5 Effective Ways to Unclog a Sink
Kitchen sinks get clogged due to the build-up of debris of all kinds. The more you flash down food scraps, coffee grounds, and grease, the narrower the drain pipe becomes, clogging the sink. Luckily, you can use several effective strategies to unclog a sink without calling in the plumber. Here is an overview of five DIY solutions to clogged sinks:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
Even though an old method of unclogging sinks, this method works wonders. The effect of combining baking soda, a base, with vinegar, an acid is a bubbling reaction that removes hair and grime effectively. Take a cupful of baking soda and pour it down the drain, followed by vinegar. Put the stopper into place and wait for 30 minutes. After removing the cap, pour two cups of hot water down the drain. In some cases, you may have to repeat the process to unclog the sink.
- Salt and Hot Water
This method of unclogging sinks is more effective with clogs due to soap scum. In that case, you shouldn’t use this method for a clogged drain – only for a slow drain. Pour half a cup of salt down the drain, followed by two liters of boiling water. Repeat the process three or four times until you completely unclog the sink. If this method doesn’t work, your sink could need a more advanced way of unclogging.
- Dishwashing Soap and Hot Water
If you suspect that your sink is clogged with oil, fat, or grease, the best solution to that is dishwashing soap. Take some dishwashing soap and pour it into the sink. Wait for a few minutes and pour two liters of boiling water. If that doesn’t clear the drain quickly, repeat the process until there is no water settling in the sink. You can prevent future blockages by doing this process regularly.
- Hygiene and Cleaning Products
Commercially available chemical drain cleaners, such as Yarrow Sink and Drain Clog Destroyer, are also effective in helping you unclog a sink. The formulation of these chemicals makes them efficient in destroying dirt and fat deposits lining the drain pipe. Products from yarrow.sg also remove unpleasant odors occasioned by rotting materials.
Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you may have to rinse the sink with hot water 15 minutes after pouring the solution. If the drain is still blocked, repeat the process. You may also have to scrub the drain pipe walls using a unique tool. As a precaution, avoid using a plunger as it may cause dangerous reflux upward the drain.
- Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Mixing lemon juice and baking soda create an acid vs. base reaction that helps unclog a sink. Prepare a cup of lemon juice and mix with baking soda. Wait for 30 minutes and sprinkle the mixture down the drain. Allow it to stay overnight and rinse with hot water.
Prevention
Perhaps the best way to keep your sink unclogged is to avoid pouring oils, coffee grounds, food particles, and grease down the drain. Additionally, it would help if you always run lots of water down the drain after every use.