If someone has to deal with a blockage, especially in a waste pipe, by virtue of what it is, it can be a real dirty smelly job to deal with and not for the faint-hearted or weekend DIY amateur. Specialised cleaning solutions can be introduced to try and clear a blocked section of a waste pipe. They do, however pose quite a danger to the health of anyone using them if not used correctly and with the correct protection. In the course of their lifetime, the waste pipes in the home will probably cope with just about everything from food to human hair so it is not surprising that these cleaning solutions are made to try and relieve a blocked pipework system. The best, most common and simple way to deal with a blockage is to simply use a piece of apparatus called a “Plunger”. Plungers can vary in size, but the way they operate is the same. The aim is to create a partial vacuum and release the blockage. The plunger is a wooden rod with a piece of curved rubber on the end. So, cover the hole of the drain with the plungers rubber base, and with some water just about covering the base, pump back and forth a few times to create your vacuum. Carry this out several times if it does not do the trick. SW1 Plumbers can plunge a sink.

Traps.
Traps under sinks can block, so before you act you must ensure that you have a bowl situated under the trap. Now you can open the trap and clear the blockage, generally by hand, catching the water etc. in the bowl. When the trap is cleared, put it back together and replace. Check the flow by running the water down it and making sure it clears. An SW1 Plumber can carry out work on traps.

Rods.
Blockages that cannot be accessed by normal means, for example, deep in a pipe system some distance away are dealt with by something called a drain rod. This is a long narrow rod that can be up to 6mts in length made from sections that are threaded and will screw together to make a very long rod (if required). At the end of the rod is a corkscrew type piece that will tangle itself with the blockage, allowing it to be pulled out.





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