There’s nothing worse than sticking your hands into a greasy, dirty sink full of standing water to try to clear a clogged drain.
A sluggish drain may be a sign of other plumbing problems that require the attention of a professional, but if you need to clear that sink right away, there are a few options worth trying.
Just make sure to follow up with Sharp Plumbing & Heating, the best “plumber near me” in Northborough, MA, to have the problem evaluated thoroughly and prevent future damage!
1. Plunge It
You may keep one in the bathroom, but plungers aren’t just for the toilet. Sink plungers are made to fit perfectly over a sink drain to create a powerful vacuum.
Follow these easy steps for the best results:
If a plunger doesn’t do the job within three tries, it’s time to contact a professional or use a different approach to clear clogged drain debris.
2. Go Retro
Homemade cleaner using vinegar and baking soda is a classic solution when the sink won’t drain. The reason it’s a classic is that it works—some of the time.
It’s also a chemical-free cleaning agent made from ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Sprinkle about ½ cup dry baking soda into the drain, placing it as far into the pipe as possible. Use a funnel to help if you’ve got one on hand.
Pour the same amount of vinegar into the sink. It should begin fizzing immediately. Allow the reaction to continue for up to 15 minutes or until the solution no longer produces bubbles.
While the cleaner is working, heat about a quart of water in a pan to just below the boiling point. Pour the hot water down the drain to flush.
If the sink doesn’t drain after your attempts, it’s usually a sign that it’s time to call in the experts. Remember — don’t use caustic, store-bought chemicals in your drain. It can harm your pipes!
3. Hydro-Jetting
Hydro-jetting is an innovative, safe technique recommended for extra tough clogs. It works by blasting a pressurized stream of water into the clogged pipe with a specialized machine. The procedure is fast, so your household can get back to normal as soon as possible.
Hydro-jetting is both powerful and gentle so it can be used on all types of pipes and clogs—even tree roots. To get hydro-jetting done, turn to a professional plumber.
4. Have the P-Trap Cleaned
The P-trap connects a sink’s drain to the wall and always retains a small amount of water. Grease, hair, and other debris can get lodged in the P-trap and create a super clog.
Cleaning the trap requires a bit of expertise and is best left to the professionals. Call Sharp Plumbing & Heating and one of our friendly plumbers will complete this job quickly and have your sink draining again in no time.
5. Snake It
If your sink won’t drain after all of these easy DIY fixes, it’s time to bring out the big guns—or the big snake. Also called a drain auger, a drain snake is a tool every plumber has experience with. An auger is used to bite through major clogs and catch the accumulated debris.
When a clog is severe enough to require an auger, it can take several attempts to get the job done. Contact Sharp Plumbing & Heating and we’ll make sure it’s done right the first time.
Who are the Reliable Plumbers Near Me in Northborough, MA?
If your sink won’t drain after trying these tips, make sure to follow up with one of our experienced technicians from Sharp Plumbing & Heating. Contact us for all of your plumbing needs in Berlin, Framingham, Milford, and surrounding areas.
