Imagine you are in the bathroom washing your hands or in the kitchen doing dishes, and you suddenly hear a gurgling sound; we have all been there. To be honest, it sucks, and It is pretty nasty seeing all the dirt and scum wash up and refuse to drain.
But worry not; we hate it as much as you do and have compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to help you eliminate clogged sinks. From professional plumbing services to DIY, these do’s and don’ts will come in handy in ensuring a safe and quick unclog.
Why is My Sink Clogged?
Clogged sinks are a common household problem that can happen for various reasons. The most common reasons are the accumulation of;
- Food particles
- Grease
- Soap
- Scum
- Hair
As these materials collect in the pipes, they stick to the sides, forming clogs that block water from properly draining. Sinks also frequently clog up when objects like small toy pieces, stickers, or other items accidentally get washed down the sink.
Being mindful about what goes down the sink and utilizing strainers can help prevent clogging, but as time goes on, a clogged sink will ultimately happen sooner or later.
Best Practices to Avoid Clogging a Sink
We’re breaking down proper unclogging techniques into crucial do’s and don’ts. Follow these simple guidelines for faster success and prevent costly pipe damage in the process.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Unclogging a Sink
Unclogging a sink drain can be frustrating, but it’s a common challenge most homeowners face. But while unclogging a sink blockage may seem easy, it is not. It often results in homeowners making things worse rather than good.
So listed below are some do’s and don’ts to help you understand what to do and what not to do in case of a clogged sink.
The Do’s
- Do use a plunger if there is any standing water in the sink. Plunge vigorously straight down to create suction and dislodge material stuck in the pipe. Cover the overflow hole fully when plunging.
- Do pour boiling water down the drain to melt grease clogs. Mix baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to react with and dissolve the grease.
- Do use a drain snake/auger to hook, grab, and pull out trapped debris. Slowly twist and turn the snake, digging farther down little by little into difficult clogs. Be patient, working at different angles and depths.
- Do dismantle pipes under the sink to remove the curved p-trap and remove blockages by hand. Place a bucket under it first to catch any water spillage.
- Do use special drain cleaning chemicals or enzyme products made specifically to break down organic material like hair, food, etc. Let it fully digest the clog overnight before rinsing.
- Do try a drain strainer. Place strainers over sink drains to catch food scraps, hair, and other debris before it drains. Empty strainers regularly.
- Do regularly flush drains. Pour a pot of boiling hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar down sinks weekly to help clear soap scum and dissolve buildups.
- Do monitor all bathroom and kitchen sinks. Keep an eye out for slower drainage and gurgling noises indicating clogs’ start.
- Get in touch with a professional plumbing service if you’ve tried several at-home methods without success. They have commercial-grade tools that can reach deep blockages.
- Do invest in regular maintenance like annual drain cleanings to prevent future clogs if you are prone to backups.
The Don’ts
- Don’t use harsh chemical drain cleaners. They seem conveniently powerful. However, they actually damage pipes long-term. The caustic chemicals wear down pipes, causing leaks over time.
- Don’t ignore a problematic slow drain for too long. Slower drains indicate clog formation. Leaving the debris buildup unchecked allows the problem to intensify. Getting ahead early increases the chances a simple plunge will remedy it.
- Don’t plunge aggressively without fully sealing the overflow hole. Doing so will continually push water down, which flows out the overflow drain without lifting the clog. Solidly seal the hole to direct plunging pressure against the blockage.
- Don’t keep pouring drain cleaner down endlessly without results. The typical cleaner won’t make a difference if one application doesn’t unclog it. Try a different method instead.
- Don’t force yourself to clean the drain if you do not have adequate knowledge or the tools. There is a strong possibility that you might make matters worse. Instead, call on a professional. Professional plumbing services are equipped with the tools and the knowledge to unclog the sink in minutes.
- Don’t use a metal or a point object to poke down the drain. This usually pushes the clog further down the pipes and compacts it more.
- Don’t mix chemical products. Instead of risking damage to your pipes with chemicals, let the experts at The Handyman Services handle the tough clogs.
- Don’t put too much strain on pipes with excessive force. Over-plunging and being too rough can actually damage pipe joints.
- Don’t accidentally drop tools or hardware parts down the drain while doing repairs.
Should I DIY or Choose a Professional Service?
Many clogs can be resolved with DIY methods. However, professional services are sometimes the best choice for thoroughly resolving stubborn sink clogs. Deciding between DIY and professional services also depends on the reason for clogs, as indoor versus exterior pipe problems require vastly different approaches.
Benefits of Choosing a Professional Service
Although it might seem cheaper to do it yourself or hire an unqualified individual, professional services can be more cost-effective over time. Here are some benefits of professional plumbing services;
- Professionals have the necessary training and experience to handle complex issues efficiently.
- Professionals can complete tasks much faster due to their skills and experience.
- Professionals know how to handle potentially dangerous situations safely. They have the equipment and knowledge to minimize risks.
- Professionals have access to the latest tools and technology required for the job.
- Many professional services offer warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind that it will be fixed at no additional cost if something goes wrong.
Conclusion
As time passes, sinks eventually start clogging up due to regular use. Be it hair, food particles, grease, or something else, sinks can clog up due to carelessness or improper use. The best way to prevent clogging up is to use drainers and avoid draining relatively large objects that may get stuck in the pipes.
But in case a clog occurs, it is wiser to call professional plumbing services rather than spending time and energy over doing it yourself and risking making it worse.