If your sink is clogged, you probably want to get rid of the obstruction. However, drain-cleaning chemicals can damage your pipes just as well as they can clean them. To clear up your sink without using chemicals, you’ll need to identify the source of the problem. Afterward, you can choose from one of the many available mechanical options.
Identifying the Problem
Many things can cause a sink to become clogged. To remove the clog without damaging your plumbing, you need to figure out where it’s coming from.
Organic Material Buildup
Organic material accumulation is a leading cause of clogged sinks. Discarded food, used coffee grounds and other biodegradable items that have accumulated over time fall into this category. These substances, when flushed down a sink or toilet, have the potential to adhere to the inside of pipes and eventually build up to blockages.
Grease and Fat Deposits
The accumulation of greasy and fat deposits is another common reason for clogged sinks. Grease, oils and fats from cooking can harden and stick to the inside of pipes if you pour them down the drain. Clogs form when these deposits limit the water’s flow over time.
Hair and Soap Residue
The gradual accumulation of hair and soap residue inside drain pipes is a major cause of clogs in bathroom sinks. Soap scum is a prime target for hair, which can quickly attach and create sticky clumps that block the water drain. The accumulation of these clumps causes the pipe’s diameter to decrease over time, which in turn slows drainage and causes blockages.
Mineral Deposits
The gradual buildup of calcium and magnesium deposits inside sink pipes is a common occurrence in regions with hard water. Over time, these deposits accumulate and shrink the pipe diameter, which in turn reduces water flow and increases the likelihood of blockages. Reduced water pressure and sluggish drainage are indicators of mineral deposits.
Tools and Equipment Needed
There are several must-have tools to have on hand for successfully unclogging a sink without resorting to chemicals. To generate suction and remove obstructions, a sink plunger featuring a rubber cup end is an absolute must-have. Augers or snakes can help access hard-to-reach places and remove stubborn blockages, but leave them to the professionals. (Like drain cleaner, snakes can cause damage in untrained hands.)
When hair and other debris get stuck in drains, it’s usually best to use a drain cleaning brush or pick to remove them by hand. While unclogging, you should have a bucket ready to collect any water or debris that may run out. Old rags or towels can soak up spills and protect surfaces from harm.
Removing the Clog With a Plunger
Be sure the plunger is completely covering the drain hole. To generate suction, press down firmly on the plunger and then pull it up quickly. If the blockage persists, try plunging again. Once you’ve plunged, run water down the drain to make sure it’s clear. Assuming the water flows freely, it’s safe to assume the blockage is no longer there. If the water doesn’t flow freely, you’ll need to try a different technique or plunge again.
Techniques for Manually Removing Hair and Debris From Sink Drains
If the blockage is small, you may be able to remove the hair and debris from the drain by hand. Put on your protective gloves first, and then reach into the drain to remove any visible debris, such as hair. To reach further down the drain and remove stubborn hair or debris, tweezers or pliers might be a lifesaver. This method is ideal for bathroom sinks, which are susceptible to clogs caused by hair and soap residue.
Using Tools Like Drain Cleaning Brushes or Picks
To remove hair and debris from the inside of pipes, insert a brush or pick into the entrance of the drain and turn it to capture it. Brushes with bristles are great for removing residues like soap scum that cause blockages.
Hot Water Flushes
Hot water is another simple and effective non-chemical solution for unclogging sinks. Put water to a boil in a kettle and slowly pour it down the drain. If soap scum and grease are to blame for the clog, the hot water will help dissolve them. After a few minutes of letting the hot water do its job, you can check if the drain is clear by running water. If the blockage continues after flushing with hot water, try again or use a combination of hot water and other mechanical methods.
Removing the Clog With a Plumber’s Snake or Auger
Plumbers’ snakes and augers are great for unclogging deep-seated pipes in sinks. The plumber will carefully feed the snake or auger into the pipe by placing it into the drain opening. The next step is to spin the snake while slowly pushing it deeper into the drain; this will help loosen and latch onto the obstruction. After they’ve engaged the blockage, they’ll carefully pull the snake out of the drain or flush it with water to remove any leftover debris. If mechanical agitation fails to loosen stubborn obstructions, this procedure offers a comprehensive solution.
Preventive Maintenance for Sinks
The secret to clear and efficient sink drains is regular preventative maintenance. Clogged sinks are inconvenient and frustrating, but with some basic maintenance, you can keep your plumbing system in good working order for much longer and save money on repairs.
Use Sink Strainers
Sink strainers are little, perforated objects that fit over the drain to prevent hair, food scraps, and other waste from getting into the pipes. They work wonders in bathroom sinks, where hair tends to build and cause clogs, and in kitchen sinks, where food remnants from cooking and washing dishes are major causes of clogs. To keep the strainer in top working order, empty and clean it often.
Regular Cleaning
Preventative maintenance for sinks also includes washing them frequently. Soap scum, grease and other residues can accumulate and cause blockages; keeping the drain and sink clean on a regular basis can help keep them at bay. To remove any trapped dirt, remove the sink stopper and clean it at least once a week. To further aid in dissolving grease accumulation and maintaining clear pipes, pour hot water down the drain at regular intervals.
Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil
Drain clogs are a common result of people carelessly throwing greasy substances down the drain. Grease and oil are seemingly innocuous when heated, but they harden and stick to pipe interiors when they cool, eventually building up and limiting water flow. This accumulation, if left unchecked, can eventually lead to substantial and stubborn obstructions. To avoid this, put greasy and oily materials in a sealed container and dispose of them with your usual garbage. Another option is to place the container with the solidified grease in a garbage can and scrape it off.
Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical is the company to call when you need help unclogging a sink in Glendale, AZ. We also offer HVAC services, water filtration options, electric panel upgrades and so much more. Give us a call now to schedule a repair for a clogged sink.
