Clearing a clogged sink is one of the plumbing fixes that usually doesn't require a trained plumber. In fact, almost everyone will encounter a clogged sink at some point, whether in a rental unit or an owned home. Fortunately, there are a number of techniques, devices and products to help remove clogs quickly and safely. When you are working on unclogging a sink, be sure to keep pets and children out of the area and to open windows to ventilate the area if possible, especially if using chemical drain uncloggers.
Instructions
1. Remove the drain stopper. Most stoppers can be removed by twisting the stopper to the left or right and lifting up. Remove any hair or other material that has accumulated on the stopper itself.
2. Pour about 1 gallon of boiling water slowly down the drain. If the sink becomes backed up with the water, stop pouring. Otherwise, pour the entire gallon down the pipes, and see if the sink drains properly afterward.
3. Turn on the cold water and allow the sink to fill until it can cover the plunger by about one inch. Place the plunger over the drain and push down, creating a tight seal. Pump the plunger up and down about ten times and remove from the drain. Run water down the drain and see if it drains properly. If not, put the plunger back over the drain and repeat.
4. If the first three steps do not work, use a chemical unclogger if the drain is slow but not fully stopped up. Follow the directions on the product and flush with water as directed.
5. Snake the drain only if the drain is up. Do not use a snake in conjunction with chemical agents. Insert the snake slowly into the drain, feeling for the blockage. Once you have hit the blockage with the end of the snake, move the snake around to hook it onto the blockage. Slowly pull or push the mass along the you can remove it through the sink drain or until you feel it flow loosely away from the snake.
Tags: clogged sink, down drain, drain until, drains properly, fully stopped