Method and Device for Unclogging a Drain Assembly

Abstract

A method and device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight, watertight seal in the drain assembly. An overflow cover device functions to form a complete seal in the drain assembly, such that no air and water pressure is lost throughout the drain assembly while a plunging device creates pressure and a vacuum over a drain opening. The water pressure generated by the plunging device is maximized to remove a clog in the drain assembly. The overflow cover device includes a front surface, and a mounting surface. The mounting surface includes a cover seal on the peripheral edge for inhibiting the escape of air and water. The mounting surface engages the overflow opening, and secures into place through machine screws that pass through one or two holes in the overflow cover device.

What I claim is: 
     
         1 . A device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight and watertight seal, the device comprising:
 an overflow cover device, the overflow cover device being configured to cover an overflow opening for inhibiting the escape of air and water from the drain assembly, the overflow cover device comprising a front surface, the overflow cover device further comprising a mounting surface, the mounting surface being disposed to engage the overflow opening, the mounting surface comprising a cover seal, the cover seal being configured to form a seal between the mounting surface and the overflow opening,   wherein a plunging device is operable to engage a drainage opening for forcing water pressure through the drain assembly and/or creating a vacuum, or water surge, though the drain assembly, wherein the overflow cover device inhibits the escape of the forced water pressure and/or vacuum pressure throughout the drain assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the drain assembly comprises a plumbing system for a bathtub. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overflow cover device comprises a substantially circular shape with a 3¾ inch diameter. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overflow cover device comprises a metal composition. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the overflow cover device comprises at least one aperture, the at least one aperture being disposed to align with at least one overflow aperture, wherein at least one fastener is operable to pass through the at least one aperture and the at least one overflow aperture for attaching the overflow cover device to the overflow opening. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cover seal is disposed to position on a peripheral portion of the mounting surface. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cover seal comprises a neoprene rubber,  30  durometer gasket. 
     
     
         8 . A method for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight and watertight seal, the method comprising:
 removing an overflow plate from an overflow opening;   attaching an overflow cover device to the overflow opening;   forming a seal on the overflow opening;   creating water pressure and a vacuum pressure in the drain assembly; and   unclogging the drain assembly.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the drain assembly comprises a plumbing system for a bathtub. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of attaching an overflow cover device comprises screwing at least one fastener though at least one aperture and at least one overflow aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of forming a seal on the overflow opening comprises pressing the cover seal against the overflow opening. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of creating water pressure and vacuum pressure in the drain assembly comprises manipulating a plunging device on a drain opening. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of unclogging the drain assembly comprises forcing a clog through a drum trap and out a drainage discharge tube.