Clogged sinks – we’ve all been there. Whether during a dinner party or just a busy morning, it’s never a welcome sight. Most blockages come from the usual culprits: soap scum, hair, food scraps, or even tissue sneaking into the pipes. While it might seem like a minor annoyance, ignoring the issue could turn a simple clog into a plumbing nightmare.
A clogged sink isn’t just inconvenient – it can lead to leaks and even cause wastewater to back up into your home. The good news? You don’t need to call a plumber right away. There are a few straightforward tricks you can try to tackle plumbing leaks before it gets out of hand
If you want to know how to unclog a sink, here are seven steps you should try!
7 Steps To Unclog Your Sink
1. Using Boiling Water
If you don’t mind a bit of boiling water, it’s an easy way to tackle tricky clogs like soap scum and hair. Simply heat about 2 litres of water in a kettle or on the stovetop, then slowly pour it down the drain. This can help dissolve grease, oil, and other gunk. However, if your pipes are plastic, it’s best to avoid this method to prevent any warping due to heat.
Check whether the kitchen sink is draining properly by turning on the faucet and repeat the process if it is not. However, please avoid using this method with plastic pipes since the boiling water can melt them.
2. With Vinegar And Baking Soda
Have some vinegar and baking soda in the kitchen? Instead of chemical drain cleaners, you’ve got yourself a natural, non-toxic drain cleaner. This duo works wonders by creating a fizzing reaction strong enough to break down clogs—no harsh chemicals required. Plus, it’s easy on your pipes and the environment.
If you spot standing water in your sink or bathroom, simply scoop it out with a bowl. Next, pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow it up with an equal amount of white vinegar, gently encouraging it down with a spoon or spatula. Seal the drain with a stopper to let the magic happen.
This will ensure the reaction is forced downwards through the pipes to where the sink clog is. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before removing the cover and pouring about 2 litres of hot water down the drain. You can add more baking soda and vinegar before rinsing with boiling water.
3. Unclogging With A Plunger
Grab your trusty toilet plunger – it’s not just for toilets! A flat-bottomed plunger works best for sinks. Start by filling the sink with hot water to help create a good seal, then position the plunger upright and get to work with some firm plunges. It might take a few tries, but patience pays off.
Then, plunge vigorously to force the water into the clogged drains and continue for about 20 minutes. Once done, remove the plunger to see whether the water is draining, and if it is, continue the process until the water starts flowing freely.
4. Cleaning The P-Trap
Ever heard of a P-trap? The U-shaped pipe under your sink is designed to catch debris like hair, coffee grounds, and soap residue before it clogs up your plumbing. But when it gets overloaded, you’ll notice water draining slower or not at all. A quick clean-out can work wonders.
The P-trap can be easily removed and cleaned to resolve this issue. However, doing so can be messy, so wear goggles and gloves.
Pop a bucket under the sink to catch any mess, then grab a pair of slip joint pliers to loosen or unscrew the nuts. After they’re off, you can take apart the trap and give it a good scrub with a wire brush to keep things flowing smoothly.
Finally, wash the trap with hot tap water and reattach it to the sink before checking whether it is draining properly.
5. Using A Coat Hanger
Got a wire coat hanger you don’t need? Straighten it out, leaving a little hook at one end, turning it into a handy DIY tool. Carefully insert it into the drain, giving it a twist to catch any hair or debris, and pull it out. Don’t forget to rinse the drain with hot water afterwards to clear away remnants.
Carefully slide the hooked end of the hanger into the drain while pressing it to the side. This will prevent sink clogs from being pushed down the piping.
If you feel resistance, try hugging the materials causing the clog and pulling them up slowly. Once the clog has been removed, run hot tap water through the drain opening for a few minutes to check the drainage.
6. Checking The Garbage Disposal
A kitchen sink with a garbage disposal system may have food scraps or other items trapped inside, causing the clog. In such situations, the disposal system may fail to turn on, and you will have to reboot it using the switch provided on the side.
Alternatively, a humming sound may indicate a broken or jammed disposal, in which case disconnect the power to remove the clog.
7. Using A Plumber’s Snake
When all else fails, it’s time to bring in the big guns – a plumber’s snake. This tool, available at most hardware stores, is perfect for tackling those stubborn clogs. If you’re feeling fancy, an electric plumber’s snake can speed things up but go easy – too much force can shove the clog further down the drain.
Unclogging a Sink Made Easy: 7 Simple Steps to Success!
These seven steps offer straightforward solutions for clearing a clogged sink. You likely have most of the tools on hand, and anything else can be picked up at a local hardware store without denting the wallet.
However, if the above methods fail, you can also try chemical cleaners. However, drain cleaners may damage the plumbing system’s piping and fixtures. So, when you are confused and nothing seems to be working, call a licensed plumber to fix a slow-draining sink.
Want to know more about how you can protect yourself from drain clogs? Please read our guide on preventing blocked drains in your home.
In Perth Bellevue, there is no better team than Woolf Plumbing & Gas in Ellenbrook. Our expert plumbers specialise in blocked drain repairs, ensuring a fast, affordable and professional service. Please make an appointment with our team today!
That’s all on our guide to clearing your clogged si. Until next time!
