Blocked drain – what now? 

VariForm washbasin (© Geberit)

Hair can quickly clog the shower and washbasin drains. A great way to resolve this is with a good old rubber suction cup or plunger, as it’s also known. This loosens the obstruction and flushes the remains into the sewage system.

Incidentally, ‘trap’ is the term the general public would generally use, whereas sanitary professionals call it a water seal. And that’s exactly what it’s designed to do: trap or seal away unpleasant odours and prevent them from getting into the bathroom. We present two of the best-known variants of the water seal in the form of the bottle trap and the space-saving tubular trap, as used in the bathroom washbasin or in the kitchen, for example.

Keeping things running 

  • A little care is needed to ensure that water seals function reliably. Avoid getting hair or coarser dirt particles in the drain. This is where comb inserts or drain sifters make for ideal solutions.
  • Run water regularly, because the traps can also dry out if they are left standing for a long time, for example. That’s when things start to stink!
  • If the water seal is blocked, please do not experiment or try any DIY methods! A plunger and tweezers can help to loosen or remove obstructions. Harsh chemicals should be avoided, since they can attack the seals or material. Important: Leave the removal of the trap to a professional. In most cases, they will also leave the water seal in place and work with a plunger or other professional tool.
  • P.S.: Pressure pipe cleaners, which are often advertised as ‘miracle tools’ on shopping channels, can damage traps and pipes due to the high level of pressure applied. With this in mind, it is better for laypeople to steer clear of this type of tool.

Products for more cleanliness in the bathroom