How To Block A Drain?

When Would I Need to Block a Drain Opening?

There are few times when a person might need to block a drain. For simple reasons or to prevent plumbing issues, covering the drain opening will mean nothing can go through it or up from it. Most times people will want to cover the drain when wanting to fill up the sink or bath with water. Other times a drain might be blocked will be to prevent water or sewage from backing up into the building. A drain might also be covered if work is being done around it and wanting to prevent items from falling into it, such as when renovating a place. 

How Do I Block a Drain Opening?

To block a drain there are different ways to do so and some are more reliable than others. Follow the guide below to see the various methods to block a drain opening:

Drain Plug or Stopper

Most sinks and bathtubs have a stopper or plug that can be placed to block up the drain opening. These are the most effective ways to cover up a drain opening as they provide a good sealant and stop water from going into or out of the drain. Ensure that the drain plug or stopper fits within the drain opening smoothly and covers the opening correctly. When it is the perfect size for the drain then the sink, bath or other drain openings will be effectively blocked. Contact a plumber for them to provide the best advice on what type of drain plug or stopper to purchase if you are not sure what to do.

Float and Drain Guard

For floor drains or outdoor drains then a float or drain guard can be used to block the opening. These are mainly going to be used to prevent sewage or water from back flowing into the property or if covering the drain needs to be done to prevent items from entering the drain. The float sits inside of the drain to allow water to flow through but when sewerage or water wants to flow back up it will rise then the drain guard will trap the opening to prevent overflowing. A guard can also be placed on top of the drain opening to prevent anything from entering the drain as well.

Temporary Fixes

There are some temporary methods to block a drain, these are only useful for a short period of time and after they are used finding a quality drain cover is encouraged. Here are some temporary techniques to use when needing to block up a drain:

• Plastic cup – a plastic or coffee cup can be inserted over the drain opening to block the drain. When filling the sink, bath or drain see if the cup stays in place, if it is too small then place thicker rubber bands around it to increase the size of the seal.
• Lid – a lid of a jar or other item can be used to seal off the drain opening and block it. Cover the drain hole with the lid lying it flat and also create a tougher seal by damping the bottom of the lid and then pressing it firmly down when the tub is being filled. The water should keep the lid down and the lid should block the water. 
• Plastic bag – inserting a wet cloth or sponge into a plastic bag can help cover the drain. Place the wet sponge or bag into the plastic bag then ensure all the air is out and seal it. Place the bag into the drain and then it should expand to prevent water from going down the drain.
• Toilet plunger – using a plunger designed for sinks and baths can be done to prevent water from exiting. Clean the rubber, place the plunger over the hole and press down to seal the drain. The wooden handle can be removed to have only the rubber part in there to stop water and then when the water needs to be drained the wooden stick can be placed back in to remove the plunger. 
• Waterproof tape – waterproof duct tape and cover the drain opening, blocking water from flowing down it. Two layers of the tape can provide a quick temporary fix to have the water stay in the sink or bath.