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Few objects are more inconvenient than a wash basin that won’t drain. Standing soapy or greasy water in your bathtub, kitchen sink, or bathroom sink is not a pleasant sight, and a slow-draining sink indicates a clog. The good news is that there are numerous methods for unclogging a drain without calling a plumber.

Let’s look at some of the causes of clogged drains before we look at how to clean bathroom washbasin drains.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

A clogged sink drain can occur in several ways. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of clogged drains.

Fats, oils and greases: Oil becomes liquid when it is poured down the drain. And pouring hot water on them seems fine. But when fats and oils run down the drain, they solidify and clog the pipes.

Hair: Hair is the most common cause of clogged sink drains. Hair that is shed while combing, washing, or shaving can build up over time and cause complete clogs or slow drainage.

Make-up and cosmetic residues: Never flush foundation, blush, or other powdery cosmetics down the sink. These powders tend to build up over time and clog drains.

Soap bubbles: Bar soaps are especially notorious for leaving a thin film on pipes. As this scum builds up over months or weeks, it can stop the flow of water in your drains. To avoid this, you should switch to liquid soap. 

How do you find your sink is blocked?

You must be aware of the symptoms of a clogged drain. Here are a few examples:

Slow flushing: When your bathroom washbasin begins to dump sluggishly, it usually indicates that the drainage system has become clogged.

Odours: When a drain becomes cluttered, waste and water build up inside the pipes. You may notice a foul odour emanating from your bathroom washbasin over time.

Bubbling noises: If you hear gurgling sounds as water drains, you most likely have a clog in your pipes. It is usually an indication that air has become trapped in your pipes as a result of a clog.

Drain bugs: Drain flies, also known as washbasin flies or moth flies, are commonly found near stagnant water. The presence of such insects indicates that you have a clogged drain.

Home Remedies for Unclogging Bathroom Sink Drains

Many people rush for chemical drain cleaners when they notice signs of a clog.

Although such chemicals are impactful at cleanup clogging, they are not good for your plumbing system. They wear down your pipes and can eventually cause leaks if used frequently. Before you use chemical cleaners or call a professional plumber, try these natural drain unclogging techniques:

Hot Water and Salt: Salt and hot water are particularly effective at removing soap scum and fat clogs. Any type of salt, including sea salt, kosher salt, and table salt, can be used. Simply pour half a cup of salt down the drain and flush it with 2 litres of boiling water. The salt acts as a natural scouring agent, removing debris, while the hot water melts the oil and grease that has become clogged in the pipes.

Liquid Dish Detergent and Hot Water: Bring some water to a boil, then add a small amount of natural liquid washing detergent and pour it down the drain. The combination of hot water and liquid dish detergent is particularly effective for removing fat and grease. Repeat the process several times until the drain is clear for the best results.

Baking soda mixed with vinegar: If hot water does not clear your drain, use a vinegar and baking soda mixture. In a measuring cup, combine 1/3 cup vinegar and 1/3 cup baking soda. Pour the mixture down the drain as soon as it begins to fizz. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour before flushing with hot water.

Plunger: The cup-shaped plunger is the best type of plunger for the bathroom sink. For a successful dive, follow these steps:

Hot water should be used to rinse the drain. Hanger made of wire: A coat hanger can be extremely useful for removing small objects or hair that has become lodged in bathroom drains.

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Hair Trapper: Tubshroom, which catches every without blocking the water flow, is one of the most effective hair catchers. Unlike other plugs that sit on top of the drain, this innovative drain protector fits inside the drain and collects hair.

Drain Bacterial Cleaner: Bacterial drain cleaners, unlike chemical drain cleaners, are non-corrosive and biodegradable, so they will not harm your pipes. Bacteria in your drains break down organic matter and prevents clogging. Drain-cleaning bacteria are available in liquid and granular forms.

How Frequently Must Your Drains Be Cleaned?

You may be wondering how frequently you should clean your shower and washbasin drains now that you know how. The frequency with which you clean your drains will be determined by how frequently you use them and the materials you wash down them.

In general, clean your drains at least once a month. You may need to clean your drains more frequently if you use them frequently or wash heavier materials down them.

Cleaning your shower and washbasin drains regularly is an important part of maintaining your home’s plumbing system and preventing flooding and water damage. Clean your drains at least once a month can help keep them clean, clear, and running smoothly. However our company London Emergency Plumbing can assist you regarding your sink blockage issue.

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