The drain is removed.

Element dismantling

The next step is how to disassemble the shower siphon for cleaning. The sequence of work looks like this: 1. Place a container under the siphon into which the remaining dirty water will drain. 2. Unscrew the union nut. It is better to do this slowly so that the liquid does not get on the floor. 3. Pour out the remaining water. 4. Remove the gasket from the rubber.

Appearance of the disassembled device

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.

Do-it-yourself sink siphon cleaning

The most effective, but labor-intensive, DIY cleaning of the sink siphon requires dismantling the system. It is necessary to remove the bent pipe and remove accumulated debris from its lower part and clean the walls of grease. If you have minimal skills, disassembling and reassembling the structure will not be difficult. The system consists of several parts that are attached to each other with union nuts and threads.

If the water drains slowly, then the degree of contamination of the walls is still small. In this case, the problem can be solved without dismantling the water supply system by flushing it using folk remedies or chemicals. Below we will consider the most popular options among the population for removing blockages on their own.

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar can be found in every home. These are folk remedies that have long been used by apartment residents to clean pipes. The operating principle of this method is based on a chemical reaction that occurs when vinegar is added to soda. To clean the siphon you must:

Remove dishes, grease and food waste from the sink.
Remove debris from drain hole.
Prepare a piece of cloth, about 100 grams of soda and 0.5 cups of 9% vinegar.
Remove the mesh covering the siphon. Pour soda into the hole and secure the mesh back. This will help prevent a sudden release of carbon dioxide.
Pour in vinegar and cover the hole with a rag.
After 30 minutes, open the hot water and wait a few minutes to completely clean the pipes of grease and vinegar-soda mixture. It is not recommended to use boiling water from a kettle, as this can damage the walls of PVC pipes.

As a result of combining the components, an alkaline mixture is formed, which effectively removes grease and other contaminants from the pipe walls. The byproduct of the reaction is carbon dioxide. It is able to push a small debris plug into the sewer and restore water movement.

A mixture of vinegar and soda allows you to solve the following problems:

get rid of stagnant water caused by minor pollution;
clean the drain and sink;
prevent blockages.

A mixture of soda and vinegar is suitable for cleaning the siphon if you do not want to use more powerful chemicals and prefer more neutral substances. Soda is the best option for worn out and old utilities that cannot be washed with strong household reagents.

Special preparations for cleaning pipes

Today in the store you can find a wide variety of household products for cleaning siphons. They consist of a mixture of different chemical components and are presented in the form of gel, powder and granules.

Features of using household preparations for cleaning pipes:

When purchasing a product, make sure that it is intended for the material from which the pipe is made. Not all chemicals can be poured into corrugated and plastic systems.
It is believed that the greatest effectiveness is characteristic of alkaline preparations. They perfectly remove blockages from food waste, grease, debris, and soap solution.
Acidic household chemicals are more suitable for cleaning bathroom sinks and drains, as well as sewer systems that become clogged with organic debris and hair.
After using the chemical reagent, warm water should be supplied. This will allow you to finally flush the drain and check the speed of wastewater movement.

When using household chemicals, you must remember safety rules.
It is recommended to flush the pipeline wearing gloves, a respirator or a mask. Do not mix acidic and alkaline products. This will lead to a violent chemical reaction and the formation of caustic products. In addition, the drugs will become ineffective because they neutralize each other’s effects. Household preparations are used not only to clean pipes, but also to prevent re-clogging. For such purposes, you can purchase a biological product that has a neutral composition and is harmless to humans.

Using a plunger

A plunger is a simple mechanical device that allows, using pressure, to push through debris and free the pipe for the movement of wastewater. It is a voluminous rubber nozzle with a wooden or plastic handle. To create excess pressure, air is pumped into the siphon several times. Using the plunger is easy:

Cover the overflow hole tightly with a cloth.
Fill the sink with enough warm water to reach the bottom edge of the plunger handle when the siphon is pressed against the surface.
It is not necessary to close the drain hole if the clog itself holds the required volume of water in the sink.
Completely close the drain hole with a siphon and press the plunger firmly to the surface. Pump air several times while pressing the handle.
Pull back the plunger.

This operation is repeated until the water flows freely into the sewer. If the blockage was only partially removed, you can use other methods - add soda and vinegar, a household chemical, or call a professional technician.

Using a plumbing cable

A plumbing cable is a long, flexible hose or wire. It can cope even with serious dirt. It should be remembered that careless handling of this tool can lead to damage to the corrugated pipe.

Thanks to its elasticity, the plumbing cable passes freely into the narrow openings of the pipeline, allowing you to push it into the sewer or remove the debris that caused the blockage. It is carefully pushed through the drain hole to the place where foreign objects are stuck. Then they take it back and push it again. Such manipulations are performed until a hole is formed in the garbage-fat plug through which water will pass, or until the problem is completely eliminated. It is recommended to finish cleaning the siphon with a household chemical.

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.

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.

How to prevent problems in the future?

Regular preventive maintenance will help you avoid trouble in the future. To protect the pipeline system from the accumulation of dirt lumps, the drain hole must be equipped with a simple device - a protective grill.

A large mesh metal or plastic mesh will trap hairs and animal fur without holding back the flow of waste water.

It is also worth pouring small portions of hot water into the drain every week. It will melt fat deposits, facilitating their further movement along the highway.

The use of chemicals has a good preventive effect. To achieve the desired result, they should be used at least once every six months. But to minimize the risk of pipe damage, they should be used in accordance with the instructions.

Any manufacturer’s line of “emergency” chemical preparations necessarily contains less concentrated preventive agents.

To minimize the risk of dirt seals forming, it is recommended to periodically disassemble and wash the siphon elements.

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.

Types of siphons according to operating principle

Based on the principle of operation, there are manual, semi-automatic and automatic siphons. Let's take a closer look at each type:

Manual siphons are characterized by simplicity of design. They consist of a thin chain or flexible cable. A lid is attached to them, which serves as a lock for the drain hole. When you need to drain the water, you just need to pull the chain, after which the lid will rise and release the drain. This system is very cheap and easy to use, but can cause some inconvenience in operation. In particular, not everyone likes to get their hands wet while uncorking the drain;
Semi-automatic siphons consist of a more complex mechanism: a movable handle and a locking cap. The handle is connected to the lid using a flexible hidden cable. When you want to drain the water, just turn the handle, it will move the lid and the drain hole will open. When drawing water, you also need to turn the handle and plug the drain. The principle of operation allows you not to get your hands wet in water again. A siphon with such an overflow (water drainage) costs a little more than a manual one, but is considered more convenient to use;
The automatic siphon has no competitors in terms of comfort. There are two types of this design: click-clack and with a handle. Such systems consist of a special control mechanism, a cable, a locking element and a handle. A click-clack machine consists of a flat cover connected to a cable. When pressed, it changes its position. For example, if you press twice, the shutter will open, if once, the lid will close the drain hole. The device with a handle completely replicates the design of the semi-automatic device, but is equipped with an additional protection system.

The main advantage of an automatic siphon is its “smart” operating principle. The automation can be configured so that when the pressure in the bathroom reaches a certain level, the drain hole opens and excess water flows into the sewer. This protects against flooding and problems with horizontal overflow (which, due to its diameter, often cannot handle large amounts of water). For example, click-clack siphons are also capable of closing “on their own” after the pressure reaches the permissible limit.

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.

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.

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.

Mechanical methods of elimination

The fight against clogging of the pipe passage should begin as soon as even a slight stagnation of water is detected. You can solve the problem by using one of the methods described below. To achieve maximum effect, you should try using two approaches at once, performing mechanical and then chemical cleaning.

Often, to combat a blockage, it is enough to perform simple manipulations, as in the example of removing a plug from a siphon with a semi-automatic overflow:

Image gallery

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Step 1: Checking the overflow and breaking the plug

Step 2: Examine the condition of the drain hole

Step 3: Disassembling the siphon bowl for cleaning

Step 4: Removing the Clog from the Drain

If the situation is more serious than described, then you need to use more drastic cleaning means.

Using a rubber plunger

The simplest and most gentle way to clear small blockages is to use a plunger. The tool can be equipped with an elastic flat washer or cone-shaped nozzle. The shape of the rubber bowl of the tool is selected depending on the required degree of compression effect on the unit being cleaned.

The structural elements of the plunger are a cone-shaped or cup-shaped nozzle made of dense rubber and a comfortable handle made of wood or plastic.

When choosing this method of eliminating the problem, it is worth considering that using a plunger to break through a dirt plug through the drain hole of a bathroom bowl is much more difficult than through a sink drain.

This is explained by the design of the bathroom drain, complemented by an overflow hole. When a blockage forms and water overflows, air accumulates inside the opening, while a vacuum is required to operate the plunger.

To make your task easier, it is important to choose the right size of the tool; Ideally, the size of the rubber bowl of the device should correspond to the diameter of the drain hole of the plumbing fixture

Before using a plunger to break through the clog in the bathroom, you need to tightly close the overflow hole. This can be done using a rubber stopper or a piece of fabric folded in several layers.

Some craftsmen use another plunger to block the hole. But in this case, the work should be done by two people: one covers the overflow, the other cleans the drain.

To ensure a tight fit of the rubber bowl of the plunger to the surface, thereby preventing its displacement during the “pumping” process, it is recommended to first coat the nozzle with a layer of Vaseline

Work to remove the blockage is carried out in several stages:

Press the plunger bowl tightly so that it completely covers the drain hole.
Make 10-12 sharp back-and-forth movements without lifting the nozzle from the surface so that the air moves sharply towards the drain hole and the blockage is crushed.
With a sharp movement, remove the tool from the drain. Open the water and rinse the pipe with crushed dirt.

If the efforts made do not bring the desired effect, it is worth trying to push the mud seal through not with air, but with water. For this purpose, 10-15 liters of hot water are poured into the bath so that it covers the rubber bowl of the tool by 2/3. The plunger is immersed in water at an angle and several reciprocating movements are performed.

With the last “pump”, the instrument is sharply removed from the water and observed whether it begins to sink into the drain. If necessary, the procedure is repeated 3-4 times.

The sewer outlet is cleaned using the following technology:

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Step 1: Measures to increase pressure

Step 2: Install the plunger directly above the hole

Step 3: Cleaning the Drain Hole with a Plunger

Step 4: Drain the remaining plug into the drain

Application of plumbing cable

To eliminate more global blockages, a plumbing cable made of galvanized steel is used. The only thing is that it should be used with great caution for cleaning chrome and polymer pipes, the inner surface of which can be damaged when exposed to the sharp ends of a brush.

A plumbing cable is a thick twisted wire rolled into a spiral, complemented by a handle for transmitting rotation to the core and a working end in the form of a brush or hook.

For work, you can use factory tools of both rope and spring-wound versions. The master’s task is to use a brush or hook located at the end of the tool to hook the blocking object and pull it out, or, on the contrary, push it into a wider part of the highway.

In the absence of the opportunity to purchase a tool, you can make it yourself. To do this, take a two-three meter piece of flexible metal cable, and lightly “fluff” its end, forming an improvised brush.

The flexible tool easily moves along the pipe, without any problems overcoming all the bends and joints of the sewer connected to the plumbing equipment along its path.

Before clearing a dense clog in the bathroom, you must carefully inspect the tool for mechanical damage. It is advisable to lubricate the bushings located near the cable handle.

Cleaning using a cable is performed in the following sequence:

The tip of the cable is buried in the drain hole, holding the handle of the tool in your hand.
Push the cable, producing rotational movements.
When you reach the clogged area, perform a couple of sharp jerks back and forth, increasing the pressure.
Carefully remove the cable, picking up the debris with the nozzle.
Open the tap and run hot water in order to rinse the pipe with the crushed plug.

When cleaning the dirt plug, the plumbing cable must be kept taut. Rotation of the tool during the pushing process contributes to the fastest destruction of the plug.

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.

A few words about shower trays

The main problems in operating a shower stall are:

frequent location of the drain hole near the wall;
lack of access to the internal sewerage tee;
major sealing of the pallet without the possibility of dismantling (especially homemade ones).

Because of this, access to the siphon is blocked and it is impossible to disassemble it. Therefore, it is advisable to use special shower drains whose internal filling is removable, which allows access to the pipe and can be cleaned with a cable.

Demountable shower drain.

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?

Types of siphons by design

A siphon is an element designed to protect the home from the penetration of unpleasant odors from the sewer. This is ensured by the constant presence of water inside the device. This water seal also helps protect the pipes from large debris getting into them.

Siphons are classified according to their design, purpose and materials from which they are made. Structurally, the following types of these plumbing elements are distinguished:

Bottle type. The most common are for connecting a sink to a sewer. They consist of supply pipes and a siphon settling tank, which are made in the form of a bottle. This design is characterized by high throughput, ease of operation and cleaning. Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to highlight the large overall dimensions;
Flat. They consist of alternately interconnected pipes of different diameters. At the bottom of the device, the pipes form a kind of drop (elbow), in which a water lock is formed during operation of the device. Such a system is efficient and reliable in operation, easy to clean and perform preventive maintenance. Most often installed in the bathroom;
Corrugated. The design resembles flat ones, but they do not consist of several pipes, but of one flexible one. This type of design is known for its versatility, but its operation can bring some inconvenience. Due to the corrugated inner surface, debris and scale accumulate in the siphon, which contributes to its rapid failure.

Siphons are used to connect toilets, bathtubs, kitchen sinks, showers and other consumers (washing machines or dishwashers) to the sewer system. According to their purpose, they can be divided into single (used exclusively for connecting one consumer) and branched. The latter is used to connect several drain pipes.

Corrosion-resistant materials are used to manufacture these elements. These are copper (brass), cast iron and plastic. Of course, there are also options made of alloy steel, but they are considered not durable enough.

Copper elements are presentable and can complement designer bathrooms. Their internal surface is absolutely smooth, which indicates the high efficiency of the siphon. But they are the most expensive; Cast iron elements were popular during Soviet times. They are durable, resistant to aggressive external influences, and are not afraid of corrosion. The most important disadvantage of such a device is the lack of flexibility - such siphons cannot be installed on non-standard connections; Plastic ones are considered universal and durable. They do not rust and can withstand temperature changes and even shock loads.

But when choosing a plastic settling element, you must definitely pay attention to the thickness of the walls and the smoothness of the inner surface. The main advantages are the affordable price and the ability to install on any plumbing fixtures.

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

Tools to help unclog your drain

If household chemicals and improvised means do not help solve the problem, you need to connect special devices.

Cleaning with a plunger

A plunger will quickly remove weak blockages

A plunger is a tool designed for cleaning plumbing fixtures. It can handle any small dirt. Cleansing is carried out as follows:

Fill the bathtub with a little water so that it covers the hole.
Place the plunger over the drain passage and press. At the same time, the rubber cone of the tool will begin to suck air from the pipe.
Move the device up and down several times so that the debris inside the pipe begins to move.
Release sharply to allow water to enter the drain under a certain pressure.

To remove greasy residues and debris after cleaning with a plunger, you need to rinse the pipeline with folk remedies.

Vacuum cleaner

You can clear the clogged drain with a vacuum cleaner that has an air blowing function. It serves as a replacement for a plunger. To work, you need to wrap the end of the pipe with a rag and press it tightly to the drain hole. Turn on and use air to push through the debris or destroy it. Then rinse with hot water.

Cleaning with a rope

The cable will help with severe blockages

A plumbing cable will help remove serious contamination. It has a handle at one end and a spring-like tip at the other. Insert the tool into the hole and push the debris towards the main pipe. After removing the blockage, the drain should be rinsed with hot water.

You can clean the water passage in the bathroom with a cable with a hook. They don't need to push the garbage, but take it out. This method works well if the clog has formed close to the surface of the drain hole. To remove it you need:

Carefully twisting, insert the cable into the pipe.
Push it in until resistance is felt.
Turn and hook the debris, then remove it.

After completing the cleaning process, rinse the drain with hot water.

The cable can pierce plastic pipes, so you need to work with it carefully.

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.