There are a variety of reasons why a kitchen sink might become clogged, but the most common issue is people’s carelessness when it comes to tossing things down the drain, from leftover food to oil and grease, in the mistaken belief that soap and hot water will assist them pass through the pipes.
These coagulate and start to impede the flow of the pipe over time; it will start with the sink draining slower than it used to and gradually stop draining altogether.
A blocked sink is a very inconvenient problem to deal with, but we’ve done some research and used our own experience to come up with a few DIY methods you can try to clear the blockage yourself.
However, you should be aware that performing too many DIY repairs may permanently damage your plumbing system, and if these DIY repairs continue to fail, it is recommended that you call in a professional.
1. Toilet plunger
This is a proven and true way for clearing a blockage in a sink, toilet, or bathtub. Before using any other DIY method, you should always try to use a plunger. To use a plunger, simply follow these simple instructions:
– Place the plunger over the drain, making sure it completely covers the drain
– Cover any other openings, such as a second drain hole, to prevent air from escaping the pipework. To cover this up, use a damp cloth or a drain stopper
– Continuously plunge the drain at least 10 times while holding the plunger erect. Remove the plunger and check to see if the water drains; if it does not, continue the procedure until the obstruction is removed
2. Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda
It’s important to keep in mind that this procedure could take a few tries to get right.
– Pour 12 cup baking soda down the drain, then 12 cup white vinegar; this should produce an acidic reaction within the drain, eliminating the clog; then flush with hot (not boiling) water. The obstruction should have been cleared at that point.
If it doesn’t work the first time, don’t give up; simply repeat the procedure until the obstruction is gone.
3. Use baking soda and salt water
It may take a few tries, much like with the baking soda-vinegar technique, before you see any benefits.
– 1 cup baking soda, followed by 12 cup salt, should be poured down the drain.
– Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours (or overnight)
– Pour 2 cups boiling hot water down the drain after letting the mixture settle for a few hours or overnight to wash it down.
– Run the tap and see whether the water drains properly to determine if this dislodged the blockage.
4. Use metal wire hanger
You can either use a metal wire hanger to try to find the source of the obstruction or to push it farther down the pipe towards the discharge point. (Be careful not to get the hanger stuck in the plumbing.)
– To use as a hook, unbend the wire hanger and make it straight.
– Feed it through the drain opening toward the blockage and see if you can fish it out; if not, try pushing it down the piping until it reaches the gully’s discharge point.
– Test the sink by turning on the tap and checking if it drains normally after you’ve fished out the obstruction or pushed it down farther.
If you’ve tried all of the ways above and the sink is still blocked, the next step is to either check your exterior drains by opening the manhole to see if this is the issue or hire a professional like The Drain Fixers to fix it.
Contact The Drain Fixers for more information about blocked drains in Littlehampton, Rustington, Angmering and surrounding areas.
If you require any more information or have any queries regarding drain unblocking or blocked drains and what to do, then please contact our drainage experts. Call us on 01903 491149 or you can complete our quick enquiry form to get your free, no-obligation quote