How To Unblock My Bath Drain In Cumbria
Are you tired of standing in a bathtub full of water or having to take a shower because your bath drain is blocked? We understand how frustrating it can be when your bathtub drain is clogged, and you dont know what to do to unblock it. That is why Drainage Cumbria is here to help.
We are a drain unblocking company in Cumbria, the North West of England. We have been providing quality services to our clients for many years, and we pride ourselves in providing solutions to all their drainage problems. In this article, we will guide you on how to unblock your bath drain in Cumbria.
Causes of Bathtub Drain Blockage
The first step to unblocking your bath drain is to identify the cause of the blockage. Some of the common causes include:
- Hair: Long hair tends to stick to the walls of the drain pipe and accumulate over time, leading to blockage.
- Soap scum: Soap residue that accumulates over time can harden and block the drain.
- Foreign objects: Items such as cotton swabs, toys or anything else that accidentally falls into the drain can cause a blockage.
- Mineral build-up: Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can build up in pipes, reducing their diameter and causing clogs.
Tools You Will Need
Before you unblock your bathtub drain, you will need to have a few tools. They include:
- Plunger
- Pipe wrench or pliers
- Drain auger
- Bucket
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Strainer
Using a Plunger
A plunger is the simplest tool you can use to unblock your bathtub drain. Heres how to use it:
- Fill the bathtub with enough water to cover the plungers head.
- Cover the overflow outlet with a damp cloth.
- Place the plunger over the drain, making sure it creates a seal.
- Push down and pull up the plunger vigorously, repeating this process several times.
- Once the water starts to drain, wait for a few minutes, and flush hot water down the drain.
Removing the Stopper
If the plunger doesnt work, you can try removing the stopper from the drain. To remove the stopper, you will need a pipe wrench or pliers. Heres how to do it:
- Locate the screws on the stopper and unscrew them using your pliers or pipe wrench.
- Lift the stopper out of the drain.
- Use a strainer to remove any hair or debris that may have been trapped inside the drain.
- Replace the stopper and tighten the screws.
Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are natural remedies that can be used to unblock your bathtub drain. Heres how to use them:
- First, remove any hair or debris from the drain using a strainer.
- Mix one-third cup of baking soda with one-third cup of vinegar in a measuring cup.
- Pour the mixture down the drain and wait for about an hour.
- After an hour, flush the drain with hot water to clear any remaining debris.
Using a Drain Auger
A drain auger is a more advanced tool you can use to unblock your bath drain. Heres how to use it:
- Insert the drain auger into the drain and rotate it until you feel resistance.
- Once you feel resistance, keep turning it to break through the blockage.
- Pull out the auger and discard any debris that may have come out with it.
- Run hot water down the drain to clear any remaining debris.
Using Chemical Cleaners
Chemical cleaners are a quick and easy solution to unblocking your bath drain, but they can be harmful if not used correctly. Here are some tips to follow when using chemical cleaners:
- Always read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
- Use protective gloves to avoid contact with your skin.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners on old plumbing or pipes that are prone to damage.
- Never mix different types of chemicals together.
Conclusion
Unblocking your bath drain doesnt have to be a complicated process. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily unblock your bathtub drain and get back to enjoying your shower or bath. In case you encounter problems when unblocking your bath drain, dont hesitate to call us at Drainage Cumbria on 01228 734162, and our team of experts will be happy to help you.