How to Unclog a Sink
Have you ever started washing dishes only to find out the sink is clogged? As a household chore that most people try to procrastinate as much as possible, a clogged sink really adds to the plate. After breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the sink goes through a great workout on a daily basis. This doesn’t even include those random snack times! With frequent uses, your sink is bound to get clogged unless proper maintenance is done. Keep on reading to find out how to unclog your sink.
What clogs your sink?
The most common cause of a clogged sink is food particles. Bits of food washed from your plates fill up the drain and get trapped in the pipes under your sink. Over time, these food pieces accumulate in the P or J-trap. Unless cleaned out, your sink will become clogged.
Grease is also a common cause of sink clogs. When you pour used cooking oil down the drain, the oil tends to stick to the wall. The oil will then narrow the pipes and restrict the fluid movement, thus creating a clog.
Items to avoid down the drain
- Fats, oils, or grease
- Coffee grinds
- Egg shells
- Starchy foods such as rice and pasta
- Fruit peels and pits
- Gum
- Produce stickers
- Chunks of garbage
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels
- Solvents, paints, turpentine, nail polish, polish remover
WE REMOVE BACTERIA AND DEEPLY ROOTED DIRT FROM YOUR CARPET & UPHOLSTERY
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF A PROFESSIONAL DEEP CLEANING
WE REMOVE BACTERIA AND DEEPLY ROOTED DIRT FROM YOUR CARPET & UPHOLSTERY
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF A PROFESSIONAL DEEP CLEANING
How to unclog a sink with salt and boiling water
Salt is the one ingredient that you always have at your home. Other than its cooking purpose, salt is a natural and non-toxic drain blocker. Its abrasive and antiseptic properties can help unclog your drain. Make a 50/50 solution of boiling water and salt, and pour the mixture down the drain. Repeat as much as necessary. When the pipes are clean, run them with cool water.
How to unclog a sink with baking soda and vinegar
Our next how to unclog a sink tip is with baking soda and vinegar. For this method, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white or apple cider vinegar. The mixture will bubble and sizzle. Allow the solution to react for about 10 minutes, and pour hot water.
The traditional method: use a plunger
A traditional way to unclog a drain is with a plumber’s trusted weapon, the plunger. If you have a double sink, make sure to seal one of them, with a wet cloth or stopper, to maximize the plunger’s force. Then, fill the sink you want to plunge with water up to the plunger’s bell. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously a few times. Remove the plunger and run the warm water to clear out any residue.
How to prevent future clogs
Now that you’ve removed the clogs, it’s important to take preventive measures moving ahead so you’re not met with clogged sinks when you need to wash the dishes. Some ways to prevent your sink from clogging:
- Pour used cooking oil in an empty bottle, and recycle them
- Scrape all leftover food on the plate to the trash can
- Let the hot water run down the drain after each use
- Install a garbage disposal
Check out our last post
Last week, we wrote about how to remove rust stains from your sink. Stay updated on our website to get all the simple cleaning hacks you need!
