Fixing plumbing problems

There's only on thing that's stopping you from fixing plumbing problems.

Knowledge!

Once you have this, the rest is easy.

Now, fixing plumbing problem no. 1 Today we're going to attack a blocked waste and you'll learn, its money for jam.

The dreaded blocked waste pipe.

Firstly there's 4 things that will block your waste pipe.

1. Food (Waste disposer not having enough water run)

2. Fat (Grandma tipping the dregs of tonights roast down the sink)

3. Hair (The dogs showering)

4. Corrosion (Your pipes are dying of old age) Narrowing of pipe walls.

To clear these blockage is going to be tough, but I know you've got it in ya.

I like to start with my trusty plunger (please get a descent quality one)

Step 1: Place the plunger over the blocked waste hole.

Step 2: Position your self over the plunger to ensure you can apply maximum pressure while plunging. ( If need be I'll stand on a bench top to get in this position)

Step 3: Make sure the rim of plunger is sealing all the way round on base of sink, bath, shower or tub.

Step 4 Begin plunging motion, up and down with out breaking the rim seal of plunger. Increase the vigour your plunging with.

Come on, PICK IT UP!!!, I'm watching you.

Give this, a full on 2 minute fury attack.

Finally, rip that plunger seal away from the base with every thing your've got.

Cleared?

If yes let's celebrate:)

No:(

No one said fixing plumbing problems was going to be easy.

Carry out steps 1-4 five more times. (It's suprising how many times you'll clear it on the 4th or 5th time.)

No Luck?

Time for a change in tact.

Find your closest gully trap (Plastic or concrete dish just outside the line of your house)This will recieve the waste water from the blocked fixture.

How do I know which waste pipe is blocked?

If your house is up off the ground, just follow the waste pipe from your blocked fixture to your gully (sorry you'll have to hop underneath your house for this) If your on a concrete slab, you'll have to use trial and error for the following steps.

Get your garden hose and feed up the blocked waste pipe (leave water running in hose) As you feed, get a back and forward motion going, similar to the plunging action. Keep feeding till you can go no futher. NOW GO HARD!!!

Gully

With any luck you'll see bits of sludge and scraps starting to run out of the pipe. Pull the hose completely out and repeat process.

All clear?

No!!!

I can't believe that after all the effort you've put in.

Okay its time to roll up your sleeves and get ready to RUMMMMMMMBLE.

1. fixing plumbing problem attack number 2.

It time to open the trap

Undo trap

Your need to scoop out the water from blocked fixture because if you don't and open the trap.....

You'll be swimming in it!

Emptied the sink, tub or bath?

You now need to find the trap.

You'll find this directly underneath the fixture. ( this may be under the house if for example your working on the bath.)

Now undo the top and middle nuts.( anti clockwise, looking upwards)Becareful not to loose sealing rings when you disconnect>

If your lucky, there will be a lump of congealed fat sitting at the bottom of the trap, or... if your really lucky a thick clump of family hair.

Either way, pull this obstruction from the trap. (You may need a screwdriver and hot water for the fat)

Loud applause from me:)

Take a bow.

For more on fixing plumbing problems, come to plumbing-troubleshooting.com