If you have a slow draining sink or the sink doesn’t drain at all, here are a few basic steps to take to clear the drain and unclog a sink.
What’s clogging the drain?
- This could be caused by
- Strands of hair building up
- Soap scum
- Bits of debris that have fallen into the drain
Try these home remedies to unclog a sink:
- Boiling water
- Let the drain clear before using this method.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Carefully pour the water slowly into the drain.
- Precaution – this is for sinks that are NOT made of porcelain.
- Hot water can crack a porcelain sink.
- If this method doesn’t work after repeated attempts, try another method.
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Let the sink drain completely
- Pour ¼-cup of baking soda drain, using a funnel.
- Add 1 ¼ cup of white vinegar using the same funnel.
- Use a sink stopper to plug the drain or a towel.
- Let the mixture stand for 20 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain slowly.
- Repeat if necessary.
- If that doesn’t work…
- Use a plunger
- Remove the stopper. (most stoppers will come right out by pulling)
- Leave the sink with water in it.
- Center the plunger over the drain and apply force to create a strong seal.
- Pump the plunger for about 15 seconds
- Check to see if the water drains.
- Repeat this process for stubborn clogs
- Call a Mac Plumbing, Heating & Air!
- If you have a drain that won’t come unclogged, you may need a plumber to come out and fix the problem.
- Mac plumbing has the right equipment to get your drains running without damaging your sink.
Keeping your plumbing clog free:
- Avoid letting hair accumulate in your drain, even small hair from shaving.
- Add a grate or screen to trap hair and soap scum.
- Run hot water after using the sink to keep build up at bay.
- Periodically use the methods above to keep your drains flowing.
Be prepared with a check-up from Mac and if you find yourself with plumbing or HVAC problems, be sure to contact Mac Plumbing, Heating & Air here or call us at (931) 552-5555.