Clogged Bathroom Drains
many homes, the
bathroom sink doubles as a dressing table, and everyone in the family shampoos
in the shower. Hair and soap are washed into bathroom drains day and night, and
the cruddy mess can quickly jam up the plumbing. Regular clearing of the traps
saves your plumbing, and it also cuts down on cleaning time -- water that flows
out of the tub quickly doesn't allow dirt to settle on these
surfaces.
Start with a plunger when trying to unclog a
drain.
If clearing the trap doesn't clear the drain, you'll have to take
stronger measures. First plunge the drain. Before you use the plunger in the
bathroom basin, plug the overflow opening. This allows the plunger to exercise
its maximum suction effect on the clogged drain.
If plunging does not open the drain, use a chemical drain opener. These
products must be handled with special care because they are caustic and harmful
to skin and eyes. Use them in a well-ventilated area, and follow the
manufacturer's instructions. Chemical drain openers will damage porcelain enamel
and should not be allowed to remain on the surface of your fixtures for any
length of time.
If the first type of chemical drain opener you use does not work, do not
use a different chemical drain cleaner unless the initial cleaner has been
totally flushed away. Never use a plunger or a pressurized drain opener after
using a chemical cleaner; it may cause dangerous chemicals to splash on you.
Also, be sure to tell your plumber what you have put into the drain before he or
she starts to work. The combination of ammonia and other household cleaners with
chemical drain openers produces hazardous gases.
Hopefully, you won't have to deal with clogged drains very often. Keeping
your bathroom clean is another matter, though. In a week or so, you'll have to
start the cleaning process all over again -- but until then, enjoy.
A Drain-Opening Mixture
Moderately clogged drains can sometimes be
opened by pouring 1⁄2 cup baking soda, followed by 1⁄2 cup vinegar, down the
drain. Caution: The interaction of these two ingredients creates foaming and
fumes, so replace the drain cover loosely. Flush the drain with clear water
after about three hours.
Regards!
Swati M Sharma
when things don't
seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place
your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. We don't always know what God's
plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are
always best!