A dirty and unclogged drain can not only be an inconvenience, but it can cause other problems affecting one’s health, house structure, and more. Clogged sinks are often due to a garbage disposal filling up with a large amount of food scraps, or an overuse of dish soap causing soap scum. Because clogged sinks are such a common problem, our expert plumbers have compiled a list of common ways to unclog your sink!
Helpful Drain Cleaning Tips
Dumping things like coffee grounds, grease, oils or fat can easily clog your drain, which can lead to blockage. Here are some at home methods to prevent any clogs in your future.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
An old and effective method is using one cup of baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain. After putting your mixture down the drain, cover your sink opening and let the mixture sit for five minutes. Once it is done resting, rinse your sink with boiling water to help clean out any debris and absorb any odor.The baking soda and vinegar mixture will create a bubbling reaction which will help break up and loosen any junk to help clear out the clog.
The Plunger Method
After running hot water down your sink, you can pour a small amount of dish soap along with water down the drain to help soften the clog before plunging. Make sure you fill the sink with a few inches of water before you start using your plunger. Position the plunger right over the sink drain. Make sure your plunger has an open rubber cup with a ring in the center.
Snaking the Drain
This method will require a plumber’s snake and some towels or a bucket close by as unclogging the drain may get messy. Before inserting the plumbers snake down the drain, try and remove the P-trap or curved part of the drainpipe that is located underneath the sink.
You will insert the snake into the drain by removing any hair stoppers or other pieces in the way. If you removed the P-trap, you can insert it directly in the pipe as well.
To extend the snake through the drain, slowly turn the handle to push it through the chain by rotating it. Once the snake comes to a stop, you have reached contact with the clog.
After you feel you have hit the clog, start shaking the snake to help break up the blockage. Then turn the snake in the opposite direction to retrieve it. After you have pulled out the clog, reattach any pipes you removed, replace the hairstopper, and flush the drain with hot water.
Call The Experts
If the clog still persists after trying these methods, there could be a possibility of a more serious clog within your drainage system. Check out some more tips if you want to know more on how to prevent future blockage.
Don’t hesitate to call us if you are experiencing problems with your drains, our experts will be more than happy to assist you! We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
