Sink is an essential part of every kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. A clogged sink can be a major inconvenience, and learning how to unclog one is an important skill for any homeowner. Let’s discuss this annoying house problem.
How to Unclog a Sink
Unclogging a sink involves a bit of trial and error. These methods can be done at home using common household items. If one method doesn’t work, try another until your sink drains smoothly. If all else fails, give the plumbing experts at Helpling a call. We specialize in clearing stubborn sink blockages.
1. Boiling Water
The simplest solution first! Remove standing water from the sink wear rubber gloves for this part. Boil a full kettle of water and pour it directly down the drain in one steady stream. Wait a few minutes, then check if water drains normally. The hot water melts grease, dissolves soap scum, and loosens debris. Repeat 2-3 times if needed. This costs nothing and works surprisingly well for minor clogs!
2. Salt & Boiling Water
Give your drain a deep scrub! Remove standing water, then pour half a cup of coarse table salt down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes. Pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain. Salt scours the pipe walls while hot water dissolves gunk. Wait 5-10 minutes, then flush with cold water. This combination works wonders on greasy buildups.
3. Baking Soda & Vinegar
The classic science experiment! Remove standing water, then pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow immediately with one cup of white or apple cider vinegar. You’ll hear fizzing and bubbling, that’s the magic! Plug the drain with a stopper and wait 15-30 minutes. The reaction breaks down organic matter and loosens debris. Flush with boiling water. Repeat if necessary. Bonus: leaves your drain smelling fresh!
4. Baking Soda & Salt
Serious scrubbing power! Mix one cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt. Pour the mixture down the drain. Let it sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer it sits, the more it breaks down the clog. Flush with a full kettle of boiling water. This powerful combo attacks grease, grime, and organic buildup. Repeat for stubborn clogs.
5. The Trusty Plunger
Bring out the rubber hero! For double sinks, block the second drain with a wet cloth first. Fill the clogged sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s bell. Position the plunger over the drain and push down firmly. Plunge vigorously up and down for 15-20 seconds, creating suction and pressure. Listen for that satisfying sluuurp sound! Remove the plunger and let water drain. Flush with hot water. Wash your hands afterward!
6. Dish Soap & Hot Water
Gentle but effective for grease! Squirt a quarter cup of liquid dish soap down the drain. Let it sit for 5 minutes to coat the pipes. Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. The hot water activates the soap, dissolving grease and oils. This works great for kitchen sinks and is safe for all pipe types. Leaves your drain smelling fresh too!
7. Clean the P-Trap
Get hands-on! The P-trap is the curved pipe under your sink. Place a bucket underneath before starting. Unscrew the slip nuts on both ends and remove the P-trap. Dump contents into the bucket (it’ll be gross). Use an old toothbrush to clean the trap thoroughly. Check connected pipes and remove visible debris. Reassemble, making sure connections are tight. Run water to test. This solves about 80% of clogs!
8. Plumber’s Snake (Drain Auger)
For deeper clogs! Remove the P-trap first. Insert the snake into the drainpipe, feeding it in slowly while turning the handle clockwise. When you hit resistance (the clog), keep turning and pushing gently. The snake will break up or grab the blockage. Slowly pull it back out. Reassemble pipes and run hot water. Be gentle to avoid scratching pipe interiors.
9. Wire Coat Hanger
DIY MacGyver style! Straighten a wire coat hanger completely, keeping the hook at one end. Remove the P-trap. Insert your improvised tool into the drainpipe. Gently push and twist to hook or break up the clog. It won’t reach as far as a professional snake, but works for many household clogs. Pull out debris, reassemble pipes, and flush with hot water. DIY plumbing badge earned!
Remember: If you’ve tried multiple methods without success, call the pros. A persistent clog might indicate a deeper issue requiring professional equipment. Don’t risk pipe damage contact Helpling’s plumbing service for help!
10. Chemical Dry Cleaner
If the boiling water method doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical dry cleaner. Chemical dry cleaners are available at most hardware stores and can be used to unclog various types of drains.
To use a chemical dry cleaner, simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using this method, as the chemicals can be very harmful. After using the chemical dry cleaner, flush the sink with cold water to remove any residue.
Clogged Sink Risk
Clogged Sink in the Kitchen
The kitchen sink is one of the most used fixtures in the home, and it is also one of the most likely to become clogged. A clogged kitchen sink can cause a number of problems, including water backup, slow draining, bad odours, and eventually flooding.
Clogged kitchen sink can give you health issues as well. If you leave it without fixing, the water will start to stagnate and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The dirt, grease, and food particles can also attract pests like rodents and cockroaches.
Clogged Sink in the Bathroom
Bathroom sinks can also become clogged over time. A clogged bathroom sink can cause water to back up into the basin, making it difficult to use the sink. Additionally, a clogged bathroom sink can lead to bad odours emitting from the drain. Another impact of clogged sink is that it may cause slower draining and water backup from clogged sinks in the bathroom such as slow draining and water backup.
Clogged Sink in the Laundry Room
Laundry room sinks are also susceptible to becoming clogged. A clogged laundry room sink can cause water to backup into the washing machine, making it difficult to use the machine. Clogged laundry room can also causes a bad odours, so it’s important to fix the clogged problem as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
If your sink becomes clogged, there are a number of different ways that you can try to unclog it. You can use boiling water, a chemical dry cleaner, or a plunger. If these methods do not work, you can try using a plumber’s snake or a hydro-jetter.
If you have a serious clog, it is best to call a professional plumbing service. Professional plumbing service can provide you with drain cleaning and pipe repair services. They can also help to prevent future clogs by installing a strainer over your drain.
About Helpling
Helpling is a super app for household services. As a home service company, we work with, and train cleaning professionals to provide a wide range of services such as home cleaning service, aircon service, carpet cleaning, and mattress cleaning.
Beyond that, we also provide solutions for other household needs such as handyman, plumbing, and gardening service, all of which can be seamlessly and efficiently booked through our app or, for existing customers, via their personal Home Advisors.
Helpling’s professional cleaners are top-rated, thoughtful and thorough which give you the confidence and assurance you need so that you can focus on your priorities.
Helpling – A world of household services, just one click away.
New to Helpling? Book now to enjoy $20 off your first clean!
Follow Helpling’s social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram for more content and tips.
