How To Unblock A Bath Drain With A Plunger In Cumbria

Blocked drains are a common problem in households, and they can be very frustrating. When your bath drain is clogged, taking a shower becomes a nightmare. While there are many ways to unblock a bath drain, using a plunger is one of the most effective and affordable methods. In this article, we will discuss how to unblock a bath drain with a plunger in Cumbria.

Introduction

Drainage Cumbria are a drain unblocking company based in Cumbria, North West England. We specialize in providing drain unblocking services to residential and commercial clients in the area. If you need professional help with your blocked drain, call us on 01228 734162 or visit our website at drainagecumbria.uk.

The Drain and Its Components

Before we get into the specifics of unblocking a bath drain, let's first understand the anatomy of a drain. A typical bath drain consists of a strainer or stopper, which is located on top of the drain. This stops large objects from entering the drain and causing blockages.

Below the strainer, there is a trap, which is a curved pipe that acts as a barrier to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. The trap also collects debris and other materials that get washed down the drain.

Finally, there is the drain itself, which is a pipe that allows water to flow out of the bath and into the sewage system.

Chemicals Are Not Always the Answer

If you experience a blocked bath drain, the first thing you might consider is using a chemical drain cleaner. However, this is not always the best solution. Chemicals that are used to unblock drains can be harmful to the environment and your health. Additionally, they can corrode pipes and cause long-term damage.

Clean the Strainer or Stopper First

If you notice slow draining water, your first step should be to remove the strainer or stopper and clean out any hair and debris. This is usually the main culprit for a slow draining bathtub. Once you remove the strainer, use a toothbrush or a similar small brush to clean the inside of the drain. You could also use a strong stream of water to flush out any remaining debris.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

If cleaning the strainer and brushing out the drain don't solve the problem, you can try using baking soda and vinegar to break down any blockages. Here's how to do it:

1. Pour a cup of baking soda down the affected drain.
2. Follow it up with a cup of vinegar.
3. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, allowing the chemical reaction to break down any blockages.
4. Once the mixture has had time to work, pour hot water down the drain to flush it out.

The Plunger Method

If the baking soda and vinegar method doesn't work, you can try using a plunger to unblock your bath drain. Here's how to do it:

1. Remove the strainer or stopper from the drain.
2. Fill the bath with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger.
3. Place the plunger over the drain and press down firmly to create a seal.
4. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously. This creates suction and pressure, which can dislodge any blockages.
5. Continue plunging for several minutes until the water starts to drain freely.

Coat Hanger Method

If the plunger doesn't work, you could try using a coat hanger to remove any blockages in the bath drain. Here's how:

1. Straighten out a coat hanger, leaving a small hook at the end.
2. Insert the hook into the drain and carefully try to hook onto any debris or hair.
3. Once you have hooked onto a blockage, gently pull it out, being careful not to damage the inside of the drain.
4. Dispose of the blockage in the bin.

Conclusion

Blocked bath drains are a common problem that can be easily solved with some basic DIY techniques. While chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy fix, they can be harmful to your health and can cause long-term damage to your pipes. Instead, try cleaning the strainer or stopper or using natural methods like baking soda and vinegar. If all else fails, a plunger or a coat hanger can help remove any blockages.

If you need professional help with your blocked bath drain, you can count on Drainage Cumbria. We offer top-notch drain unblocking services to clients in Cumbria and the surrounding areas. Call us on 01228 734162 or visit our website at drainagecumbria.uk to learn more.