BLOCKAGE
AT STRAINERS AND STOPPERS:
This problem is simple because the blockage may be at the drain's
strainer (kitchen sinks) or stopper (lavatories and bathtubs).
Remove
the strainer by prying it up and out with the tip of a standard
slot screwdriver. Go easy; don't bend or mar the strainer. If it's
a floor drain in a basement or garage, use a pry bar. Some strainers
are held by screws. Remove the screws and pry around the strainer
with the tip of a screwdriver or old case knife. Then clean the
strainer and wipe away any debris at the top of the strainer base.
Stoppers
may be removed in several different ways. Some stoppers are opened
and then turned to remove. Just use your fingers. Some come out
by unscrewing a pivot rod that is connected to the opener/closer.
You may need pliers here. If so, pad the jaws of the pliers with
cloth or adhesive bandages so you don't damage the chrome finish.
After
the stopper is out, clean it at the base of the drain opening. Add
chemical cleaner to the drain.
If
blockage is common at your house, it is suggested that you give
all drains a weekly dose of drain cleaner as preventative maintenance.
Once again, follow the directions on the drain cleaner container.
CLOGGED
TRAPS:
Traps are the No. 1 drain blockers in most residential drainage
systems. The good news is that traps are easier to clean than many
mechanical stoppers.
Try
the plumber's friend first. Plug the overflow drain (if the fixture
has one) with a wet cloth to increase the suction of the cup.
Put
the suction cup directly over the drain opening and work the handle
up and down with lots and lots of force. Give it a minimum of 50
very hard strokes. Also, if the basin doesn't have water in it,
fill the basin with about 1-inch of water. The water acts as a "seal"
and adds suction to the cup.
If
suction won't work, drop the trap below the fixture. The trap is
held by two large chromed couplings. You may be able to loosen the
couplings by hand. If not, use a pipe wrench and pad the ridges
in the jaws of the wrench with cloth so the jaws don't damage the
chrome finish.
Once
loosened, the couplings slide up or down and the trap can be removed.
The trap piece, in the shape of a J, P, or S (sort of) telescopes
into the fixture's tailpiece and the beginning of the drain pipe.
Take it easy with the pipe wrench. It has lots of torque and can
easily bend and damage the pipes and the fittings. Just "break"
the coupling on its threads and complete the removal job by using
your hand/fingers.
Some
traps have a square or hex plug at the very bottom of the trap bend.
You can remove this plug to clean away debris in the trap. Use a
bent-out wire coat hanger for this job.
As
you clean the trap, check it for wear. Even metal wears thin and
through. If you spot wear, replace the trap with a new trap.
If
the trap is clean and the drain still plugged, run an auger or plumber's
snake through the bottom connection (drain) pipe of the trap down
into the drain pipe. You break up the clog by pushing the auger/rod
back-and-forth and twisting it. The auger/rod comes to a "tee" fitting
in a vertical drain pipe, so you may have to force the auger/rod
somewhat so it goes around the bend. If you don't have and auger/rod,
you may be able to substitute a garden hose with its nozzle removed
and turned on full blast.
Clean-out
plugs are spaced in the run of big drain pipes. The plugs are usually
on vertical pipes (sometimes horizontal) in a basement or crawl
space. Sometimes the plugs/pipes are accessible outdoors along the
foundation of the house. Or, you may find them in a garage or pantry
closet. The drain pipes are capped with a steel disk with a square
fitting on the top of the disk. The square fits a wrench.
Have
a waste bucket handy when opening this port. Then insert an auger/rod/snake
into the pipe both ways: up and down. Break up any debris within
reach. If you can't reach it, call a pro. Again, a garden hose can
substitute here for an auger/rod/snake.
Drum
traps are not too common in modern plumbing systems, but your home,
especially if it is an older one, may be equipped with them. Look
on the bathroom floor under a tile, perhaps. Or the trap may be
in the floor in the basement or crawl space. Clean this trap by
removing the lid-similar to a clean-out plug or trap as detailed.
