Do you notice water coming up from the pipes, a really unpleasant smell in your bathroom, your kitchen or your toilets, or a difficult flow of water? Whatever the symptom, it is necessary to act quickly before the water overflows. We suggest that you better understand this phenomenon and find out how to react in this type of situation.
Water rising in the pipes, why?
Pipes are used to evacuate different kinds of water: domestic wastewater, but also rainwater or runoff.
When the network is working properly, the evacuation takes place without difficulty, without noise and without smell. Therefore, if you notice a slower flow, even stagnant water, if the evacuations generate noises, such as gurgling, or give off foul odors, this means that the pipe is partially or totally blocked.
Since the water can no longer flow downwards, it has no choice but to make its way upwards, which can go so far as to cause a flood in your home. You therefore understand that it is necessary to act effectively and quickly to restore water circulation and limit the damage. Most often, the problem is due to a clog formed by an accumulation of waste, such as hair, soap residue, etc., or by a deposit of limescale.
A blockage is then generally created at the level of the siphon or the evacuation column. Some basic techniques can help unclog drains. However, if the problem persists, it will be necessary to call a plumber.
What you can do:
Before calling a professional, here are some techniques you can try to try to solve the problem on your own.
Drain boiling water:
As simple as it may seem, this technique can sometimes make it possible to unclog the pipes and thus evacuate the blockage in formation. To do this, here is how to proceed:
- Bring 1 to 3 liters of hot water to the boil;
- Empty this water slowly in several times;
- Wait a few seconds each time.
In the case of clogs due to the accumulation of soap, these will simply disintegrate under the effect of heat.
You can also add dish soap to boiling water to act as a de greaser.
Use a garden Hose:
If technically possible, insert a garden hose into the drain hole and run water at as high a pressure as possible, which can, in some cases, destroy the clog. Some professionals also use high-pressure water jets to unclog pipes.
If you don’t have a garden hose, you can still try placing the shower head at the drain and turning the water on to maximum. In some cases, this solution may provide enough pressure to unclog your drain.
Use a ferret:
If you have a ferret, this very effective solution allows you to effectively unclog the pipes. If you don’t have a ferret, you can use a wire hanger that just unfolds or buy a ferret from a DIY store. You then just have to insert it into the pipes to raise the plug. Once removed, run hot water through your pipes to restore water circulation.
Baking soda and Vinegar:
This natural solution is very effective for cleaning pipes. You can proceed as follows:
- Remove as much standing water as possible.
- In the hole, pour directly 1 cup of baking soda, then 1 cup of coarse salt and the same for the white vinegar.
- Leave on for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Finally, empty 1 liter of boiling water into the hole to finish dissolving the clog and evacuating it.
- This technique can also be used on a regular basis for pipe maintenance
General Column Clogged:
If you live in an apartment and water or a bad smell comes up from the pipes, it may be a problem with the general column of the building. From then on, you will see this same problem on all of your sanitary installations.
It is, of course, necessary to act quickly to avoid water damage to your home and your neighbors. If you are a tenant, you can contact your landlord or the agency in charge of your accommodation. As the owner, you can contact the syndicate of co-ownership who will call on a plumber
It may then be necessary to bring in a pump truck that will connect to the building’s wastewater valve. This solution makes it possible to send air or water at very high pressure into the pipes to destroy the clog. This type of intervention is quite expensive, but as it concerns the whole building, the cost will be impacted on the different owners.When to replace water heater
