Bristol Drain Unblocking

General information

How do you open a U-bend to unclog a pipe? To unblock a stuck U-bend, you have to overcome the force of the water rushing around the obstruction. The pressure you have to face is very strong and if you put your hand in a U-bend you may get cut or break your bones even if there is no water! Instead, use a plumbing snake or auger (available at your local hardware store or tool rental company).In this article we show you step by step how to remove the clog, the first step is to partially unblock the drain. The point is to create more water pressure at the U-bend so that when you start removing it you can do it in one piece. Step one is to Open the U-bend to unblock the drain. Use a suction cup or plunging auger to clear several inches of pipe below the U-bend. This will create enough water pressure to unblock the pipe. This will create enough water pressure so that when you remove the U-bend it comes out in one piece with all of its parts intact. Load your snake into your drill (or use an electric snake). Then apply some lubricant around the elbow so that it slides more easily. Use your snake to remove 6 "of pipe, moving the drill at a slow speed so as not to cause damage. Remove the U-bend by running water down the drain. Once there is about one foot of exposed pipe below the U-bend, use your electric snake with a CPVC or PVC cutter to cut the remaining section of the copper pipe. This will create a hole where you can insert an endoscope (i.e. camera) to check for any...