10 Things to Try Before You Call the Plumber

May 16, 2019

A clogged drain never happens at a convenient time and often disrupts our necessary daily activities in the kitchen and bathroom. Of course this is a problem that needs fixing as soon as possible. However, before you pick up the phone and call a plumber, consider trying some do-it-yourself tips and tricks for unclogging your sink.

Boiling Water

For minor clogs, you can flush out your drain using boiling water. This is the easiest and most cost-effective solution, so start by giving this a try first. Begin by using a small bucket or mug to remove any standing water in your sink. Then, bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil on the stove. Next, pour the entire kettle of water into the sink and wait. If the water does not  move, let it cool down before removing and trying again.

Plunger

Plungers are not just for toilets! They can be very useful when attempting to unclog the sink. Begin by filling the sink up with hot water until it is about 1/4 or 1/2 of the way full. Position the plunger over the drain and work the plunger up and down quickly. Then pull the plunger off of the drain opening and see if the water begins to drain. If may take a while to dislodge the clog, so repeat this method as necessary.

Disposal

You will want to double check and make sure that your garbage disposal is not the problem. When the disposal is clogged it can stop up the drain. Make sure nothing is caught in it and that the disposal is running properly.

Salt + Boiling Water

After removing all standing water from the sink, pour about 1/2 cup of table salt down the drain. Then prepare a kettle of boiling hot water and pour it down the sink. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and continue to flush it out with hot water.

Baking Soda + White Vinegar

After removing all standing water from the sink, get about a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Then, take about a cup of white or apple cider vinegar and pour that down the drain. The solution will cause a bubbly mixture to emerge. Quickly put the sink stopper in or you can also cover the drain with a rag or cloth and wait about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, run hot water from the sink to see if the clog clears up. Repeat as needed.

Baking Soda + Salt

This is another solution that can unclog your sink. As previously mentioned, begin by removing the standing water from the sink. Mix about a cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of salt and pour the mixture down the drain. This mixture will need to sit for several hours. Then, prepare your boiling water and flush it down the drain. Repeat this method as necessary.

Commercial Drain Cleaner

If these solutions are not working, you can always use a commercial drain cleaner of choice. Simply make sure you are using the right product for the task and be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully to avoid creating any damage or physical harm.

P-Trap

You may also want to check your pipes yourself to see if you can find the blockage. Begin by opening the cabinet beneath your sink and placing a large bucket underneath the pipes to catch any water that may drain out. Next, detach the P-trap, which is the curved pipe that dips just below the horizontal pipes. With gloves on, empty any water or debris trapped in this compartment into the bucket. Once everything is cleared out, replace the P-trap and run water through it.

Plumber’s Snake or Coat Hanger

You may also try using a plumber’s snake, or straightened wire  clothes hanger to reach as far down the drain as possible. Doing this may allow you to reach the source of the clog in your sink. Insert either your snake or hanger into the drain carefully, making sure not to scratch your sink.

Call A Plumber

So, what now? You have tried every do-it-yourself solution available. The final thing you may need to do if your sink is still clogged is to call a plumber. Check out your local listing and find a trusted source with excellent ratings and competitive pricing. They will be able to give you a full overview of your drains, as well as provide solutions for the future.

At Perry Homes, we love to provide easy, do-it-yourself ways to get things done around your home. Take a look at our new homes for sale and keep checking our blog for tips year-round.