Here at ACE Home Services, we want our customers and clients to have the best experience in their homes, whether that’s keeping their water heaters in check or having great AC year round. Now, some of these things you need professional help with, there’s no doubt about it but there are plenty of things that with some guidance you can tackle yourself! We want you to have the confidence to know when you can tackle a task, and the wisdom to know when you can’t. That’s why we are covering this topic today and teaching you how to unclog a sink, so that you can get back to the things that matter, faster.
How to Unclog a Sink
Now don’t go reaching for crazy harsh chemicals right out the gate! Those chemicals are strong and they can erode the pipes, making for a worse situation down the line. No, instead of grabbing the Drain Pulverizer 5000, let’s put in a little bit of work with the tools you already have around your home to unclog your sink and let that water flow freely.
Try Boiling Water
So long as your drain isn’t attached to PVC pipes this method might be able to help you clear a quick clog. Boil up some water, say a half gallon or so, and pour it directly into the drain. The quick burst of water may have enough pressure to push loose the clog, and if not the heat of the water should help weaken whatever structure the clog has. It’s nice when something this simple works.
Grab the Plunger
That’s right, the tool you use to fix other clogs can be just as useful in getting your sink flowing again. Partially fill the sink with hot water and start plunging! Usually, whatever is clogging a sink has created a blockage due to the way things were drained together before, being able to maneuver that clog via suction is the way to do. The suction can jostle whatever is clogging your pipes loose, letting the hot water drain and carry away whatever had it stuck.
Baking Soda + Vinegar = Clear Pipe
Another fine way of shaking stuff loose in the pipe is to use the baking soda and vinegar method. Make sure you remove any excess water that might be in the sink. Then, pour about a half cup of baking soda directly down the drain. Use a spatula or other long handled kitchen utensil to force the powder down if necessary. Then, take a cup of vinegar, pour that down the drain, and cover it quickly to force the mixture to have to move down the pipe to the clog. The reaction of baking powder and soda can help shake loose whatever is doing the clogging.
Use a Wire Hanger
Okay, so your sink is clogged and you don’t have time to run out and buy a snake. Lucky you there are a whole bunch of snake like tools just sitting in your closet! Grab an old wire hanger, unbend it and use it as a snake to pull the clog out of the drain.
Want to make sure you don’t have to deal with clogs again? There are a few tips and tricks you can practice to make sure your sink stays clear and pipes empty!
Tips to Avoid a Clogged Sink in the Future
Don’t pour grease down the garbage disposal
If you want to clog your drain this is a surefire way to do it. Put your used cooking grease into cans and throw the can out, use paper towels to wipe pans before washing, do whatever you have to to keep grease from going into your pipes.
Clean pipes with baking soda regularly
We talked about using it to help clean out a clog, but using baking soda regularly can help break down any build up before it gets out of control!
Avoid putting fibrous or starchy stuff into the disposal
Just be conscious of what you are shoving into this disposal unit! Potato peels, eggshells, rice, pasta, all of these things can get stuck along the pipe and create the beginnings of a clog.
Tried a few methods and still can’t get the clog out? You give us a call and we’ll take care of any problems you’re having. That’s our promise! We hope you have found this rundown useful and are able to take care of the smaller problems that may arise in your home – we’ll handle the rest.