Slow draining sink ?

[Pagen]

Does drain but very very slowly and gurgles, what’s the best way to clear it ? Mo Ho fiat ducato Autotrail Tracker EKS. Any suggestions ?

 

[Andy1954]

We had a similar problem with our Hymer a couple of years ago it turned out to be a blocked breather pipe on the waste tank.

 

[Pagen]

Would you know whether that breather pipe is under the mo Ho or inside ?

 

[MikeD]

We had a Autotrail Tracker and that also had a very slow drain to the kitchen sink.

I think it air locks as if we parked slightly leaning forward/back it ran better.

I tried all sort of modifications to the drain piping but nothing really worked.

In the end we just carried a small plunger and every time the sink needed draining just gave it a couple goes to push the air bubble away.

 

[Vic. Parsons.]

Had a similar problem with our Hymer sink.
I solved it with a plastic water bottle with a wide neck, like the ones on 5ltr bottles. Find the best fit for your plug hole.
I cut a small piece out of the bottom, about the size you can get your lips over and blow through. Then fill it with water, invert it over the plug hole and blow.
The head of pressure created by the water can do it, but blowing extra pressure usually does the trick.

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[tommac]

And again --same problem here. Took it back day after purchase and it emptied almost whole tank perfectly--brought it home and slow again--seems it has to be perfectly flat.

 

[Andy1954]

Our breather came out near the drain pipe. We had been on a muddy field and some mud had blocked the breather.
I thought it must that because when I took to cap go the waste tank which is easy in our Hymer all the sinks drained freely without any gurgling

 

[keithchesterfield2]

Get a small rubber plunger from Poundland - amazing what they can achieve used occasionally......

?

 

[HandyAndy]

We had a similar problem with our Hymer a couple of years ago it turned out to be a blocked breather pipe on the waste tank.

I would hope it was on the outside or that pong would be wafting round the cabin averytime you washed anything down the sink..
I also wouldn't like to accidentally over fill the waste tank either if the overflow is inside

 

[Pagen]

Like the bottle and Poundland small plunger ideas. Both will be considerably cheaper than the Friday 13th gearbox fiasco and subsequent replacement! Bread n dripping for rest of month !?

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[TerryL]

Be very careful using a plunger. The waste system is not pressurised so the fittings, pipe connections etc. are often only pushed on. You don't want to be taking your van apart to find an inaccessible leaking/loose pipe.

The problem is that usually there is no "drop" on the waste pipe at the sink - if you check you'll find it's almost horizontal. Now look at the drain pipe in your kitchen at home - any plumber knows you need a drop to get the waste moving.

It's possible of course that the pipes have been crushed or bent during installation - check as far through the run as you can.

Finally on our Swift there are junction boxes under the van before entering the waste tank. Might be a blockage in there.

We've found giving the water in the sink a swirl with your fingers around the drain often works - once it gets started it's fine.

 

[Vipar]

At home we use Spirts of Salts to unblock sinks or drains. Not Epsom or white spirit. It works every time, also great for cleaning granite headstones. Please be aware that this is caustic soda baised product so wear protection and flush with hot water afterwards.

 

[Bognor Saint]

In some ways I'm a little envious of your slow draining sink! At the start of our recent holiday our sink was draining freely and fast but sadly into the cupboard below. The sump (u bend type thing) was cracked and leaking. Trip to b&q was first trip of the next day and I sealed it with some hardening plumbers leak stuff. New motorhome, so covered by warranty. My repairs actually worked.

 

[Jubjann]

A sink drainer is a very handy tool for catching those stray peas from sliding down the plug hole and causing major problems!

 

[TheBig1]

At home we use Spirts of Salts to unblock sinks or drains. Not Epsom or white spirit. It works every time, also great for cleaning granite headstones. Please be aware that this is caustic soda baised product so wear protection and flush with hot water afterwards.

spirits of salts of strong hydrochloric acid

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[Pagen]

Where can I get either spirit of salts or strong hydrochloric acid from? And how to use please?

 

[TheBig1]

Where can I get either spirit of salts or strong hydrochloric acid from? And how to use please?

look for brick acid either builders merchants or online, but it's nasty stuff

 

[Lot lover]

White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are a cheap first step but watch out for fizzing if you feel the need to watch how they work.

 

[Pagen]

Forgive me for being a bit slow on the uptake but I thought these things would be too corrosive for mo Ho drain pipes etc? Obviously I must be wrong, someone once told me no bleach etc ? Detailed usage instructions would be welcome and thanks all for advice to date

 

[Ridgeway]

Surely it helps to disguise an open grey water dribble

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[Lot lover]

The 2 products that I recommended are certainly not too corrosive for our MH but Pagen must reach his/her own decision.

 

[TheBig1]

pouring hydrochloric acid in any form down a blocked drain is dangerous. if the blockage resists, you then have a highly corrosive liquid held in the pipe requiring removal.

I prefer to use vinegar and bicarb along with "rodding" with a net curtain wire

 

[Pagen]

Hi Lot lover appreciate your suggestion. In order for me to use these two products what do I do Use both together? Just tip in drain hole ? Dilute? Leave to soak? I fully take on board whatever I use will be my own decision... just need to know where to get products and how to use. ?

 

[Pagen]

Also what does the cautionary watch out for fizzing mean? Thank you Big 1 for clarity on some of my questions

 

[Stanbrook]

Surely any acid will ruin the finish on the stainless steel sink?

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[Lot lover]

Pagen, tip some bicarbonate into the plug hole followed by some vinegar. And just wait. The action of one upon the other creates fumes so don't be tempted to lean over and look.

My wife has this very afternoon used these products to clean our washing machine.

In France you buy these in any supermarket, no idea about third world county.

 

[Pagen]

Thank you Lot lover and all others for your suggestions.

 

[Vipar]

Where can I get either spirit of salts or strong hydrochloric acid from? And how to use please?

Our local diy shop £2.50 one size only. Put half down leave it for 20 minutes then fill sink with hot water pull out the plug and all should be well.