Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

How to Unclog a Sink

22 July 2020

Herbert Chambers

Every homeowner should have a basic set of DIY fixes in their tool belt for the occasional problem, and the same goes for your plumbing. One of the most common household issues that we hear regularly is a clogged sink. Some clogs are enormous, such as a batch of "flushable" baby wipes that have created a logjam inside the sewer line, while others are as simple as a chicken bone that went down the garbage disposal.

Regardless of the cause, there are a few basic steps that you can take to unclog that drain and have your line in proper working order in no time. If you still run into problems after trying all these different ways, call a plumber to inspect it for you.

Use a Plunger

Plungers aren't just for toilets, they can also be used to remove a stubborn clog from your sink. As long as you're able to create a tight enough seal around the sink drain, you can plunge as hard as you want. With enough effort (and a little bit of luck) that clog will pop right out and your problem is solved.

Use the Disposal

This might seem obvious, but we've had many people call in and have an issue with a clog when in reality, it was just some debris jammed inside the garbage disposal. Turn on the water to help with lubrication, then start the garbage disposal and see if that clears the pipes.

Use Hot Water 

If the clog still isn't coming out, pour a combination of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup salt directly into the drain and leave it for 15 minutes (if you want even more unclogging action, add a half cup of lemon juice). When the time is up, pour boiling hot water down the drain to loosen up the clog. Do not use this method if you have PVC pipes however, as the hot water can damage the lining and make them soft.

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a plumber's best friend. These long devices are coated with bristles on the outside that scrub the inside of the pipe, with a tip on the end to bulldoze through even the most stubborn of clogs. If you have one, turn on the water and feed the snake down the drain. Push on the clog to dislodge it, but be careful not to push too hard as you could end up damaging the pipe itself.

Contact companies like Marcum Plumbing Services, Inc. to learn more. 

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