Is water stagnating in the sink, washbasin or shower? Don’t panic! A blockage has undoubtedly formed, but there is no need to call a professional right away. Bicarbonate, suction cup or high pressure cleaner: here are the most effective methods for unblocking a pipe yourself.
If the water is stagnant in the shower or there is a smell of sewage coming from the washing machine, the pipes are probably clogged. In addition to regular cleaning of siphons, certain natural products and simple tools can restore good flow. Demonstration.
What are some tips for unblocking a pipe?
Clean the siphon
First of all, it is advisable to check the condition of the siphon when the pipe appears blocked. By unscrewing the drain under a sink, you can quickly realize that it is clogged or that a pile of hair has accumulated there, preventing the proper circulation of the water. Remove debris, then clean the entire system with soapy water; these small actions are sometimes enough to restore healthy pipes.
Boiling water
Boiling water poured directly into the siphon can also clear small pipe blockages, especially those caused by cooking grease or bits of soap. The method is even more effective if you add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the boiling water.
Baking soda
Baking soda is not only useful for maintaining pipes: it can in certain cases dissolve blockages that have formed there. Cut with boiling water and coarse salt, the “magic powder” slips into the conduit and removes the residue that clumps on the walls. A simple cocktail to make and available with white vinegar and soda.
The deformed hanger
If the blockage prevents members of the household from showering, or causes water to overflow when the tap is opened, you must act quickly. Imagining a homemade tool from a metal hanger is an additional solution that should not be overlooked. Once the hanger is completely unfolded, it is a question of reforming it at the end, a hook thin enough to enter the pipe, in order to remove the waste which obstructs it.
The chemical unblocker
In addition to these natural solutions, there are chemical unblockers, sold in all stores. These products are abrasive for the environment and are therefore not recommended for regular maintenance. But they remain useful for emergency cases, since they allow the pipes to be unclogged in just a few hours.
The sucker
The suction cup is certainly the sportiest technique for effectively unblocking pipes. Before flexing your muscles, you should plug all other pipe openings – for example, in the case of a double sink or linked basins, it is advisable to engage the cover plugs before pumping.
The ferret
Impossible to talk about unblocking a pipe without talking about the ferret. This plumbing tool allows you to solve the problem without completely dismantling the system and without calling a professional. It comes in the form of a cable with a hook-shaped end that is inserted into the defective pipe. At the other end, a crank allows you to direct the ferret and perform a small rotation to hook the cork before completely removing the cable.
What is high pressure technique?
If we regularly use pressure cleaners (of the Karcher type, named after the creative brand) to maintain a terrace or clean the facades of a house, they also have a role to play on a blocked pipe. Water propelled at high pressure can indeed dislodge food or chemical residues blocked en masse. This option is particularly effective against limescale blockages which appear in washing machine piping and are often resistant to natural techniques. However, it is recommended toaccessorize the device with a cable called “flexible” if it is not provided at the time of purchase, or it will be difficult to direct the jet during the operation. In addition to the high pressure cleaner, it is possible to use a water and dust vacuum cleaner, usually used for work.
How much does it cost for a pipe unblocking by a professional?
The price for calling a plumber on a blocked pipe varies depending on several criteria. The city, but also the technique to adopt to succeed in the intervention, the working time, all these details can increase the bill. On average, it costs 120 euros for professional unblocking, with a suction cup or ferret.but if the problem requires more time or specific tools, the price quickly increases until it reaches 300 euros. Conversely, dismantling a siphon should not cost you more than 100 euros.
Preventing blockages in a pipe
Implementing a few daily habits is essential if you want to counter the appearance of new blockages in the pipes. A recovery grid or a filter can be placed at the level of the siphon and thus prevent hair and food waste from flowing into the pipes. All you have to do is remove these residues after showering and washing dishes. Regular maintenance of pipes also helps prevent problems of this type. Natural products like coffee groundsTHE coarse saltTHE bicarbonateare effective in removing dirt without damaging it.
