And I thought I had everything I needed!!

Merve
Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
1000 Comments
edited April 2018 in Parts & Accessories #1

Over the years, like all of you, I had collected bits and bobs that would be useful to any caravanner. You know the sort of thing- fuses, bulbs, spare matches. Spare charging leads for phones and other appliances, bits of cord, glue, screws and a plethora of other useful bits that we keep in a purpose made box bought from a local B&M . I honestly thought I had the solution for any eventuality! WRONG! On the trip to North Norfolk the sink in the washroom became very slow to drain and became worse and worse until it virtually stopped. No problem I thought, I had a bottle of Fenwicks tank and pipe cleaner in the van so I used some over night- no improvement! Tried some more together with bleach- no improvement. Tried some more thinking this blockage has to ‘melt’ at sometime. No improvement! Knowing there is a market at Sheringham on a Saturday morning, I went on the hunt for something that I hadn’t used for years- a good old fashioned sink plunger! Not only did I find one,  but it was a compact size and perfect for a caravan. I had spent £6 on the Fenwicks. I paid £2.20 on the plunger and the plunger won! Within 10 seconds the sink and pipes were clear and running freely. Another piece of kit that will accompany us on our travels- and it’s lighter than a bottle of Fenwicks!! 

Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited April 2018 #2

    Careful with that sink plunger. Push together drain piping can become pop apart drain piping and a half full sink or basin of water goes a long way. laughing

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2018 #3

    As far as a pint of milk?? 😂

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited April 2018 #4

    Reminds me - off topic. 20+ years ago crossing a side road with 14 year old daughter one very hot summers day (traders were selling cokes from baths of ice) the driver of a large convertible decided not to give pedestrians their right of way and drove at me and others crossing. I had just opened a 1 pint carton of milk wide to slake my thirst. I pulled my daughter back with one hand and as the car virtually brushed past me I dropped the open carton of milk behind the drivers seat. I had to go back and buy another although I did not feel it a waste.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited April 2018 #5
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  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited April 2018 #6

    Worth a try David and one to remember. a bit of carrot as a temporary plug on outflow, some hot water and a bio tab

  • Unknown
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    edited April 2018 #7
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  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,389 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2018 #8

    is that to encourage it to run better!

    peedee

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
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    edited April 2018 #9

    David, no Ihadn’t but seems to make good sense. If it happens again I’ll give it a whirl before reaching for the old tech🤣🤣 Thanks for the tip re pipework Easy- definitely worth knowing- it appears mine is glued so no probs.

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited April 2018 #10

    On this point, it is worth giving the pipes a regular check or add a wrap of insulation tape to stop them coming apart during travel.

    Set up last year all looked fine until we returned from a stroll around the site to see water dripping from the wheel arch.

    Found the cause to be the waste pipe from the sink had come apart and the water, clean fortunately, flushed through to prime the water heater had leaked into the cupboard out of sight. 

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited April 2018 #11

    another good thing about the carrot tip, you can do the job in the dark.foot-in-mouth

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
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    edited April 2018 #12

    Merve,

    How are you getting on with the waste-water sump and bilge pump you were planning some time back?

    I took all the bits for one to Spain this winter but never needed it since most pitches we used had their own grey-water drain (and of course tap). 

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
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    edited April 2018 #13

    Merve,

      From  B & M   I purchased  a  package  containing  three  off  12  inch  long  pieces  of approx  1/8th  inch  diameter  plastic  with  the  end  of  each  having  the  last  inch  or  so  multiple  spiked  like  a  tiny  tooth-brush.  Insert  one  end  into  the  offending  plug 'ole,  rotate  'tween  your  fingers  and  then  remove  (  CAREFULLY  !!)  straight  into  a  piece  of  kitchen  roll.  They  can  be  reused  --  if  you  must,  but  at  about  £2  for  three  I  never  bother.  In  fact  I  dont  even  buy  the  little  handle  that  fits  on  the  upper  end,  I  just  use  'finger  power'  !!

    B