Are you currently standing over a sink with water slowly rising and not at all draining? We know you’re wondering how to remove sink clogs at home without calling a plumber. Often, sink clogs can be handled with a simple DIY fix. And this can save you time and money. Let’s examine the reasons behind sink clogs and practical steps to get rid of them.
What Causes Sink Clogs?
Typically, clogs happen when something blocks the normal flow of water down the drain. According to drain cleaning plumbers, over time, soap, food, hair, grease, and other debris can accumulate in your pipes. All these can lead to stubborn leakage.
Here are some of the most common causes of sink clogs:
Grease and Soap Build-up
In the kitchen, grease from cooking oils and soap scum can build up on the inner walls of pipes. It forms a sticky sludge that traps food particles and other debris.
Hair
For bathroom sinks, hair is a major culprit. It can tangle and combine with soap and grime to create a dense sticky plug.
Food Scraps
As per handyman and maintenance services in Dubai, small food scraps that get washed down the sink can accumulate and lead to clogs. For example, things like coffee grounds, pasta, and rice expand when wet. And, they can create a problem for your sink and drain.
Foreign Objects
On the other hand, you can flush toothpaste caps, small toys, or even jewelry down the sink. And now you are here dealing with a nasty blockage.
Mineral Buildup
Dubai is known for hard water. Hence, mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in pipes and generate clogs over time.
How to Remove Sink Clogs at Home
You don’t need a clogged drain plumbing service every time you experience a sink clog. Indeed, with the right tools and techniques, you can often address the problem. Here are some simple methods you can try.
1. Boiling Water Method
The simplest and least invasive way to deal with a sink clog is to pour boiling water down it. It works best for soap or grease-based blockages as they soften with heat. All you need is a large pot or kettle of boiling water.
Now, follow the steps as recommended by the best handyman in Dubai.
- Boil about 2 to 3 liters of water.
- Then, slowly pour the boiling water down the drain in stages or batches. Ensure you pour a little at a time. So, it will allow the water to sit for a few seconds between consecutive pours.
- After a few minutes, test the drain by turning on the faucet. If the water flows freely, the clog should have disappeared.
Otherwise, you need to try the next methods.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
For mild clogs, you can try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Their fizzy reaction helps break down certain blockages. Plus, it’s a natural alternative compared to chemical ones.
You need baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. And here are the steps mentioned by a plumber service near me.
- Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the drain of the sink.
- Then, follow with half a cup of white vinegar.
- Also, you can cover the drain with a plug or cloth so the fizz won’t escape.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Flush everything out with some boiling water.
Finally, test the drain with running water. Move on to another method if the clog persists.
3. Plunger
Yes, you can use this old-school tool to get rid of the sink clog. Especially, they are effective for clogs caused by hair or food. So, get a plunger and dive into the steps below.
- Remove the sink stopper if you have any.
- Next, place the plunger to cover the drain.
- Then, fill the sink with a small amount of water. The water should be enough to submerge the bottom of the plunger.
- Push the plunger down over the drain firmly. After that, quickly pull up to create suction. Repeat it several times.
See if the water drains faster after a few plunges.
4. Plumbing Snake
For stubborn clogs, you can use a plumbing snake or drain auger. They help break up the clog. However, this tool is very useful for hair clogs in bathroom sinks.
So, get yourself a plumbing snake and check out what the drain cleaning plumber says.
- Insert the plumbing snake into the drain.
- Turn the handle to feed the snake into the pipe. When you feel stuck, it means that you have hit the clog.
- However, continue breaking apart the blockage. Once you think that the clog is broken up, you can pull the snake out.
- Run hot water down the drain to flush away the leftover debris.
5. Wet/Dry Vacuum
Do you have a wet/dry vacuum? Then, you can use it. Also, you won’t get your hands dirty if you use a wet/dry vacuum.
- Begin with setting your vacuum to ‘liquids’ mode.
- Next, create a tight seal with the vacuum hose over the drain. Use a towel if you need help to form a seal.
- Power on the vacuum and allow it to suck out the clog. The clog can be loose soon if it’s near the top of the drain.
After vacuuming, you can run hot water to make sure the drain is clear.
6. Open Up the Drain Trap
Has none of the above methods worked for you? Chances are that you need to disassemble the drain trap (or the U-shaped pipe beneath the sink). According to a same-day plumbing service, it’s an easy part to check, and clogs often form here.
Well, you need a wrench, bucket, and pipe-cleaning tools.
- Start by keeping a bucket underneath the sink to catch water. This will save you from spilling when you remove the trap.
- Next, loosen the nuts that hold the trap in place using a wrench.
- Now, remove the trap and look for visible blockages. Also, clean out any visible debris using a cloth or brush.
When you are done, reassemble the trap and run water to check for leaks.
Call a Professional Clogged Drain Plumbing Service
If the sink is still clogged, it might be time to call in a plumber service near me. A drain cleaning plumber is the best shot you have. However, here are some tips to prevent future clogs. For example, don’t pour grease down the sink.
Always use a drain strainer to catch hair, food, and other debris. Make sure you clean your drains regularly. Avoid putting rice, coffee grounds, pasta, and other risky items through the sink. Hopefully, the guide helps you get rid of sink clogs.
