A clogged sink can be frustrating. But there are simple, do-it-yourself methods you can try before you call a plumber.
First, use a plunger. This suction-powered device works on both toilet and sink drains. To get the best suction, center the plunger over the drain opening and pump up and down 6 times.
Plunger
Plungers are an easy way to clear clogs in your home’s pipes. They are available in different shapes and sizes, so they can be useful in a variety of situations.
A plunger works through physics, essentially Boyle’s law: When you push it down, you force air into the drain pipe. The suction reduces the pressure, allowing water to rise and dislodge the clog.
Most people use a plunger for toilet clogs, but it can also be used to unclog a sink. For sinks, you’ll want to use a flat cup plunger, which are commonly available at hardware stores.
Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake is a coiled wire with a handle on one end that’s used to dislodge and remove a clogged pipe blockage. These tools are often used by professionals and can be handy to have around for home DIY enthusiasts too.
Step One: Uncoil the wire, keeping the handle of the snake as close to the drain entrance as possible. Rotate the handle slowly, but consistently.
Feed the cable into the pipe, turning it slightly as you push. When you feel resistance, continue cranking the cable forward to break the clog up and drive it through. Then pull it back out and repeat the process a few times to make sure you get all of the obstruction.
Wire Coat Hanger
A wire coat hanger is an inexpensive, convenient, and effective way to unclog a sink drain. Bend the hanger slightly to create a small hook that can fit into your sink drain.
Use a wire hanger to fish out hair and other debris from the drain. It’s easy to do and works well on clogs that are close to the drain cover.
A wire coat hanger is a great place to store magazines or newspapers, too! You can also make a simple magazine rack by using several wooden coat hangers alongside a piece of wood.
Hot Water
Whether you have a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, hot water can help dissolve clogs. It can break up grease or soap scum that’s narrowing the pipes, or dissolve grime or other solids.
However, boiling water should only be used if your pipes are rated for it. Otherwise, it could melt your drain piping and cause leaks.
To unclog a sink with this method, bring half a pot of water to a boil and pour it down the drain. Repeat the process a few times, waiting a minute between pours.
Vinegar
A common and inexpensive way to unclog a sink drain is using vinegar. Vinegar is an acid (acetic acid) that breaks down fatty acids that cause clogs.
Combine it with baking soda, a base that’s similar in nature to acetic acid, and you get a foaming reaction that dislodges clogs.
The bubbling action from the two ingredients is ideal for dissolving grease, toothpaste or soap buildup in your drains. For a more effective method, mix the two with salt. You can even try adding lemon juice, which is a weaker acid but still effective in unclogging kitchen sinks.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a household staple that can keep you healthy and your teeth sparkly white, but it also has superpowers when it comes to getting rid of clogs. It works by altering the pH of a clogged drain, which helps break up the sludge and loosen it.
Mixing baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate (a base), with vinegar, which is made up of water and acetic acid, creates carbon dioxide. This causes bubbles to form in the drain, breaking up the clog.
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