We’ve all experienced it, that awful moment when your bathroom or kitchen sink is clogged up, and there’s just no movement to drain the water. While Affordable Service is always available to help with your plumbing needs, it’s worth a few do-it-yourself attempts to unclog the sink first.
If the steadfast plumber’s plunger doesn’t do the trick, try one of these options to unclog your sink.
Since the clog is obviously going to be something fairly solid, it’s worth a try with a simple coat hanger, unbent so that you can use one end to gently push into the drain. After a few tries, the water should begin to drain if you’ve loosened the clog. If it backs up again the minute you run more water, this has not solved the problem. If you have a drain snake, you might also give that a try.
Another tip to try is to pour a pot of boiling water into the drain, to soften any greases built up, allowing it to slowly drain. Next, pour about ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a good cup of white or apple cider vinegar. You’ll see the natural chemical reaction begin as they combine, so use the drain plug to keep the reaction in the pipes. Unlike true chemical drain cleaners, this process is just the natural reaction of an acid and a base. Let the baking soda and vinegar work together for 10 to 15 minutes, then try running hot water to test if the clog’s been dissolved.
Commercial drain cleaning products are available but there is concern about damage to plumbing pipes if they are used frequently, as well as the fumes they give off.
If your bathroom or kitchen sink is clogged still, taking the pipe fittings apart under the sink is likely the next step. Some homeowners are willing to take on this messy task; if the clog is found and removed by disconnecting the pipes, it is vital to then get the pipes fully tightened and resealed with plumber’s tape in order to avoid a leaky pipe under the sink.
If your sink doesn’t drain, or you’d prefer one of our trained plumbers do the messy work to unclog your sink, give us a call at Affordable Service. We’ve been serving the plumbing, heating and cooling needs of our customers for more than 30 years across the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho region.
Copyright: 9dreamstudio / 123RF Stock Photo
