Tips for Unclogging a Sink Drain
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
A blocked sink drain is a common household problem. Whether it be a build of grease, soap scum, or hair in a sink drain, or something that was inadvertently thrown into the sink drain, a clogged sink is a problem that must be addressed quickly. In some cases the drain may be entirely clogged, and in other cases it may only be partially clogged where the waste water drains slowly from the sink. In either case the problem is unacceptable and should be fixed promptly. Fortunately most of the time a homeowner can unblock a blocked sink drain with a plunger and/or a couple of basic tools.
Using a drain cleaning chemical should be your last option in unblocking a blocked drain. Having drain cleaning chemicals sitting stagnant in a sink of water is hazardous to your health. In addition, drain cleaning chemicals are notoriously harsh on drain pipes. Consequently it is best to attempt to remove the clog manually before resorting to chemicals. |
Remove Clog from Blocked Drain
In many cases a simple small plunger may be all that is needed to unblock a blocked sink drain. However prior to using the plunger, try to remove much of the clog from the drain using a screwdriver or a piece of coat hanger. Using a piece of coat hanger often works best. Simply bend one end of the coat hanger wire to form a hook and then slide it down the drain. By twisting the coat hanger and then pulling it up you can often remove the clog.
If your sink drain has a clean out plug, remove the plug and try removing the clog from that opening. Again, you may need to use a piece of coat hanger wire to help remove the clog from this orifice.
| Use Plunger to Remove Blockage
After removing as much of the blockage as possible, use a plunger to free the remains of the clog. To use the plunger properly make sure there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger cup. Then place the plunger over the sink drain and pump it with 10 to 15 strokes in rapid succession. After pumping the plunger see if the water begins to drain freely from the sink. In most cases it will. If not, repeat the process again. |
 |
Using a Drain Auger
The last tool you can try is a drain auger. A drain auger consists of a handle and a long snake that slides down into the drain. Prior to sliding the snake into the drain make sure you’ve removed the drain plug stoppers and filters from the sink drain. As you slide the snake down the drain, twist the auger handle. This causes the snake to auger into the clog, and enables you to pull the clog free when you retract the snake from the drain.
After removing the clog, run the hot water tap for 5 to 10 minutes to remove any residual clog material in the sink drain. This will help to reduce the risk of the clog reforming.
For information on installing a shower pan membrane liner for a ceramic tile shower, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation eBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.
For information on how to tile a custom ceramic tile shower, see the “How to Tile a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower eBook” from HomeAdditionPlus.com. This eBook will quickly provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to measure and install ceramic tile in a shower, including the installation of tile on shower walls, floors and curbs. It provides detailed instructions for every step in the process of tiling a custom ceramic tile shower and is loaded with instructional pictures!
Related Information
- How to Adjust a Sink Stopper Video
- How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Faucet
- How to Quickly Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain
Additional Plumbing Resources from Amazon.com
  |
  |
Get Free Bathroom Remodeling Price Quotes with No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on a bathroom remodeling project from one of our pre-screened and licensed bathroom remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your bathroom addition price estimate.