How to Unclog a Sink and When to Call a Plumber

Clogged sinks can be an annoying problem, but there are ways to clear them. Some clogs can be resolved without a professional, but others need to be handled by a plumber. We asked two plumbing experts to offer their tips on how to unclog a sink and when to call a professional.

What You Need to Know

The most important thing is to be prepared. There are many things that can cause a clogged sink and you should always be ready to act before the problem gets worse. For example, if you notice hair buildup or debris in your drains, you should clean them out.

When you do this, the clog will be much easier to remove. Also, you may find that you can avoid a clogged sink in the future.

Some clogs can be cleared with common household products. For instance, a combination of baking soda and vinegar can help break up a clog, which can then be removed with boiling water.

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You can also use a commercial product, but be careful with these products and read the directions on the label carefully to make sure you’re not causing any damage. Some of these products are toxic and should be used only as directed.

If you’ve tried several home remedies and nothing is working, it may be time to call a plumber. A plumbing specialist can get to the root of the issue and solve it quickly.

A clogged sink can be a real pain, especially if it’s preventing you from using the bathroom or kitchen. However, it’s not impossible to resolve the problem on your own if you have the right tools and the knowledge to do so.

The first step is to determine what caused the clog to form in the first place. The most common causes are hair, soap, grease, and other substances that get deposited down your drains.

To prevent the buildup of these materials, Sokolowski suggests not disposing of them down your drain. If you do need to dispose of them, do so in a garbage can or other appropriate container.

Boiling Water

If the clog is in a metal pipe, boiling water is an effective way to dislodge it. It breaks down the blockage by melting parts of it, making it smaller and able to pass through your pipes.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

A mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda will produce bubbles that break through part of the clog, allowing it to fall down the drain. This can be especially useful for sinks with stubborn clogs that won’t respond to other methods.

Pour this solution down your drain and wait about 15 minutes for it to do its work. After this is done, follow up with hot water to rinse away the solution and clean out the drain.

Plunger

A plunger can be a helpful tool for getting rid of most clogs in your sink. But it’s best to use a plunger that has a seal on one end, so you can push the clog down with minimal effort.