7 Ways to Unclog a Sink

A clogged sink can be tricky and unpleasant to deal with. Hair, toothpaste, and other debris can form a nearly impenetrable clog, which can cause your sink to drain slowly and smell foul.

Homeowners can try numerous effective and inexpensive alternative methods to help them unclog a sink.

This blog post will talk about the various ways to can unclog a sink. Let’s dive in!

7 Ways to Unclog a Sink

Here’s a list of some helpful methods of unclogging a sink:

1. Try Boiling Water

   This is one of the simplest ways to deal with a clogged sink. Boiling water may loosen the blockage in the pipes by attacking grease and other debris stuck in the drain. To do this, follow the steps mentioned below:

   • Boil half a gallon of water.
   • Next, pour the boiling water directly into your drain.
   • Turn on the faucet to check if the water drains properly. If it doesn’t, repeat the process.

   One thing to note is that you should never try this method if your drain is connected to PVC pipes since boiling water can melt the plastic. In addition, if boiling water fails to unclog the sink after the second try, it means the clog is too stubborn for boiling water to deal with.

2. Try Vinegar And Baking Soda

   This traditional method is extremely effective when it comes to unclogging a sink. You’ll only need two items to pull this off: vinegar and baking soda.

   Follow the steps mentioned below:

   • Mix one-third cup of vinegar and baking soda in a measuring cup.
   • Once you’ve properly mixed them, the mixture will start to fizz.
   • When it starts fizzing, immediately pour it down the drain.
   • Let it rest for about an hour, and flush it with warm water afterward to see if it unclogs the sink.

   If it doesn’t, it’s time to take a different approach.

3. Check The Garbage Disposal

   Check your garbage disposal to make sure it isn’t causing the issue. A clogged garbage disposal can easily stop your drain. That said, run the disposal for two to three minutes with the hot water to see whether it unclogs the sink.

   If it doesn't, turn off the disposal to ensure it runs correctly. You might need to restart the disposal if it has automatically turned off. You can do this by pressing the switch on/off button located on the side of the garbage disposal.

4. Try Salt And Baking Soda

   This is another traditional method many homeowners use to get rid of clogs. Follow the steps mentioned below:

   • Mix a full baking cup of soda with a half cup of salt.
   • Once you’ve finished mixing them, pour the mixture down the drain.
   • Let it sit there for several hours, and then flush with hot water to check if the clog is removed.
   • If it does not work, repeat the process.

5. Use a Plunger

   If the previous methods fail to deliver, try using a household plunger. In case of a double sink, it’s best to seal off the other sink using a wet cloth.

   Remember, you have to seal the plunger tightly around the drain. This will help you fill the sink’s side you intend to plunge with sufficient water covering the plunger’s bell. To do this, follow these essential steps:

   • Place your plunger over the drain.
   • Plunge it repeatedly.
   • Remove the plunger once the suction has cleared the clog.
   • With the help of warm water, flush the drain for two to three minutes.

6. Use The Plumber's Snake

   Some clogs are so stubborn that even a plunger fails to clear them. In such circumstances, a plumber’s snake might come in handy. It has a coiled spiral snake that reaches into the drain. Once this tool grabs the clog, you can pull the debris out of your drain.

   You can buy a non-electric plumber’s snake or the electric one for more effective results. Furthermore, if you do not have a plumber’s snake at home, you can make one using a coat hanger. Just unwind the hanger to make it a long wire piece using pliers.

   Keep the hooked end since it will help you pull out the debris. You can also adjust the hook’s angle using the pliers.

   When you use a plumber's snake, you'll need to be careful while feeding it down the drain. Don't push it to roughly since it might force the clog further down the drain

   Once you feel your plunger has hit the blocked region, carefully remove the debris from there. Do this repeatedly until you feel the clog is gone. After that, flush the drain with hot water to see if it’s clear.

7. Clean The P-Trap

   If you’ve failed to unclog your sink even after using a plumber’s snake, chances are the blockage is in the P-trap. This is an elbow-shaped pipe you can find under your sink. Hair, food, grease, shampoo, and other debris sometimes get stuck in the P-trap, causing the sink to drain slowly.

   To clean out the clog causing the obstruction, disassemble this pipe. Remember, it might be a bit of a messy task. Make sure you wear gloves and goggles while doing this.

   Once you’re prepared, follow the steps mentioned below:

   • Place a bucket underneath the P-trap to catch debris or backed-up water falling out of the pipe.
   • Unscrew the connectors holding the horizontal and vertical drain pipe and the curved piece together. You should see a nut on either end of the pipe.
   • Remove the P-trap and clean all the debris and residue you see on the pipe.
   • Reassemble the P-trap.
   • Turn on the faucet to see if the clog is gone.

Final Thoughts

A clogged sink is a common issue many homeowners face. It’s an problem that needs to be addressed as early as possible. You can get rid of the annoying clog in your drain by trying some effective methods at home without assistance from a professional plumber. The methods mentioned above will help you deal with a clogged sink.

Mesa Plumbing Company has you covered if you don't want to unclog your sink yourself and need a professional plumber. Contact us now!