Clearing a Clogged Sink Drain Tips 

Introduction: Sink drains seem to always clog at the most inopportune time. It’s much easier to prevent a drain blockage in the first place than to clear a clogged drain. Sometimes scalding water can clear drains of grease. By installing a strainer in the kitchen or bathroom sinks will help prevent hair and soap, small utensils, and other objects from slipping down the drains and clogging them. Here are some clearing a clogged sink drain tips to help you out.

The most important and widely used tool to clear a clogged sink drains is the plunger. To use a plunger insure that the suction cup is large enough to cover the drain opening or your work will be an exercise in futility.

How to clear a clogged sink drain with a plunger:

·       Fill the clogged basin with enough water to cover the plunger cup.

·       Coat the rim of the cup with petroleum jelly to create a tight seal.

·       Use wet rags to block any secondary outlets such as a sink overflow or second sink plumbed to the same drain. This will create a vacuum effect.

·       Give the plunger 10 to 15 quick strong strokes.

·       Repeat several times if necessary before turning to other remedies.

·       When the drain clears run a generous amount of water to flush it out.

Clear a clogged sink drain using chemicals:

·       Never use drain cleaning chemicals if the drain is completely clogged. They can burn your skin if they sit in a stagnant drain then you have to remove both the chemicals and the blockage without splashing water on yourself.

·       Don’t use them routinely because they can damage metal pipes.

·       Make sure the room is well ventilated.

·       Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

·       Read labels carefully to make sure you choose the right kind of drain opener. Use an alkali to cut grease and an acid to dissolve hair, soap, and other gunk.

·       Never mix two different chemicals.

·       Do not use chemicals in combination with a plunger.

·       Don’t place your face over the drain for a “look see”. The chemicals give off toxic fumes and can boil up suddenly.

Using an auger to clear a clogged sink drain:  

·       Remove any filters or stoppers in the sink and guide the auger through the drain opening.

·       Gently work the auger around the pipe bends.

·       When you have snagged the blockage pull the auger back a little to free it.

·       Turn the handle of the auger to bore through the clog and then push it through the pipe or pull it out through the drain.

·       If feeding the auger through the drain doesn’t work, try feeding it through a system cleanout port in the plumbing.

These clearing a sink sink drain tips work just as well for clearing toilets too. Try these methods repeatedly before calling a plumber. They usually work.

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