How to deal with a clogged sink

When your sink becomes clogged, it’s important to take action right away to clear the drain and avoid any potential water damage.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some simple tips for clearing a clogged sink without causing any further damage. We’ll also show you how to prevent your sink from becoming clogged in the first place. So whether your sink is backed up with food or hair, read on for the best ways to fix the problem.

Identifying the clog

It’s always so frustrating when your kitchen sink clogs and water starts to back up. But before you call a professional plumber in Bexley, it’s helpful to understand what type of clog you’re dealing with. That way, you can try to clear it yourself or at least be armed with information when you do call a professional.

The three main causes of clogged sinks

There are three main causes of clogged sinks: grease, hair, and soap scum. Let’s look at each in turn.

1) Grease clogs

Grease clogs are caused by, you guessed it, grease! When hot grease cools and hardens, it can adhere to the sides of your pipes and trap other particles of food or debris. To prevent grease clogs, never pour grease down the drain. Instead, let it solidify in a can or dispose of it in the trash. 

2) Hair clogs

Hair clogs are pretty self-explanatory – they occur when hair (human or pet) gets caught in the drain. In addition to causing clogs, hair can also lead to slow drains as water has a hard time flowing through all the tangled strands.

The best way to prevent hair clogs is to install a drain cover or stopper that will catch hair before it has a chance to enter the drain. 

3) Soap scum

Soap scum clogs are caused by a build-up of soap residue, dirt, and oil. This can happen if you don’t have a strong enough venting system in your home or if you use bar soap instead of liquid soap. S

oap scum clogs can be prevented by using liquid soap and making sure your home has adequate venting. However, if you already have a soap scum clog, there are some DIY solutions you can try, like using a plunger or an enzymatic cleaner. 

Identifying the type of clog you’re dealing with is the first step in getting your sink back up and running again. With this information in hand, you’ll be one step closer to an unclogged sink!

What to do with a clogged sink

Here’s how to clear a clogged sink.

Clear any debris and try to unclog the sink with a plunger

Before you do anything else, clear any debris from the sink drain. This will give the plunger a clear path to work with and help to prevent you from making the clog worse. Once the area is clear, place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down vigorously.

Make sure you keep a tight seal on the plunger so that all of the suction is directed downwards. You may need to repeat this process a few times before the clog starts to loosen. Once it does, continue plunging until the clog is completely dislodged and can be washed away.

Pour boiling water on the clogged sink

Another potential fix is to pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The hot water can help to loosen the clog, making it easier to remove.

This method is most effective if the clog is caused by grease or soap buildup, as the heat can help to break down these substances. However, it’s important to use caution when pouring boiling water down a drain, as the scalding-hot water can damage pipes and cause burns. 

Use a chemical drain cleaner

Another method you can try is using a chemical drain cleaner. It’s important to read the instructions on the product label carefully, as some cleaners can damage your pipes if used improperly. If you have a double sink, only use the cleaner in one drain at a time and block off the other drain with a wet rag to prevent fumes from entering.

Pour the cleaner into the drain, using the amount specified on the label. Let it sit for the amount of time indicated, then flush with hot water. Repeat if necessary. With any luck, your sink will be unclogged and flowing freely in no time.

If all else fails, call a plumber for assistance

If you have tried every method possible and your sink drain is still clogged, it is time to call a plumber. A professional Chatswood plumber has the tools and knowledge necessary to clear the drain and get your sink flowing again.

Don’t try to fix a plumbing problem on your own if you don’t know what you are doing – contact a professional for assistance.

Cyrel Nicolas is the Online Marketing Specialist of Service Today, a home services company providing plumbing, electrical, and home heating solutions in Australia.