Blocked drain tube ........... how do I clear it?

[Dolomite Pete]

I have an Autocruise Rythem and the tube that the bathroom sink drains through is partially blocked. The sink is one that hinges down, and the plug hole just empties into a black plastic chute with the tube running into the waist tank. Is it ok to use a chemical drain cleaner? I can't get a rod or wire into it. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't want to use bleach or anything that strong. Any ideas?

Many thanks

 

[yorkslass]

Try bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Allow it to stand a while then try some boiling water down.

 

[Lee]

I wouldn't use wire or similar to poke down, it could get stuck or rupture the pipework.
If the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar doesn't work you could use Mr muscle drain cleaner, I've used it without any detrimental effects.

 

[Dolomite Pete]

Try bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Allow it to stand a while then try some boiling water down.

Thanks, I'll give it a go tomorrow. Good idea.

 

[Deleted member 2610]

Not sure I'd use boiling water as I know someone who deformed their basin doing that - sorry to contradict someone's advice.

 

[Millie Master]

The cause will more than likely be hair mixed with the foul gungy muck that you always tend to get down these convoluted pipes.

Either of the above methods should effect results but if all else fails as it has in the past for me, I have used a length of flexible multi-core wiring cable that I have given a very rounded end to so that it won't damage the low quality pipes that I am afraid are always fitted to mega expensive professionally built vans.

 

[pagey]

i use an old curtain wire for hanging nets up and leave the hook on it gently poke it down and twist it and pull it out again still twisting its amazing what comes out

 

[Vanterrier]

Pour in a 2 litre bottle of cheap cola (17p from Tesco) and give it an overnight to work.

Good luck

K

 

[Minisorella]

I've used these barbed plastic things in the past... you can get them really cheap from B&M type stores. They're not strong enough to do any damage to the pipe but they're good at grabbing hair and stuff from the drain. One I tried was just too wide to get down the little holes in the drain, so I cut it in half lengthwise with a pair of scissors!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cleaning-drain-cleaning-cleaning-bathroom-chemicals/dp/B00DN43XBS

 

[Clunegapyears]

And once you’ve cleared it, put hair traps on all your plug holes .... I could stuff a cushion from my hair loss after every shower!

We’ve a plunger on board ... worked for us, but I know it is not generally recommended.

 

[Deleted member 2946]

If your going to use curtain wire. I would go with the eye end rather than a hook. If the hook catches on a pipe join it will be a pig of a job pulling it free.

Bicarbonate or cola would be my choice.

 

[S-S]

I use a 200mm piece of 25mm broom handle inside a 150mm piece of 25mm bore hose as a miniature plunger.Just fits over the drain outlet.

 

[witzend]

And once you’ve cleared it, put hair traps on all your plug holes .

I don't know if all are the same but I unblocked one of those types of sink for a couple parked beside us and in their case it was just hair in a gauze at the sink joint seen with sink raised