This is a guest post, provided in collaboration with Dyno Rod.
It’s not unknown to find a rogue baby wipe clogging up the U-bend of the toilet, or a build-up of hair causing issues in the plughole – especially when you’re part of a bigger family who will inevitably be putting more strain on the bathrooms.
Unblocking toilets and clearing drains don’t always require jetting services to blitz the blockage from further down the pipes. Many issues are easily accessible and can be cleared up with a little elbow grease.
While unblocking the shower could be a little more problematic because of accessibility issues, many of the problems lie just below the plughole. Debris and grime can get caught up in the plug and once that’s removed, you’re plain sailing again.
Shower heads should be cleaned regularly, by being unscrewed and left to soak in a vinegar solution. This will help to limit the limescale build-up and reduce the chance of bigger problems.
Invest in a plunger so that you can unblock toilets without having to go elbow deep in the U-bend. While a plunger doesn’t always shift the issue, it can certainly help. Make sure you have a pair of rubber gloves on hand, too.
Unblocking sinks can be done in various steps. Start by trying to plunge the problem. If that doesn’t work, pour some baking soda down the plughole, followed by some vinegar. The reaction between the two should dislodge the issue. Alternatively, leave some bleach in the plughole overnight.
Help to prevent these issues by pouring some boiling water down the plugholes in your home once a week – a full kettle per sink will work wonders in preventing the build-up of dirt and grime.
Bathroom plumbing isn’t as complicated as it sounds. With a little know-how, you could avoid call-out fees as much as possible, leaving the emergency plumber, like LVPlumbing on hand for the times you actually need him.
Fiberscope.Net says
Some people opt for DIY, but unfortunately, I’ve got two left hands. So, I always have to call the professionals.
Elle Meager says
Oh my, your first sentence had me in stitches “a rogue baby wipe clogging up the U-bend of the toilet”! The things you never thought you’d ever experience when you have kids! Very recognizable 😀