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Clearing A Clogged Sink
Author : Sean Goudelocks
Submitted : 2012-01-24 21:37:45 Word Count : 516 Popularity: 0
Tags: clogged sink, hot water, sink drain, certain sink
At some point in the life of your pipes and fixtures, you will have to deal with a sink that drains slower than usual, sometimes it won’t even drain at all. If this problem only happens to one certain sink, then you have a clogged sink. Compared to a clogged sewer, it is easier to clean a sink drain. Here’s how to do it yourself.
Let’s begin with the simplest way to unclog your sink: boiling hot water. Although this is only effective if you have metal pipes, pouring down boiling water directly down the drain can dissolve the clog and clear the drain pipe. Boil about a gallon of hot water in a large kettle or use a tea pot. Pour the water directly onto the drain and not on the porcelain. Never use hot water to unclog a sink if you have PVC pipes because hot water can soften these pipes, causing joints to loosen.
When the boiling water was not able to help or if you have PVC drain pipes, you need to use a plunger to fix a clogged sink. First, you need to know that there are two types of plungers, then cup plunger and the flange plunger. For unclogging a sink, you must use a cup plunger. The flange plunger is to be used on toilet bowls because they are specifically designed for it. For hygienic reasons, you do not want to mix the two. When you got yourself the right plunger, seal the sink overflow outlet with a piece of duct tape. The sink overflow is located at the top of most lavatories. For a kitchen sink, remove the basket strainer if it has one. You also need to remove the drain stopper in a lavatory sink. After doing this, fill the sink halfway with water. Then try to clear your drain pipe using quick, sharp plunges. Be careful not to break your sink though.
If even the plunger fails, it’s time to the auger. For work in a sink, use a sink auger or a canister auger, sometime also called a drum auger. With the stopper or drain basket removed, insert auger cable into the drain. Keep on extending the cable until you feel it against the clog then extend around twelve inches more. Tighten the set screw and turn the crank handle of the auger. Use firm but gentle pressure. When you feel the clog clearing, extend more cable until you’ve worked through the entire blockage. Repeat this a few time over and flush with hot water when water begins to flow through the drain. A plumbing snake can also be used in place of the auger.
Using the auger usually clears most clogs. However, a clogged sink can be severely blocked that you may need the assistance of professional plumbers. When all else fails, it’s time to hit the phonebook and look for plumbing companies. Many reputable businesses offer plumbing services at very affordable prices. They may also help you with other problems other than a clogged sink.
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