A quick and easy guide
Are you facing an issue of a blocked sink? What should you do?
You witnessed a blocked sink in your kitchen and got horrified as the sink flooded with water and food particles. The water might drain out but takes ages to do so.
Unclogging a sink can seem an hectic task but you should approach the problem in the right manner so that it becomes quick and easy.
This guide is for your help so you get your basin draining properly. You will not only learn how to unblock a sink? But we will also guide how to get professional home maintenance services.
Before you jump into the solution of a clogged sink, find the reason behind it.
Reasons of clogged sink
The common culprits for a clogged sink are listed below.
- Food residues: Mostly the main cause of blockage in kitchen sinks.
- Oil, grease and fats: These substances become hard with time.
- Hair strands: Usually happens in washroom sinks.
- Soap scum: Common cause of sink blockage.
- Other objects: Foreign objects fall into the drain.
These are a few common reasons behind the blockage of sinks.
There are multiple tools and methods to unclog a sink.
Tools and materials to unclog a sink
Even if you try to unclog a sink on your own or call a professional to do it, these tools and materials are commonly used in the process.
- Plunger
- Drain stick
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Hot water
- Pilers
- Basket
- Gloves
- Pipe wrench
These items are used for safety precautions as well so it is mandatory to follow the instructions.
Guide to unblock a sink
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to unclog a sink with the tools and materials mentioned above.
Boiling Hot water
This is the most common method used to unclog a sink.
- Boil the water
- Pour the water into the sink and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Run the tap to see if the blockage in unclogged
Baking soda and Vinegar
This remedy helps in removing the soap scum and organic matter.
- Remove the trapped water from the sink.
- Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Pour a cup of Vinegar on it.
- Cover the opening.
- Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then pour boiling hot water in the drain.
Plunger
Plunger helps to unclog the drain by removing the particles close to the drain.
- Fill the sink with water.
- place in the plunger over the sink opening and ensure a good seal.
- Pump the plunger for about 20 seconds.
- Lift the plunger and check if the water drains.
Repeat the process if necessary.
Plumbing snake
For a stubborn blockage, plumbing snake also known as Drain auger can be very effective.
- Insert the drain auger into the drain and keep inserting until you feel a blockage.
- Rotate the plumbing snake to break the blockage.
- Take out the plumbing snake and turn on the tap to see if it worked.
- If not, repeat the process.
Clean the P-trap
If nothing works then it means the blockage is in the P-trap beneath the sink.
- Place a bucket under the P-trap.
- Remove the P-trap and check blockages. Clean it with a brush.
- Reassemble the trap and make sure to tighten the slip nuts.
- Run water to see if it worked.
Preventive measures
You should take preventive measures to avoid drain blockage. Take these steps to prevent the blockages after a successful unblock.
- Avoid pouring oil down the drain.
- Install a drain strainer to prevent food and hair from getting down the drain.
- Regularly pour hot water into the drain to keep it scum free and clear.
- Repeat the remedy of baking soda and Vinegar to avoid the blocking of the sink.
Also,
If you try every step mentioned above and still there are persistent clogs, slow draining, water trapping or unusual smell, consult a professional technician.
A professional plumber can deal with more complex issues so, calling a professional is a wise decision.
Conclusion
Solving an issue of blocked sink shouldn’t be a big deal. With the help of the right tools and procedures, you can unclog a stubborn blockage quickly and easily on your own.
Make sure to take safety precautions and preventive measures to avoid any other serious hazard and chances of further clogs.
Don’t falter to contact proficient plumber from a renowned maintenance company to dodge the acceleration of the issue.
