A clogged sewer system affects how quickly water drains and the overall performance of your plumbing. If the pipe has recently become clogged, you can try to fix the problem yourself using chemicals and home remedies. This will help save money on calling a technician. But in more advanced cases, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist. Before you unclog your sink, you should familiarize yourself with the reasons for its contamination.
Flushing plumbing with chemical solutions Source cdn.vox-cdn.com
How to clear a clogged sink without a plunger
At the moment, there are a very large number of ways to successfully remove a clog in the sink without using a plunger at all.
From natural methods to potent products to using pure elbow grease, these are a few fail-safe methods you can try at home.
Causes
During operation, a clog may form in the sink for several reasons:
- Incorrect installation of plumbing.
- The appearance of corrosion and the accumulation of fatty deposits.
- Foreign objects entering the drain - debris, hair, food debris, etc.
If the communications under the sink were installed incorrectly, with irregularities, then blockages can become a constant problem. In this case, only reinstallation will help, and clearing the blockages using any method will only give a temporary effect.
How to clear a clogged sink with soda crystals
Soda crystals are great for all types of cleaning, from cleaning smelly washing machines to draining sewage. But they can also be used to unclog your sink.
- Simply dissolve half the package in boiling water, then pour it down the drain and wait until the blockage is completely cleared.
- If you need a stronger solution, simply mixing it with vinegar instead of water is enough.
- If necessary, this procedure will need to be repeated.
Features of cleaning plastic pipes
Plastic pipes are the most common option for organizing sewerage . Most special anti-clogging products are designed for pipes made of any material, including plastic.
When cleaning plastic communications according to folk recipes, you need to use just hot water (up to 70°C) instead of boiling water. Otherwise, the pipes may be damaged.
Mechanical cleaning must also take into account the demanding nature of the material. Among chemical preparations, those containing potassium hydroxide and sodium give a good effect.
How to unclog hair in the sink
By far the biggest culprit of a clogged sink is hair getting into the drain. Of course, if you see how your own hair or the hair of your pet (cat or dog) is clogging the hole for the plug, then a clothes hanger or some other tool will help to physically remove it.
However, if you don't see it, it means there is a clog somewhere below, which in turn requires the use of a sink unblocking product such as Mr Muscle, which chemically dissolves the hair. It's not the most environmentally friendly option, but sometimes it's the only solution that will work.
Unscrew the U-bend and clean the pipe by hand
This is the most time-consuming option, but it may be the only way to unclog your sink that will actually work. Prepare a bucket and place old towels on the floor.
It is also recommended to open the window, as the U-bend can get a little suffocating.
Clean the drain thoroughly using a rag and a bottle brush or an old toothbrush to really get rid of stubborn items that have accumulated in the drain. Reconnect the U-bend, making sure the seals are tight.
How to disassemble and clean the siphon?
Did chemical compounds not help or are you unable to use them due to allergies? There is only one way out: unscrew the siphon and clean it manually.
For this:
- Turn off the water supply valves.
- Place a basin or cup under the drain (when you remove the bottom part, water will flow out).
- Unscrew the bottom and let the water drain out.
- Clean the siphon from dirt.
- Screw it back.
Important! Don't forget to check for leaks after assembly. Is the siphon leaking? Seal the threads.
How to clear a clogged sink with a plumber's snake
If the water doesn't go away at all, you may be dealing with a really stubborn blockage that will require a little elbow grease to clear (and of course you can't use any of the liquid solutions recommended above in this case).
A plumber's snake is essentially a long flexible wire that runs through a pipe, allowing you to determine exactly where the clog is. Twist it regularly so as not to miss any parts inside the pipe. Then you can move it and apply pressure.
It is not recommended to use hangers or any wires for this purpose.
How to clear a clogged sink naturally
Cheap, safe and effective ways to deal with drain clogs in your sinks using only the power of nature.
How to Unclog Your Sink Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is a stronger solution than a simple solution of salt in water, and some experts are of the opinion that it helps with mild sink clogs.
- You will simply need to add two teaspoons of baking soda to one cup of white vinegar; then pour the mixture into the cork.
- Wait until you hear the baking soda and vinegar mixture sizzle, then fill the kettle with boiling water.
Clean your sink with saline solution
Now, if you don't have a plunger or it's not working, you may be dealing with a more stubborn, compressed blockage that will be made up of fat and food.
In this case, you will need a solution that will break down the fat. First, try dissolving a couple of tablespoons of salt in water and pouring it into the drain hole.
Let it run for half an hour to 40 minutes; then pour the boiling water down the sink to rinse off the solution.
How to clear a clogged slow-draining sink naturally
A sink with a slow drain has an unpleasant odor when clogged. But you can fix it naturally.
If your sink is draining slowly—or if you notice a little noise coming from it—there may be buildup that you need to flush out.
- Take about a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain and let it sit for an hour.
- Boil about three cups of vinegar in a kettle (you're essentially descaling your kettle at the same time!)
- And then pour it down the sink.
- And your sink won't stink for a minute. On topic!
How to clear a clogged sink with a plunger
If you like the old-fashioned way, then using a plunger is a smart move, and this method works best when the problem involves bits of food or debris stuck in the pipe.
- Remove debris: Remove the plug and clean the plug, removing any obvious debris.
- Seal the drain and overflow: Without removing the stopper, fill the sink with enough water to cover the drain. Cover the sink drain with an old cloth.
- Preparing the plunger: Make sure the water you drain into the sink covers the plunger when you place it over the drain hole to ensure the plunger seals as properly as possible.
Prevention measures
To prevent blockages from recurring, preventive measures should be taken into account:
- Periodically you need to rinse the sink by running boiling water or hot water if the pipes are made of plastic;
- It is necessary to insert a special strainer into the kitchen sink drain, which will prevent large fragments of food waste from getting into the drain;
- You should not shake bread crumbs into the sink, wash off tea leaves, or pour out greasy liquid, as all this will stick to the pipes and accumulate in the siphon.
