How to Unclog a Sink DIY

Everyone has experienced a clogged sink at least once in their life. This can happen for a number of reasons, including excessive debris, soap, scum, hair and small objects. Fortunately, a sink clog is easy to treat without professional assistance. At Cheap Plumber, we recommend the solutions mentioned below. If they don’t work, call a plumber with experience in unclogging hand sinks in residential locations.

Step#1. Use the plunger

This tool uses suction power to loosen clogs and it is quite effective. Place the mouth of the tool against the sink drain, making sure you cover the entire opening. Pump it for a few minutes to loosen all clogs. Check if water drains at a reasonable speed and try again if needed. You can also use other household tools like a straightened coat hanger wire to physically dislodge debris.

Step#2. A drain snake

Drain snakes are specifically designed to loosen stubborn clogs. They have a long metal cable with a coil at the tip so they can reach clogs located deep in your drain pipe. After you have purchased one, follow the steps mentioned below:

Feed the snake into your drain until it encounters resistance.
Turn your snake cable clockwise three or four times, ensure you make full rotations.
You will feel resistance once the clog is snared in the snake.
Continue to rotate until you sense a release of resistance. The snake has punched through a clog and you can now pull it back slowly.

Step#3. Combination of baking soda and vinegar

If these tools don’t work, you need something stronger. Chemical drain cleaning solutions work well and are available over the counter at local hardware stores. You can make an alternative at home by mixing baking soda with vinegar and here’s how:

Pour a cup of baking soda in the drain, making sure most of it falls into the pipe.
Follow up with a cup of distilled white vinegar.
Allow this mixture to bubble for at least 15 minutes.
After the bubbling has stopped, pour boiling hot water into your drain to remove all debris.

These solutions should clear the clogs but if you still face problems, call an experienced plumber who can handle unclogging hand sinks in residential locations. They will check your drain system for serious blockages and offer good solutions.