Sink drain clogs usually start small and grow. If your sink takes over a minute to drain, it is partially clogged. Completely clogged pipes stop water from draining at all. Calling a plumber is an expensive solution. Try some of these DIY solutions to get the water running and save money.
6 DIY Ways To Unclog a Sink Drain
Clogs usually start with grease, pasta, stingy vegetables, hair, bones, and other things you should never put down a sink drain.
Most households have some–or all–of the necessities for unclogging a drain. Here are some ways to use them.
Use a Plunger To Clear the Pipe
Plungers are usually one of the first choices to remove clogs–but to be effective they have to be used properly. Seal all drains with duct tape except the one you are working on–double sink drain, overflows, and dishwasher drains–to create a vacuum when plunging.
Put about 4” – 5” of water into the sink. Fit the plunger over the drain and pump it vigorously for 15 – 20 seconds. Remove the plunger and let the water drain. Run warm water down the drain for a couple of minutes to completely clear the clog. Repeat if necessary.
Run the Garbage Disposal
Sometimes the clog is in the garbage disposal–not the pipes. Run two cups of ice cubes through the disposal–or use other ways to clean your garbage disposal–to dislodge a clog in the unit.
Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
Pouring boiling water directly down the drain can dissolve grease-based clogs. Use at least a half-gallon of water. Pour about two cups at a time–stopping for a few seconds between treatments. Repeat if necessary.
Do not use boiling water on PVC pipes. Water boils at 212 degrees. Any temperature over 140 degrees can melt or crack PVC.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner To Remove the Clog
A powerful wet/dry shop vacuum can suck the clog out of your drain. Seal off all…