Despite the charm of bustling nightlife, historical architecture, and breathtaking scenery that the city of Bristol offers, facing the issue of blocked drains at home can be quite a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are several simple Do It Yourself (DIY) methods to unblock your drains in Bristol that you can adopt before opting for professional help.
Often, it is the slow draining kitchen sink or a stagnant bathroom pool that is the first indicator of a blockage in your home’s plumbing system. Many Bristol residents panic upon seeing this and end up hiring professional plumbers, which can sometimes be an expensive affair. Here are some DIY methods to save your day:
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar:
Not only ideal for cooking, but these two common kitchen ingredients also make a dynamic duo in drain cleaning. Firstly, pour half a cup of baking soda into the problematic drain followed by half a cup of vinegar. You will notice a reaction in the form of a lot of fizz and pop. Wait for at least 20 minutes before you flush it with hot water. The fizzing action of vinegar and baking soda helps to break down the residue causing the blockage.
2. Boiling Water:
Often, it’s fatty residues or soap build-up that are the most common culprits behind blocked drains. To resolve this, the easiest and quickest way is to pour a kettle full of boiling water straight down the drain. The high temperature of the water often helps dissolve the blockage, restoring the functionality of the drained pipe.
3. Plunging:
A good old plunger can often come to rescue when dealing with blocked drains. Ensure you are using the right type of plunger; for sinks and bathtubs, a cup plunger is appropriate, while for toilets, a flange plunger is preferred. Apply the plunger to the drain and apply forceful plunges to clear blocked drains bristol the blockage. This method is especially effective for solid blockages.
4. Plumbers Snake or Hand Auger:
A plumber’s snake, also known as a hand auger, is essentially a flexible coil of wire that can navigate the bends and twists of your plumbing to reach the blockage. Once you reach the area of the blockage, you twist and turn the snake to break up the blockage and remove the debris.
5. Drain Cleaning Chemicals:
As a last resort and if the problem persists, there are an array of chemical drain cleaners available in supermarkets and online. However, it’s crucial to use these responsibly due to their corrosive nature. Always follow the instructions and take necessary safety measures when using these products.
Although these DIY methods can unclog most blockages, there can be instances where the issue is more severe. If you have tried the above methods and the problem persists, it would then be necessary to seek professional plumbers specializing in drain unblocking in Bristol.
Maintaining your drains regularly is paramount to prevent blockages. Don’t dispose of food particles, oils, fats, or chemicals down the drain, and ensure to clean drain covers regularly to prevent debris build up. Living in Bristol could be hassle-free when you apply these simple DIY methods. However, don’t hesitate to call a professional when necessary; after all, an efficient drainage system will ensure a comfortable home environment.