Plumbers Recommended Technique of How to Unclog a Sink
A clogged or slow-draining sink is a common household problem. There are several ways to remedy this without having to call a San Jose plumber or use harsh chemicals. Here are some recommended techniques for unclogging a sink.
Baking Soda Solution
Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. While this method may not work on severe clogs, it is an effective technique for partial blockages. This also helps save you from physically having to remove a clog.
To do this, slowly pour boiling water down the drain. Leave a bit of boiling water out to use later. Immediately after the initial pour, add 1/3 cup of baking soda into the drain and let it sit for five minutes.
While this is sitting, mix a cup of vinegar into the leftover hot water. Pour this mixture down the drain and let it sit for 20 minutes. After flushing the drain again with boiling water, the sink should no longer be a slow flowing sink.
Wire Hanger
A method for a tougher clog is to use a wire hanger. This is a simple and effective way to remove clogs. Unwind the hanger until it is straight, leaving the hook at the top. At the opposite end of the hanger, bend a few inches in order to provide a handle. Lower the wire down into the sink drain until there is resistance. At this point, plunge the hanger up and down several times, loosening the clog. Finally, pull the hanger out of the drain. The hanger should be accompanied by whatever was clogging the sink.
Plunger
Using a bellows plunger is another technique to fix a clogged sink. These mini plungers exert impressive force that will get clogs moving along. The design of the plunger builds up pressure beneath the clog. After several pumps, the clog is shot down the drain. This is a cheap and effective option that leaves no mess.
Many people turn to Drano or another anti-clog product when their sink clogs. This should be avoided because it can eat away at plastic pipes and corrode metal pipes. The fumes are toxic for people and for the environment. Additionally, these products are often ineffective in sink clogs.
The effective alternatives mentioned above are inexpensive and safe ways to solve a common household problem without resorting to a San Jose professional or to harmful chemicals. These techniques can also be practiced every once in a while to help avoid clogs from happening in the first place.
Need assistance with your clogged San Jose, CA sink? Give Genmor Plumbing, Inc. a call today at 408-215-4612 and we would love to help.
