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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide
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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide (2001)(Empire).iso
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t23a.txt
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1998-10-14
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2KB
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Summary
There are several methods to clear a blockage from a
sink waste pipe. Below are details of the most common
methods:
1 To clear a slow draining sink
2 Using a plunger
3 Removing the waste trap
4 Directly accessing the waste system
Tools
Plunger, drain auger, curtain wire
Materials
Proprietary chemicals
Step 1 - To clear a slow draining sink
An accumulation of grease can cause a sink to drain
slowly. It is possible to buy some proprietary chemical
cleaners or caustic soda which will dissolve this
accumulation. Detailed instructions come with the
cleaner. Note that many of these contain extremely
hazardous strong chemicals - always follow explicitly
the safety instructions on the package.
Step 2 - Using a plunger
If the sink is completely blocked, you may need to use
a plunger. Put the plunger directly over the plug and
hold a cloth over the overflow to stop the air escaping.
Pump the plunger for several minutes or until the
blockage clears.
Step 3 - Removing the trap
If the first two methods fail, you will have to remove
the waste trap. Always wear rubber gloves and wash your
hands and clothing after opening the waste trap because
of the bacteria that thrives on the waste caught in
traps. Place a bucket under the sink and open the
waste trap itself.
Step 4 - Directly accessing the waste system
Often the waste system has built in access points where
the pipe is turned at right angles. These are called
capped swept tee connectors. They look like normal T-shaped
pipe connectors, but one end of the T is a removable cap.
You can hire or buy a special flexible-rod tool to try and
access parts of the waste system and dislodge the blockage.