Is your sink failing to drain properly? Whether it doesn’t drain at all or just very slowly, you can try a few things to eliminate the blockage. However, if it’s too difficult to clear the drain yourself, you’ll want to bring in some professional help.

Before you begin trying these methods, make sure you dip as much standing water as possible from the sink. This will help the methods work better.

 

1. Pour in Boiling Water

Boil a litre of water and pour it into your emptied sink. Let the water sit for five minutes, then dip it out and repeat. The hot water will help loosen the clog and if there is grease or fat involved, it will melt away from the heat and wash down the pipe.

 

2. Add Baking Soda

If the plain hot water isn’t working, try dumping a cup of baking soda into the drain before pouring boiling water over it. This can help work stubborn clogs free and make them come apart. The baking soda is gritty and will work over the harder parts of the clog while the hot water softens them.

 

3. Add Vinegar

Everyone knows the bubbly reaction of vinegar and baking soda, but did you know you can put this to good use for your plugged sink? First, pour one cup of baking soda into the emptied sink and then add one cup of white vinegar. Pour a cup of boiling water over it and then let the whole thing sit for 20 minutes. The bubbling action can help separate pieces of a blockage and eliminate whatever is blocking the pipe.

 

4. Use a Plunger

A plunger will let you use the power of suction to pull the clog up out of the pipe. To use it effectively, fill the sink with enough water to cover the bell of the plunger (use a clean one, not the toilet plunger) and then place the plunger over the drain. Press down and then pull up, repeatedly, until you hear a sucking noise that indicates the clog has been pulled free. You may need a piece of wire to pull it the rest of the way out of the drain.

 

5. Call a Professional

If none of these methods work, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional drain clearance companies have the necessary equipment to quickly and easily eliminate blockages. You may even want them to come regularly and inspect the drains to prevent problems before they begin.

Need a drain cleaner? Aqua Rod has experts ready to help at any time of day or night. Call us today.

Published by: David Parkes on: July 13th 2021