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I’m sure many of you have heard of Orbeez – those little water beads that expand when you soak them in water.
They’re a fun toy for kids (and adults too, let’s be real), but have you ever wondered if they can go down the drain? Well, I’m here to share my personal experience with Orbeez and a clogged drain.
It was a typical Saturday afternoon and my kids were begging me to buy them a pack of Orbeez. I finally caved and let them bring them home. We had a blast playing with them, but eventually, it was time to clean up.
That’s when I made a mistake – I didn’t think twice about rinsing the Orbeez down the drain. Big mistake.
Fast forward a few hours and I noticed that the water in my sink wasn’t draining properly. I checked the drain and sure enough, it was clogged with Orbeez. Talk about a plumbing nightmare.
Unclogging Pipes from Orbeez Water Beads
Unclogging pipes from Orbeez Water Beads can be a long and tedious process, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques.
Here is what you can do to drain orbeez in the sink.
- Unscrew the pipes underneath the sink apart.
- Use bleach or a combination of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
- Use a Plunger.
- Use Drano Clog Remover.
1. Unscrew the Pipes Underneath the Sink
If you have a small blockage of Orbeez in your pipes, one option is to try and remove it yourself.
First, locate the pipes underneath your sink and turn off the water supply. Then, use a pipe wrench to carefully unscrew the pipes and see if you can physically remove the blockage.
This method can be effective, but it’s important to be careful when handling the pipes to avoid causing any damage.
It’s also a good idea to have some rubber gloves and a towel on hand in case of any spills or drips.
If the blockage is too far down the pipes or the pipes are too difficult to remove, you need to try other methods.
2. Use Bleach or a Combination of Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda.
Another way for unclogging pipes from Orbeez is to use a chemical cleaner. Bleach is a strong option that can help to break down and dissolve the beads, but it’s important to use caution when handling it and to follow the instructions on the label.
A safer alternative is to mix vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in an equal ratio and pour the mixture down the drain. The two ingredients will create a chemical reaction that can help to loosen and remove the blockage.
Let the mixture sit for at least an hour before flushing the drain with hot water.
3. Use a Plunger.
If the blockage is causing a slow drain or a small backup in your sink, a plunger can often help to remove it. Place the plunger over the drain and push it down firmly several times.
The suction created by the plunger can help to loosen the blockage and clear the pipes. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a Plumbing Snake or auger to physically remove the blockage.
3. Use Drano Clog Remover (Not for Old Pipes)
If nothing above worked Drano is your best bet. Drano is a popular brand of drain cleaner that can be effective in removing the Orbeez from the drain.
Follow the instructions on the label for proper usage, but generally, you will pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for a specified amount of time before flushing the drain with hot water.
Be sure to use caution when handling the chemical and make sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
4. Hire a Professional Plumber.
If you’re unable to successfully unclog your pipes from Orbeez on your own or you’re not comfortable attempting to do so, it may be best to hire a professional plumber.
A plumber will have the tools, experience, and knowledge to remove the blockage and repair any damage that may have been caused by Orbeez.
While hiring a plumber can be more expensive than attempting to fix the problem yourself, it can save you time, stress, and potential future issues.
Also See: What are Orbeez Used For?
So, What did I do to Unclog My Pipes?
I started by using a plunger to loosen the blockage. I placed the plunger over the drain and pushed it down firmly several times, but it didn’t seem to do much.
The water was still draining slowly and I knew I needed to try something else to completely clear the clogging.
Then I decided to give Drano a try. I poured the recommended amount of the liquid down the drain and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before flushing the drain with hot water.
To my relief, the blockage seemed to be gone and the water was flowing freely once again.
Overall, it was a frustrating experience trying to unclog my pipes from Orbeez, but I learned my lesson and will never make the same mistake again.
If you have Orbeez and are thinking about rinsing them down the drain, I highly recommend finding an alternative disposal method to avoid a similar plumbing nightmare.
Lesson Learned: Don’t Rinse Orbeez Down the Drain!
You May Also Like: How to Dispose of Orbeez
FAQs
Can Orbeez be Flushed Down the Toilet?
It is not recommended to flush Orbeez down the toilet. Orbeez are small, water-absorbing beads that are often used as novelty items or for decoration.
They are made of a type of polymer that can absorb hundreds of times their weight in water, which can make them swell to a larger size.
This can cause them to clog pipes or damage plumbing systems if they are flushed down the toilet.
Is it Safe to Drain Orbeez in the Sink?
It is not safe to drain Orbeez in the sink. They are not biodegradable and will not break down in the water like other materials, so they can remain in the plumbing system for an extended period of time and potentially cause blockages or damage.
Conclusion
It is clear that Orbeez should not be flushed or put down the drain. As I experienced firsthand, the resulting clog can lead to extensive and costly damage.
The pieces of Orbeez I flushed away were small, and yet it was enough to cause a significant blockage in my pipes.
To avoid costly plumbing repairs and frustration, it would be best to dispose of Orbeez in the trash rather than the toilet or sink.
