Being stuck without a working sink can wreak havoc on any household. A hair clog or excessive grease buildup can create a significant backup and make it impossible for dirty water to drain properly. Resolving the issue without having to call a plumber saves hassle and cash. Learn about these ingenious ways to get that stubborn blockage removed and restore movement to a broken down sink.
Getting that stubborn sink unclogged should be quick and easy, but sometimes it’s difficult to restore flow. Trying home solutions could save having to call the pros. Using natural ingredients and creating homemade snakes are just some ways to break up debris and move forward in the right direction. Check out these drain busters and see if they can help resolve the issue.
Get Water Flowing Again With These Easy Tips.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
One recipe solution that’s been around for ages is the vinegar and baking soda method of attacking tough sink clogs. This creates a bubbling action that directly attacks the main culprit of the blocked drain. The fizzing reaction breaks up clogged up hair and grease. It’s easy and safe to do too!
- Boil a cup of water and pour down the drain
- Add one cup of baking soda, vinegar and water
- Cover drain area for up to 10 minutes
- Flush the solution
This is good at going after a small clog and helps dislodge the entrapped debris.
Plunger and Snake
When an object or chunk of toilet paper is trapped inside a sink pipe, a drain cleaner might not dissolve it and push it through. You’ll need a snake and plunger to force it though or pull it back up. A plunger should apply enough force to push a heavy clog through. You may need to purchase a winding snake from the hardware store to tear through an object to break it up. You can also use a metal coat hanger if you need something right away!
Disconnect the P-Trap
Sometimes a clog just won’t budge. It’s time to get your wrench out and take apart the drain. The P-Trap works at blocking large debris from entering the main plumbing system and another component of it blocks out sewer gas.
Start by locating the u-shaped P-trap or pipe joints found under your sink. This is where a lot of clogs begin. Close the sink stop valve and place a bucket underneath to catch waste. From there, unclamp the pipe and nuts and check the little basket trap for a blockage. Once cleaned, use PVC primer and glue to secure the pipe and re-clamp it back together.
Salt and Boiling Water
Salt is often a base for most cleaners because interacts with other natural products and boosts performance. But salt alone, along with boiling water can also help clear up a blocked drain. The course texture of the salt acts as a mild abrasive when boiled water is added and helps to force dirt down the pipes.
Drain Cleaner
When all else fails, a chemical drain cleaner can break up stubborn clogs. This uses an array of chemicals that eat away at heavy balls of grease, paper, grime and sludge. It may take a couple of uses to break through a heavy clog. There are also natural-based cleaners available for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative.
An emergency call to the plumber is something no one wants to make. Instead, contact your plumber for preventive scheduled maintenance. In the meantime, if there is a blocked drain, there are alternatives to help out in a pinch!
~Here’s to Your Success!
