In their lifetime, waste pipes in the home will probably cope with just about everything from food to human hair so it is not surprising that sometimes we need some outside help to remedy a blockage that we may have in our pipework. There are specialised cleaning solutions that can be introduced to try and clear a blocked section of a waste pipe. However the most common way to deal with a blockage is to simply use a piece of apparatus called a “Plunger”. These can vary in their size but the aim is to create a partial vacuum and blast the blockage. The plunger comprises of a wooden rod with a piece of curved rubber on the end which covers the opening in the pan where the water sits. The plunger rubber base covers the hole, and using the water to form a seal, pump back and forth a few times to create the vacuum. Carry this out several times. Holloway Plumbers can plunge a sink.

Rod:

Many times, a blockage cannot be accessed by normal means. If , for instance it is deep in pipework and some distance away it can dealt with by using something called a drain rod. It is a long narrow rod that can be up to 6metres in length made from sections that are threaded and will screw together to increase length. Fitted at the end of the rod is a corkscrew shaped piece that will tangle itself with the blockage, allowing it to be pulled clear.


Trap:

These traps are fitted under sinks and sometimes can block like everything else. Before you start to try and clear you must ensure that you have a bowl situated under the trap. Now you can open and clear the trap, generally by hand, catching the water etc. in the bowl. Once the trap is clear, put it back together and replace. Run water down it and making sure it runs through. A Holloway Plumber can carry out work on traps.