Is your bathroom or kitchen sink clogged? Don’t be concerned. The simple instructions below will assist you in getting your unblock sinks to drain smoothly.
A clogged sink in your kitchen or bathroom can be an inconvenient and frequently smelly nightmare, tempting you to call an emergency plumber. If you want to save money, the best way to unblock the sink is a combination of knowledge, patience, and good old-fashioned elbow grease!
So, if you have elbow grease and patience, we’ve got the know-how for you below, including how to unclog a sink without a plunger. However, if you have one on hand.
Using a plunger to unclog a sink
The simplest way to clear a blockage is to use a plunger to unclog a washbasin. Here are the tools you’ll need to complete the task:
- The plunger (cup-shaped)
- A cleaning agent for limescale
- The sponge
- The use of duct tape (or an old dishcloth)
- A big towel
- A beaker or cup
Remove any water from the washbasin: If the washbasin is half-full of water that won’t drain, use the cup to remove and dispose of the excess water. The goal is to have a washbasin basin that is relatively free of water so that we can begin.
Close the washbasin overflow: To remove any moisture, use a towel or tissue to wipe the area around the overflow (the hole just under the taps). To create an airtight seal, seal the overflow with duct tape or stuff it with a dishcloth.
Using a towel, cover the floor: Place the towel around the foot of the washbasin to catch any water that may spill over the edge.
Clear out the plughole: Remove the plughole and clean it thoroughly with the limescale remover and sponge. Examine the plughole to see if there are any obvious blockages that you can remove by hand. Replace the plughole and wipe away any moisture once the area is clean. If you did remove a blockage, test the sink’s drainage by running the taps.
How to Unclog a Sink without Using a Plunger
If the plunger didn’t work, or if you couldn’t get your hands on one, the following DIY tips using common household items are worth a shot. For all of the following tips, make sure your sink is completely dry and that you have clear access to the plughole. You’ll also need to boil some water to help flush out the clog.
Baking soda (or baking soda) and white vinegar: The great thing about this solution is that most of the time both are in your kitchen cabinets. All you have to do is drop a few teaspoons of baking soda down the drain and chase it down with a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes, then try rinsing the clog out with hot kettle water.
Detergent (Organic): This is very similar to the method above and is a great way to clear oily clogs such as:
Pour 2 tablespoons of washing powder down the drain and quickly pour it into the hot water throughout the kettle. This trick can also be done with baking soda crystals instead of washing powder.
Use a wire or tool to push or pull out the jam: To do this, you’ll need a flexible drain unblocking wire available at your local hardware store, or his DIY alternatives like curtain wire and metal coat hangers. Thread the wire through the hole in the connector until there is resistance from the blockage. Apply slow, gradual pressure until the blockage is completely cleared.
If you have an empty plastic bottle lying around (a 2-litre soft drink bottle works best), try using water pressure to unclog it. Simply fill the bottle with warm water and insert the opening into the drain. At the same time, squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly to force the water out of the bottle and into the drain. With any luck, a high-pressure water jet will clear the blockage.
How to Unclog a U-Bend
If none of the above suggestions has worked, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and go straight to the source of the problem. It’s understandable if you’re nervous about tinkering with your pipes and want to call a plumber at this point.
However, we assure you that this is a relatively simple task that you can complete on your own. All you need to do is be prepared to get a little wet. To complete the task, you will require the following items:
- A spanner that can be adjusted
- Gloves made of rubber
- Cleaner with antibacterial properties
- Sponge
- Towel buckets
The most common causes of clogged sinks
Keep in mind that your sink is designed to drain liquids rather than solids. To avoid future blockages, resist the urge to flush the following items down your plughole:
- Tissues (toilet tissue) (including toilet tissue)
- Food (even those little bits of carrot or pet food) (even those little bits of carrot or pet food)
- Cotton buds and cotton wool
- Cigarette smoke and ash
- Paper, plastic, and cardboard are all acceptable materials (including straws)
- Large amounts of fat (such as chip fat)
Essentially, if it isn’t a liquid, it shouldn’t go down your drain. If you want to keep your drains clean and your drainage system healthy, prevention is the best medicine.