A clogged sink in Carson can be an annoying inconvenience. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a health hazard. The good news is that most people can avoid calling a plumber by learning the best ways to keep their drains running smoothly.
The most basic way to prevent a clogged drain is to avoid pouring grease down the drain. Grease is a common cause of clogged drains because it creates a sticky surface for food waste to cling to, which slows down the flow of water.
Another way to avoid a clogged drain is to only use cold water when you run your garbage disposal. This is important because hot water can melt grease, which could then cling to the pipe walls and make it harder for your drain to drain.
One of the most effective ways to clear a clogged drain is with a plunger. Plungers are easy to use and force clogs down, but you need to take care when using them.
You should first seal off the unclogged side of your sink with a wet cloth or a stopper before plunging to avoid damaging any plumbing. Next, fill the sink with a little bit of water and then place the plunger over the clogged drain and plunge vigorously several times.
After a few minutes, try to see if the water drains easily from the sink. If not, it’s time to try another technique.
If the sink isn’t clogged, pour a pot or kettle of boiling water down the drain. This will dissolve scum and dislodge light clogs.
For heavier clogs, mix about a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt and pour it down the drain. The combination of baking soda and vinegar fizzing will break up trapped debris in your drains, according to Mushinski.
A wire coat hanger is a great tool to use on clogged drains. It won’t reach into the pipes as far as a plumber’s snake, but it may be long enough to get to some clogs.
Once the hanger reaches the drain, push it down until you feel resistance–this is when you know you’ve hit the clog. Twist, push, and jiggle it until you can snag the clog or push it through the drain.
When you’re done, flush the drain well with warm water to rinse out the clog. Repeat this process until the sink is clear.
If you’re still having problems with your drain, you might need to call a plumber to handle it for you. But before you do that, here are the top five things you should do to avoid a snagged clog:
- Never use chemical-based drain cleaners like Drano and other toxic solutions. These chemicals can damage your plumbing, as well as your skin and eyes.
- Avoid letting food scraps go down the drain and use a drain strainer instead.
