A clogged sink can be very inconvenient and quickly become a bigger problem if not fixed. Not only because of the difficulty of keeping the water from running, but also because of the bad smell and dirt caused by the blockage. To solve this problem we have prepared this article on how to unclog a sink easily, with simple tips and products that you can use safely.
Why do sinks get clogged?
There are many reasons why bathroom or kitchen pipes end up getting clogged. Most of the time It is due to the accumulation of fat and other forms of dirt that goes down the drain over time.
The problem with these compounds is that they tend to be very sticky and stick to the pipes. Afterwards, and over time, the objects that we usually wash stick to these residues.
On the other hand, as these are places that are exposed to soaps and cleaning products They only make the traffic jam worse.
The materials that block pipes are usually organic remains. (skins, food, fruits and/or vegetables) which, combined with soap and grease, can cause blockages in the middle of the pipe or drain. This situation is often repeated in the kitchen, as well as in the sink or shower.
To summarize, sink blockages are due to several causes, including the following:
- The mixture of food scraps and the aaccumulation of grease and oil.
- Lack of maintenance and proper cleaning. Most small clogs get worse over time if left untreated.
- There are other reasons, but it is usually rarer to happen. For example, objects that fall down the drain type of jewelry, rubber bands or even toys for the little ones in the house.
Fortunately, there are different ways to solve this problem: from the use of specific products to some basic plumbing tools such as a plunger, wires and guides that are inserted into the pipe.
Next, we will go into detail about the best ways to unclog the sink in your home.
Unclog the sink with hot water
One of the easiest and simplest ways to unclog a sink is to boil hot water and pour it down the drain.
This method works through thermal expansion, which is the process by which uA substance expands when heatedBoiling water and pouring it down the drain will help break up whatever is clogging the drain.
This system is effective for small and newly formed blockages. For long-term blockages or removing hairballs, it is more difficult to work.
However, There is a trick that can be combined with hot water. This is by pouring a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar.
You can also choose to use a drain cleaner low power with metal micro-particles like our alkaline chemical drain cleaner.
These types of products are not as strong as others and work through a dual function:
- Temperature increase.
- Saponification and/or dissolution of fats.
This is possible thanks to the double action and the friction of the metal (aluminum) with the pipe, which erodes and removes the grease.
Unclog the sink manually
When the hot water and baking soda method doesn't work, you have to resort to classic but effective methods like a plunger.
A plunger can be an effective tool for unclogging a sink.
Tools needed to unclog the sink
There are several forms: from the typical stick with a rubber suction cup that you have to put in the sink and it sucks, even in the form of cable or guide.
If you have the classic rubber or suction cup plunger Start by filling the sink with a few inches of water and then place the plunger over the drain.
Make sure it is sealed well so that no water can escape. Next, pump the plunger a few times so that the suction breaks up whatever is clogging the sink.
After a few pumps, The clog should clear and water should start to flow up and then flow out. downwards. If this doesn't work, you can try pouring hot water over it and try sucking again.
In case you don't have a rubber plunger, You can use another more modern type in the form of a spiral extendable cable.
The problem with this system is that it sometimes doesn't work well to remove hairballs or grease stains, especially if they are far from the sink. Long cables are effective for blockages anywhere in the pipe. and ideally they should reach the end of the pipe or drain.
But as we said before, hairballs and debris that accumulate in difficult areas such as curves or elbows are difficult to remove. Therefore, do the following:
- Take the several passes with the plunger or cable.
- Try that the plunger reaches the end or as far away as possible.
- Cut off the water when you use it.
- try to have another person on the other side of the pipe to move the cable.
If all this does not work you have no choice but to use the most powerful method, a powerful chemical cleaner or unblocker capable of removing any residue. Below, we tell you how to use it.
Unclog the sink with chemical cleaners
If all else fails, you may have to resort to using chemical cleaners. These products are designed to break down and corrode whatever is causing the clog.
However, it is important to be careful when using these products, as they can be dangerous to your health and damage your pipes.
The most powerful thing to clean sinks and pipes are the strong or powerful unblockers acid-based products such as our Wat Strong product. This product does not attack rubber, plastic or lead, but it is corrosive and should be used with care.
For that, wear a mask, goggles and glovesYou should cover your face and hands as it will emit fumes during the process. Don't be alarmed if it smokes, it's not a problem, it's just acting on the grease and dissolving it.
Remember, this is the most effective way, but be careful with its use, so we recommend that you read the product's instructions for use.
Our advice is thatFirst try hot water, baking soda or another less powerful unclogging product. as our product Wat Somet with micro-particlesAnother option is to resort to a degreasers, sometimes they work.
Tips to prevent future sink clogs
Once you know how to unclog the sink, we are going to tell you how to avoid blockages.
- Do not throw food scraps down the sink, or at least avoid solids.
- Do not pour oil or grease down the drain.
- Use a strainer in the sink.
- Clean andthe sink and pipes periodically.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions the verbatim.
- Pour the plunger slowly and being careful to avoid splashes.
- Leave the product to act for the recommended time before rinsing with plenty of water.
By following these tips and using the right tools, you can unclog your sink effectively and without having to call a professional.
Don't hesitate to try these techniques to prevent future clogs in your home sink. How can you check Knowing how to unclog a sink is not that difficult if you put these tips into practice!