Check where
the blockage is.
If just one of your outlets
has stopped flowing - perhaps just the sink,
then it is likely that your drains aren't
blocked and it is just a U bend or other
pipe that has a blockage.
(I
know its the drains - click here)
Blocked Sinks and baths
 These
are possibly the easiest to clear. Under
your sink there should be a 'U'
shaped length of pipe. This is used to collect
a small amount of water that stops smells
coming into your home through the pipework.
 Sometimes
this can get blocked by a build up of vegetable
matter or other solids.
 Simply
unscrew the joints to the u-bend and clear
the blockage - be sure to have a bucket
or some other container underneath when
you disconnect.
- A plunger might do the
job just as well!
The same kind of blockage
can occur with baths. If your washing machine
is plumbed in, a blocked Ubend might also
stop it draining.
Blocked Toilet
This is not such a pleasent
blockage to fix, however a toilet is unlilkely
to get blocked - perhaps the most frequent
reason will be children dropping large quantities
of toilet paper into the pan - perhaps the
whole roll.
This blockage will be very
evident.
I
know its the drains
What follows is not advanced
drain cleaning advice,
If this is a persistent
problem, perhaps its time to call waterlink
on 0800 316 1116
Clearing my blocked drains.
 In
just about all cases of DIY drain cleaning
you will need a set of drain cleaning rods.
These can be purchased
from any Hardware or DIY store for less
than £20.
Also you should buy a pair
of sturdy rubber gloves.
Next you need to identify
the manhole cover that provides access to
the drains. 
With this removed, assemble
two or three rods along with the 4"
rubber disk. Insert slowly into the drain
so that the rubber disk penetrates two or
three feet - this will most likely require
the addition of extra lengths of drain rod.
This should be inserted
in the direction of the property, if you
are on mains drainage, then most likely
away from the street. If the access point
is backed up, then you should clear towards
the street.
You might have to feel
- or probe - for the drain hole when inserting
the rods as it might be obscured with effluent.
Take care when adding or
removing drain rods that the rod that is
within the drain is NEVER rotated
counter clockwise. This might result
in the unscrewing of the rods or the rubber
disk - that will totally block the drains,
possibly resulting in very expensive remedial
action!
With the rubber disk and
rods in the drain, very quickly pull the
rods out - this is often sufficient to start
the drains flowing.
If the drains do not flow,
try again but with more lengths of rod inserted.
From here on in the best advice is 'suck
it and see' though not literaly.
If you cannot get the drains
flowing, call waterlink on 0800
316 1116
What
to expect a professional to do and charge. |
