Plumber Recommended Techniques for Unclogging a Sink

Whether you’re a Sterling homeowner or a renter, you’ve likely dealt with a clogged sink before. While some clogs may be too severe to clear on your own, most don’t require a professional. By following these simple techniques recommended by plumbers, you should be able fix the problem without breaking the bank.

Prevention

The best way to ensure that you don’t have to deal with many clogs is to use a method of prevention. This can be done by keeping the pipes clean and free of debris. Each month, you will need to pour a pot of boiling water down the drain, but make sure there is nothing blocking the pipes beforehand.

Bathroom Plunger

Many blockages can be removed with a plunger. While using a toilet plunger on the sink may sound disgusting, you can purchase a new one and keep it put up for future clogs. If you have a double sink, stop up the side that you won’t be plunging. Next, place the plunger over the other drain, running enough water to cover the top. Work the plunger up and down until the object has become dislodged. You will then need to remove the debris from the drain.

Pipe Snake

If you didn’t get the desired results from the plunger, don’t panic. You can use a pipe snake or a wire to help break up the debris. Run a little water and move the pipe snake up and down several times in the drain. If this doesn’t work, the blockage may not be located in the curved part of the pipe but in the straight part, making it more difficult to reach. If this is the case, you will need to it apart and remove the debris. This can be done easily, but if you are unsure or simply don’t want to do it yourself, call your plumber and schedule an appointment. Many things can cause sinks to become clogged, including hair, trash, and food. However, not all clogs require a professional. You can easily remove most of them on your own at little to no cost in your Sterling home. Unclogging a sink is a job for the pros. Call Cardinal Plumbing, Heating & Air Inc. at 703-721-8888 for plumbing service in your Sterling, VA home!