Plungers are the go-to tool for unclogging your sink when it gets backed up. They use the forces of hydraulic suction and compression to dislodge clogs that can be a real pain to clear.
First, you’ll need to know what type of clog you’re dealing with. This is important because you can’t use the same technique on different pipes, says plumber Jodie Sokolowski.
A drain that’s blocked by hair, soap, grease, or other residue will require something else than just boiling water to get it open, Sokolowski suggests. The best way to tell is by testing it first with a cup of hot water. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to move on to something else.
Another tool to try is a power auger. They’re powerful, long and come in a variety of sizes. Most of them have a foot-pedal switch, leaving both hands free to help guide the cable as you feed it down the drain pipe.
There are also drain snakes that you can use to break up a stubborn clog. They vary in price and size, but they’re usually available at your local home improvement store.
Some plumbers’ snakes come with a small screwdriver at the end of the handle that can be used to turn the drain snake inside the pipe. Others have a crank handle that allows you to pull the snake out of the drain as soon as it hits an obstruction, he says.
You can also use a coat hanger to remove clogs from the drain pipe in your sink or bathroom. But, he warns, this method may not be for everyone.
If you have a kitchen sink that connects to your garbage disposal, it’s best to consult with a plumber before trying this method. This will ensure that you’re not causing any damage to the disposal or your plumbing system by attempting to unclog it.
Before you start plunging, make sure to empty the sink of any standing water that might be clogging your drain. This will make it easier to achieve the required suction force.
Once you’ve poured enough water into the sink to submerge the plunger’s cup, position the plunger vertically over the drain hole in your sink, basin or toilet. Begin plunging by applying even pressure onto the plunger handle, then pulling up and down evenly for about twenty seconds.
After plunging for a few minutes, you should notice a noticeable difference in the speed of your sink drains. If it doesn’t improve, though, you might need to call a plumber or consider using a different clog-fighting solution.
Salt and baking soda can also be effective at unclogging your sink. To create this mixture, pour half a cup of salt into a bowl and add a cup of baking soda to the mix. Let it sit for four to six hours, then flush the mixture with temperature water.
Having a clogged sink in Carson can be a frustrating experience, but with a little bit of effort you can have your sink running again in no time! Keeping the drain clean will keep it in top condition and prevent a clog from forming in the first place.
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