As a homeowner, dealing with clogged sinks is a common experience. You’ve likely been there before, from the dreaded weekday morning pet hair-filled drain to the weekend DIY kitchen sink sprayer project gone wrong. But while it can be frustrating, it doesn’t have to be! This article will provide some tips and tricks on how to unblock a sink quickly and effectively, so you won’t get stuck next time your drains become clogged. However, if you do find yourself in need of a more serious plumbing solution, Sarkinen Plumbing offers reliable plumbing services in Portland Oregon, and the surrounding areas.
How To Prepare Before Trying To Unblock A Sink
Before attempting to unblock a sink, it is important to get your supplies together. You will need rubber gloves, a bucket (to catch any excess water), baking soda, white vinegar, a plunger, and/or an auger.
Additionally, for your personal safety, it’s advisable to wear a KN95 mask while working on unblocking the sink. This high-quality mask provides reliable protection against potential airborne particles or unpleasant odors that may arise during the process, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic environment for your task at hand.
Plunge The Kitchen Sink
A plunger is one of the easiest and most effective ways to unblock a sink. It works by creating suction which helps dislodge the blockage in the drain. To use a plunger, start by filling the sink with enough water to cover the plunger cup and to create a seal.
Then, position the plunger cup over the drain and press down vigorously. After several presses, remove the plunger quickly. This should create a vacuum that should help dislodge the clog. If the water starts draining, then congratulations! The plunger worked, and your sink is unblocked.
Use Bicarbonate Of Soda To Unclog A Sink
Bicarbonate of soda is a great natural way to unblock a sink. Start by boiling some water and then pouring it down the drain. This will help to loosen any debris stuck in the pipes.
Once this has been completed, pour a cupful of baking soda down the drain. Leave it for a couple of minutes, then pour a cupful of vinegar into the drain too. Combining the two substances will create a chemical reaction that will fizzle and help release the blockage. Leave it for a few minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
Auger Your Sink
If plunging and bicarbonate of soda solution don’t do the trick, you may need to use an auger (also known as a plumbing snake) to unblock the sink. An auger is a long, flexible cable with an auger head that you can snake into the drain to dislodge the blockage.
To use an auger, insert it into the drain as far as possible. Push it down until you feel resistance. Once you feel the resistance, turn the cranking device of the auger clockwise until you feel a reduction in the resistance. The plumbing snake will bore into the clog, thus breaking it apart and freeing the pipe.
Once you’ve broken up the clog, slowly pull the auger out of the sink and pour some hot water down the drain. Check to see if the sink is flowing freely; if not, repeat the process until it does.
Use A Drain Unblocker
A drain unblocker is a chemical that can be purchased from most hardware stores. These chemicals are designed to dissolve grease, hair and other debris that may be causing the blockage.
To use this method, pour in the drain unblocker and allow it to sit for the recommended time. Then flush the drain with hot water and check if the sink flows freely. To maintain the flow, use the drain unblocker regularly.
If all these methods fail, it may be time to call in a professional. Plumbing problems can often be complicated and require specialized tools or expertise. So don’t hesitate to call for help if you need it.
Clogged Sinks: How To Prevent Them?
To enjoy a clog-free sink, here are some preventative measures you can take:
-Use drain covers to keep food, grease, and other debris from getting into the pipes.
-Don’t allow food particles, however small, to go down the drain.
-Never put anything other than liquids in the sink.
-Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drains.
Unblocking a sink can be done in several ways. If the clog is minor, using a plunger, baking soda, and vinegar may do the trick. For more serious blockages, an auger or drain unblocker may be necessary. Ultimately, it is important to take preventative measures such as using drain covers and avoiding pouring grease down the drains to avoid future clogs. In cases where these methods fail, it might be best to call a professional plumber for help.
