Plumbing is one of the top 10 problems homeowners face. Considering we use water on a daily basis (and all day at that), it shouldn't be surprising that at some point or another, we'll run into issues.
For example, we all experience clogged drains. Not only can this be annoying, but it can also do some damage to your pipes.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, here's how to clean a sink drain when it clogs.
1. Use and Check the Garbage Disposal
If the clog is in your kitchen sink, then chances are, you've got some food stuck in there. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure to run it thoroughly to grind up any leftover food, since that's the best way to unclog a drain in the kitchen.
If the garbage disposal sounds weird, then you'll want to check if there's anything else stuck in there. Make sure it's completely off, and either stick another utensil or your hand down there to see if you can find any runaway utensils that have gotten stuck.
Once you remove any large blockages, this might return your sink back to normal.
2. Use Boiling Water
One of the next steps you should try is pour boiling water down your sink drain. This is extremely easy to do because all you have to do is turn on the stove, boil some water, and pour it into the sink.
Most of the time, if it's the kitchen sink, you might have some food debris and/or solidified oil and grease in there. By pouring boiling water down a few times, you might be able to get your pipes clean and get rid of the clog.
If that doesn't work, then you might need to try some of the other methods on this list.
3. Try Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
This method is very similar to the last one, but you'll add baking soda and vinegar as well.
So first, you'll pour boiling water down the sink. However, you'll also pour a cup of baking soda into the pipe right after.
Give it a few minutes, and then pour another cup of boiling water into the sink, along with a cup of vinegar. Immediately plug the drain for a powerful chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar.
This resulting chemical reaction is fizzy, which should help immensely with breaking down your clogs. If not, then again, move onto other methods on this list.
4. Use a Plunger
Plungers work to remove clogs in your toilet because it has suction and pressure. By that logic, it should work to dislodge the clog in your sink as well. However, since you've probably already used the plunger in your toilet, you might want to either thoroughly clean and sanitize it, or go out and buy a completely new one to use on your sink.
Fill up the sink with some hot water (not boiling) up to a level where it covers the plunger completely. Plug up the drain and then pump the plunger steadily for about a minute. Then, pull the plunger away and the water should drain.
If this doesn't work, try it again a few more times. Otherwise, you might need to call a professional plumber or keep reading for more solutions.
5. Use Some Chemical Cleaners
Maybe boiling water, baking soda, vinegar, and plungers just aren't tough enough to break up whatever's clogging your pipes. Before you call a plumber in St. Charles, MO, you can try to clean the sink drain by getting some chemical cleaners.
Always carefully read the instructions, as there are some pretty strong ingredients that may damage either your sink or your skin if you get it on you. Handle these chemicals with gloves and maybe even a mask to prevent yourself from inhaling any fumes.
Only try chemical cleaners once or twice; any more than that, and you might damage your pipes. You might want to call a plumber in St. Charles, MO after seeing that chemical cleaners aren't helping.
6. Remove and Clean the P-Trap
The p-trap is a p-shaped pipe that's just below your sink. Its unique shape prevents sewer gases from rising into your house, but on the flip side, it also gets stuff stuck very easily.
If you've tried the above methods but still aren't ready to throw in the towel yet, you can try removing and cleaning the p-trap on your own. You'll need a bucket, gloves, and a crescent wrench.
Before you start, put on your gloves and place the bucket below the p-trap. Unscrew the fasteners; dirty water may start leaking out, so reposition yourself and the bucket if need be.
Once you've gotten the p-trap off, you can then clean it and try to find whatever was clogging the pipe.
If this doesn't sound appealing to you, or you don't trust yourself to handle this job correctly, you can always feel free to call a St. Charles plumber.
Know How to Clean a Sink Drain
Now that you know how to clean a sink drain, you'll probably have an easier time the next time it gets stopped up.
However, there may come a time when you need a St. Charles, MO plumber. It may be that the clog is serious and you need an expert to look at it, or you just need it professionally cleaned.
Whatever your needs are, you can always count on St Charles Plumbing Company. We're a family business that's been serving the local community for over 60 years (3 generations), so you know we the best plumbing services around.
Need sink repair or toilet repair in St. Charles? Or are you doing a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel?
In any case, make an appointment with us now. We're the best residential and commercial plumber St. Charles, MO has to offer.