Fixing a clogged sink
Before you pick up your phone to call your local plumbing professional, you can be able to repair/fix a clogged sink or pipe yourself. Most clogged sink or clogged pipes are caused by build-up of particles in the pipe. The following can help you remedy the problem.
Note: Before attempting any of these methods, ensure you are aware of the fittings and design of your home’s plumbing system to avoid any serious damage.
Use a plunger – If the water in your sink cannot drain, you can use a plunger to dislodge the clog.
Step 1:
Remove dirty water in the sink and refill it with fresh/new water to allow the plunge to work. Ensure that there is enough water in the sink to submerge the plunge.
Step 2:
Place plunge over drain opening/sink hole and plunge up and down in a rapid motion. Slightly plunge up ensuring suction is still in place.
Step 3:
Continue until you dislodge the clog.
If this does not remedy the issue, then you can see below the next option.
Hot Water – If the water in your sink cannot drain out, you can use hot water to dislodge the clog.
Step 1:
Remove the dirty water from the sink until sink is completely empty. This will allow the hot water to enter sink hole directly.
Step 2:
Boil your water.
Step 3:
Once the water boils, pour it directly into the drain opening/sink hole at a steady stream.
Step 4:
Repeat two to three times in order to properly dislodge the clog.
However, if this does not dislodge the clog, then see below for next possible remedy.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture – The baking soda and vinegar mixture helps to dissolve whatever that is clogging up the pipes.
Step 1:
Remove dirty water from sink until sink is completely empty. This will allow the mixture to be poured directly down pipe.
Step 2:
Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar.
Step 3:
Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the mixture to unclog the drain or dissolve the matter.
Step 4:
Pour hot water or use hot water from tap to wash the mixture as well as the substance of the clog down the drain.
This last option is a simple method to rectify the issue.
U-Trap – The U-trap is a pipe just below your sink. This can be removed to let the substance causing the clog to be removed manually.
Step 1:
Place dish or bucket under pipe to catch a spillage when trying to remove U-trap.
Step 2:
Carefully unscrew the threaded caps of the pipe and slowly remove.
Step 3:
Clean out the U-trap/pipe.
Step 4:
Reinstall pipe properly.
Below are some preventive measures you can follow to avoid clogging your sink or pipe:
- Avoid washing down food particles into drain
- Avoid washing down hair strands into drain
- Do not pour oil down drain
- Block sink and fill up water. Once full, take out plug and let water drain out. Do this so the fast draining water will wash out any particles that are attached to the pipes. Do this often to clean out pipes so there is no build-up particles.Most often the DIY solutions for a clogged sink are able to solve the issue. However, if they don’t, then the issue is out of your control and that is when you call a plumber.Doing repairs yourself, helps you to reduce cost and also helps you to understand better ways to take care of your home.
Most often the DIY solutions for a clogged sink are able to solve the issue. However, if they don’t, then the issue is out of your control and that is when you call a plumber.
Doing repairs yourself, helps you to reduce cost and also helps you to understand better ways to take care of your home.
Reference
Stickley, A (March, 2021) How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink, New York, The Spruce, May 2021 at
https://www.google.com/search?q=dislodge+a+clog&client=ms-android-samsung
Detour (2020) 7 Ways to Fix a Clogged Kitchen Sink, California, Detour Plumbing, May 2021 at
https://www.google.com/search?q=dislodge+a+clog&client=ms-android-samsung-
Dulude, K (2021) How to Clean a Drain Pipe, California, Wikihow, May 2021 at
https://www.google.com/searchq=dislodge+a+clog+boiling+water&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiUq7O4mr7wAhUKeH0KHfXbCeUQ2-cCegQIABAB&oq=dislodge+a+clog+boiling+water&gs_