How to Unclog a Sink Drain

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By Henry Jackson

There are several ways to clear a clog. You can use a wire drain snake to break up the clog. Feed the wire through the drain and turn it to push the clog out of the pipe. When done correctly, this method should be safe and easy to recover from. In the event of a clog, you should avoid using a pipe snake that has sharp edges or is not suited for drain cleaning. 

The easiest way to unclog a sink drain is to use boiling water. While it may be tempting, this method will likely damage your drain pipes. You could end up with leaks and even PVC piping. However, it is a proven way to break up soap scum and other debris from your drain. Using boiling water to unclog your sink drain will also disintegrate solids in your pipes. 

Another effective way to unclog a sink drain is to use a wire coat hanger. The wire coat hanger is useful because it can be bent into a hook with needle-nose pliers. Using this tool, you can unwrap it and then hook one end of it onto the drain opening. Using the hook end, you can adjust it to fit the size of the opening in the pipe. 

Using baking soda and vinegar mixture can also be used to unclog stubborn sludge. The vinegar is an acid, while baking soda is a base. By mixing them together, the chemicals in the mixture will react with the clog and dislodge it. Pouring one-half cup of baking soda in the drain and then follow up with half-cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture stay for 15 to 30 minutes to see results. 

Before using any method to unclog a sink, make sure you’ve bailed out the basin first. Depending on the clog, you may need to insert a flashlight to reach the bottom of the drain cap. While it is tempting to attempt to unclog a sink drain with a clogged garbage disposal, it is better to try to avoid using a knife. 

In some cases, a sink plunger can be used to remove stubborn clogs. Typically, the plunger works by creating suction that forces the water against the clog. After several plunges, the water should drain and the clog should have dissolved. Once you are done with this method, you should test the clog by flushing the drain. However, if you are using a toilet plunger, you should clean the sink before and after using it. 

A plunger is a simple tool that can be used to unclog a kitchen sink. A cup-style plunger will help create a tight seal, and you should push down the drain for six even thrusts. Once the water drains, you should repeat the procedure several times, if the clog persists. If this woun’t work, you can also try boiling water to dissolve softener buildup. 

Baking soda and vinegar are other options that can be used to clear drains. Baking soda and vinegar can break up light stoppages, but aren’t suitable for large-scale blockages. When you are using the baking soda-vinegar mixture, make sure that there is no standing water on the sink’s surface. Pouring the solution down the drain plug will help it reach the clog faster. 

Next, you should remove the p-trap underneath the sink. If you don’t know how to remove it, you can always take out the trap and inspect it for debris. You may even be able to use a plumbing snake to unclog a clog further down the pipe. Regardless of the type of snake, it’s a good idea to call a plumber for assistance if the snake fails to remove the clog. 

A plunger is an effective tool when trying to remove a clog. A standard plunger comes in various

sizes and types, but the larger ones are more effective in removing a large clog. You can buy a coiled plumbing snake for less than $30 at a local home improvement store. The plunger is not necessary to purchase a drain snake, however; a coiled wire coat hanger is an inexpensive way to fish out a clog. 

Another way to clear a sink drain is to pour boiling water down the sink. This method should be done a few times until the blockage has completely dislodged itself. Make sure you do it slowly and gradually and use the plunger in stages. Then, you can use a flashlight to see if the water is draining well or not. If the plunger is unable to clear the drain, you should try a hot water solution.

Sometimes, you can try everything and a drain will not unclog. Then you can hire a professional plumber to help fix a blocked drain in Canberra or which area you reside in. Usually a sink drain can easily be unclogged but certain things being poured down the sink can really clog and make it hard to fix.