New pipes rarely block, but over time, blockages become more frequent. If water flow becomes poor, it's time to take measures to clear the blockage. This can often be done with a standard plunger, which quickly resolves minor blockages. It's also good practice to perform preventative maintenance by periodically pouring a drain cleaner into the pipes, allowing it to work according to instructions, and then flushing with plenty of hot water.
What should you do, however, if it's a more serious blockage and water cannot pass at all? In such cases, a plunger is ineffective. This problem can only be resolved using a drain snake.
How to Deal with Sink or Toilet Blockages – Essential Information
This device consists of a steel wire coiled into a spiral, with a handle and a small auger at the end. The snake is typically quite long, usually around three metres.
Blockage removal work is usually performed by two people: one inserts the end of the snake into the drainpipe,
and the other rotates it into the pipe. This allows it to pass through the blockage more quickly, as the snake screws its way along the pipe's bends. Additionally, the task can be handled even more effectively by moving the snake back and forth.
It's hard to imagine a greater inconvenience than a blocked toilet. Such a blockage not only makes the toilet unusable but also spreads an unpleasant odour that is certainly unwelcome in the affected living space.
For minor blockages, chemical agents can help, but more severe blockages can only be cleared with a drain snake. After plumbers have cleared the blockage with a snake, it's advisable to use an aggressive anti-clogging agent for drainpipes as a preventative measure. Afterward, flush the toilet with a bucket of hot water.
Blockages can occur from any object entering the drainage pipes, whether it's a washing sponge or a small rag. It's a good idea to keep a piece of wire with one end bent into a hook near the toilet. This can very often help retrieve items accidentally dropped into the toilet bowl.