What are some tips for unclogging a slow-draining sink?

April 26th, 2023

A sink that drains slowly can be frustrating and inconvenient in daily life. The slow accumulation of water in the sink can hinder normal use, cause unpleasant odors, and even lead to overflow. Fortunately, there are several simple tricks you can try to unclog your sink without needing to call in a professional plumber. In this article, we will review some of the most used tricks and help you regain a clean and functional sink.

Using a plunger

To use this simple and effective tool to unclog a sink, make sure the safety device (the sink overflow) is blocked (you can plug it with a cloth) to direct air towards the drain. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger, place the plunger over the drain, and press down firmly to create suction. Then, quickly pull the plunger up to create a suction effect that can dislodge the obstruction. Repeat this action several times until the water drains normally in the sink.

Using an unbent coat hanger

If you don’t have a plunger on hand, an unbent coat hanger can be used to unclog a sink. Take a metal coat hanger and unbend it to form a long straight rod with a small hook at one end. Gently insert this end into the sink drain and use it to fish out obstructions, such as hair or soap residue. Be careful not to damage the walls of the drain during this operation. Once you have removed as many obstructions as possible, rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining residue.

Other tips

In addition to the tricks mentioned above, here are a few other tips for unclogging a sink :
– Use baking soda and white vinegar to dissolve obstructions. Pour about a cup of baking soda down the sink drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with hot water.
– Regularly clean the sink drain to prevent the buildup of debris and soap residue. Pour boiling water down the drain at least once a week to eliminate minor obstructions.

In conclusion, unclogging a slow-draining sink can be easily achieved with these few simple tricks. If obstructions persist despite your efforts, it is recommended to call a professional plumber to avoid further damage to the pipes. The team at Plomberie Lalonde can help you regain a clean and functional sink in your daily life.