How To Unclog a Sink: Tips From Plumbing Pros
My Sink is Clogged: Where Do I Start?
When you're dealing with a stopped-up sink, there's a number of things that could be the problem. Hair, food, and other debris can buildup in your drain until it just won't let the water pass freely. When this happens, you have to figure out the best way to deal with it, and how to unclog a sink drain is not always easy to figure out.
There are a number of techniques to try when dealing with tough clogs. Most of these are fairly simple and involve items you either already have around your home or can easily get at your local hardware store, making clogged sinks one of the easier do-it-yourself plumbing repairs homeowners can tackle. With a few pro tips to get you started, you'll be resolving your clog in no time.
Use a Plunger
A lot of people don't realize that plungers aren't just for toilets. There are actually different types of plungers, one of which, the cup plunger, that is specifically useful for sinks. This is the easiest, least invasive method to try first when dealing with a clogged sink. Simply place the plunger over the drain and give it a few thrusts! Most of the time, this will take care of any stopped sink. If you're having trouble or aren't totally sure how to use your plunger, check out a few easy tips.
Hit It With a Snake
While professional plumbing companies will have much more impressive equipment than a store-bought plastic snake, it's not always necessary to bring in the 'big guns'. Plastic snakes from your local hardware store can be highly effective in dislodging and removing tough clogs. There only real draw back is their length. If your clog is too far down the line, these cheaper snakes may not be able to reach it.
Liquid Products
Liquid and gel products, like Drano, can dissolve and dislodge difficult clogs in many cases. But they come with some risk. These products use very powerful chemicals that are neither good for your pipes nor our environment. Before using Drano or other similar products, try everything else you can first and keep in mind some of the risks of liquid drain cleaners.
A safe liquid drain cleaner you can use is of the all-natural variety. Try mixing baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar together. Pour it and let it sit a while, then try plunging again and see if that doesn't work.
Remove the P-Trap or Drain
Most sinks have a P-trap or other exposed pipes beneath them. If easier techniques don't work to clear the clog, you can remove these pipes and dig it out. Pro tip: be sure to have a bucket underneath as you detach them, as water and muck will likely go everywhere.
Try a Wet/Dry Vac
Using a wet/dry vac, you can try sucking the clog out. You'll need to place the hose end at the entrance of the drain, then create as tight of a seal around it as possible. If the sink has two drains, be sure to seal up the second drain entrance with a rubber stopper. Turn your vacuum on high and suck that sucker out!
If These Tips Don't Help, Give Us a Call
If following these steps on how to unclog a sink leaves you still dealing with a stopped-up sink, give us a call. Our team of sewer and drain plumbers have the right tools to clear any clog or obstruction causing you issues.