how do you use a sink plunger

To use a regular sink plunger:

• Fill the sink with enough water so that the plunger can make a seal.
• If there is a clog in the sink, cover it with the plunger and push and pull up and down.
• Keep plunging until the clog has been dislodged.
• If there is still water in the sink after you have unclogged it, pour it out slowly so as not to create another clog.

Full Answer

Can you use a plunger to unclog a sink?

Yes, the simple plunger can unclog your kitchen sink too. When you use the plunger, plug the other holes in you kitchen sink with a rag cloth. Also, ensure that the plunger cup completely covers the clogged kitchen sink hole. Now, keep the plunger in an upright position and plunge about ten times vigorously.

How to unblock a sink with or without a plunger?

How to unblock a sink without a plunger. Image credit: Rachael Smith. 1. Add baking soda and vinegar. This low-cost solution uses two ingredients you’re likely to have in your kitchen cupboards – baking soda and vinegar. Add a couple of teaspoons of baking powder, followed by a cup of white vinegar.

How to unclog a kitchen sink without a plunger?

How to unblock a sink without a plunger

• Pour a pot of boiling hot water down your drain.
• Dump in about 1/2 c.
• Then, pour a mixture of 1 c.
• Cover with a drain plug (to keep the reaction down below the drain surface) if you have one and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

How to unclog grease from a sink?

How to Unclog a Grease Clogged Drain

1. The Plunger It’s not exactly glamorous or exciting, nor do many people like using it. However, this is usually your best first bet. ...
2. A Plumber’s Snake or even just a Wire Hook A bit of a step up in terms of finesse, this operates on a similar principle to the plunger. ...
3. Warm Water and Dish Soap or Salt

How do you use a kitchen sink plunger?

0:361:44How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink with a Plunger - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you're getting a good seal. Place over the opening. 10 really good firm plunges. You mightMoreMake sure you're getting a good seal. Place over the opening. 10 really good firm plunges. You might have to repeat that a couple of times. Hopefully that dislodges.

How do sink plungers work?

A plunger works its magic by simple suction and pressure. When the rubber cup of the plunger is sealed down over the drain opening and the handle is moved up and down, the pressure of water forced up and down will dislodge most clogs and allow them to continue on through the drain pipes.

How do you use a plunger step by step?

Place the cup of the plunger over the drain to create a tight seal and, using firm pressure, push and pull the plunger vertically. Similar to plunging a toilet, plunge the drain for about 20 seconds. If you continue to have a slow drain, try plunging more and use extra force.

Will a plunger unclog a bathroom sink?

DO Try a Plunger on Light Clogs. If the clog is in the drainpipe, you might be able to loosen it with a standard cup plunger. Some clogs simply need an extra “push” to get moving! Make sure the sink contains a few inches of water, and block the overflow drain with a wet rag so that water doesn't leak out.

Can plunging make a clog worse?

Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.

Is it OK to plunge a kitchen sink?

Plunge the Kitchen Sink Small clogs can often be dislodged with a cup plunger. A simple plunger with a flat rim, it creates a seal over the sink hole to apply the pressure needed to dislodge the clog. Make sure the sink contains enough water to submerge the head of the plunger and place the cup over the drain opening.

Can plunging damage pipes?

Forceful plunging can damage the drain line and cause leaks. Along with clogs that require extra force, avoid plunging obvious major obstructions.

Why does my plunger not work?

Get a good seal on the toilet drain (that is, make sure you're covering the entire drain or you won't have enough pressure to loosen the clog.) Cover the plunger in water. You need water, not air, pressure to loosen the clog. If your toilet lacks water, pour in enough water till the plunger is covered.

How do you unclog a sink drain?

How Do You Unclog a Sink Drain Naturally?Pour a pot of boiling water down your drain.Pour a mixture of one cup of water and one cup of vinegar down the drain.Cover the drain with a plug and wait 5–10 minutes.Flush the sink drain with boiling water.

How do you unblock a sink past the U bend?

Step 1 – Clean the plughole. Unscrew the plug and clean out any debris or grime that may be blocking the drain.Step 2 – Seal the plughole. ... Step 3 – Block the overflow. ... Step 4 – Use the plunger. ... Step 5 – Use the baking soda and vinegar. ... Step 6 – Flush with hot water. ... Step 7 – Use the soda crystals. ... Step 8 – Clean the u-bend.More items...

How does Dawn dish soap unclog a drain?

Greasy clogs can be cleared with dish soap and hot water. For this method to work, the drain needs to be cleared of water. Squirt dish soap down the clogged drain and then pour boiling water down the drain. Grease is eliminated!

How do you unclog a deep clogged?

Pour boiling hot water down the drain. This can dissolve mildew, slime, soap scum, and other similar clogs. Put half a cup of baking soda in the drain, then pour half a cup of vinegar down after it. Let this mixture sit for an hour, and then check the drain.

How do you unclog a sink when a plunger doesn't work?

Kitchen sink not draining? Here are 6 ways to unclog itAttack with boiling water. ... Check the garbage disposal. ... Plunge away the blockage. ... Break it down with baking soda and vinegar. ... Try the plumber's snake. ... Clean the P-trap.

What is the difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger?

The toilet plunger holds a similar appearance to the common red sink plunger, except it has a soft rubber flap that folds out from inside the cup. The flap is meant to fit and seal the toilet drain to plunge it better.

How do you unclog a drain with a plunger?

Unclog a Sink with a PlungerRemove the top of the sink hole cover or stopper. ... Add a little bit of water to the sink to cover the drain by about an inch. ... Center the plunger over the drain and apply force to create a strong seal. ... Remove the plunger. ... Test your drain.

When should you not use a plunger?

You're Ready to Take the Plunge Plunger, that is. DON'T use the plunger if you poured chemical drain opener into the drain. The toxic liquid could splash your skin and cause a chemical burn. DO block the overflow drain with wet dishcloths.

How to clear a clogged drain with a plunger?

Push down on the handle—gently at first—forcing the air out. Then continue plunging with quick and deliberate thrusts, directing the pressure down the drain without lifting the plunger enough to break the seal. Continue this action for approximately 20 seconds. When you pull the plunger away, the clog should be cleared.

How to make a plunger suction better?

To further improve the plunger’s suction power, create a tighter seal by lining the rim of the cup with a small amount of petroleum jelly. Next, place the rubber bell securely over the sink or shower drain and completely submerge the bell in the standing water. Plunging can get messy, so if there is too much water, ...

How long does it take for a toilet to drain?

If your toilet looks like it’s about to overflow due to a clog, don’t continue flushing the handle in the hope that the bowl will drain. Instead, allow 10 minutes for the water level to drop. Then, locate the water supply hose on the wall behind the toilet and turn the handle clockwise to close the valve. Next, examine the water level in the toilet ...

What to do if your plunger bowl is too full?

If the bowl is too full, move the excess water to a bucket. If the bowl is almost empty, however, add enough water to fill the bowl halfway. Having an adequate amount of water in the bowl will improve the suction and ultimately lead to a more successful plunge. Advertisement.

What to do if your toilet is overflowing?

If your toilet’s overflowing or your sink’s stopped up, it’s time to take the plunge! About 90 percent of the time, a clog can be cleared with just a couple of thrusts of a plunger. To make the messy job easy, though, it’s important to have the right kind of plunger and the proper technique .

Can a cup plunger be used on a sink?

While it works well for a sink, shower, or bathtub clog, the cup plunger can’t create a sufficiently airtight seal in the curve of a toilet drain to produce adequate suction.

Can you flush a plunger while pumping?

Contrary to popular practice, repeatedly flushing while frantically pumping won’t release the blockage any faster—instead, it will break the plunger’s seal and ruin the suction. To keep the water flowing freely down your pipes, avoid those amateur mistakes and learn to plunge like a pro with these valuable tips.

How to use a plunger to unclog a toilet?

To use a plunger, start by submerging it in the water-filled sink, tub, or toilet so it's covering the drain. Then, tilt the plunger to the side to release any air bubbles that are trapped underneath. Next, move the handle of the plunger up and down for about 20 seconds, which will push pressure in and out of the drain so it unclogs. After 20 seconds, lift the plunger out of the water and see if the water drains. If it doesn't, repeat the process. To learn how to prevent clogs, scroll down!

How to keep a plunger from breaking?

It might seem easier to hold your plunger at an angle, but this could break the airtight seal. Keep the wooden handle pointed straight up toward the ceiling as you situate your plunger. [3]

What to do if you break the airtight seal on a toilet?

If you accidentally break the airtight seal, that’s okay. Just situate the plunger back over the hole in the toilet and start again.

How to fix a clogged toilet?

Move the plunger handle up and down for about 20 seconds. Put both hands on the wooden handle and forcefully push the handle in, then bring it up again. Be careful not to break the airtight seal as you push back and forth. Keep doing this for 10 to 20 seconds to break up the clog in your toilet.

What to do if your toilet is clogged?

If your toilet is still clogged after a couple attempts, you can try using dish soap and hot water or baking soda and vinegar to break up a tough clog.

What happens if you don't seal your plunger?

Situating your plunger is the most important part! If you don’t create a seal, your plunger won’t be able to remove the blockage.

How to get rid of clogged drain?

If the drain is still clogged, you may need to use a snake to break up tough clogs.

How to get a clogged plunger out of a sink?

Thrust the plunger in an even up-and-down motion. The suction force of the upstroke is just as important as that of the downstroke. Maintain the seal between the rubber plunger cup and the sink surface throughout this action. You may actually be able to feel the moment when the clog loosens, as the plunger handle may suddenly get easier to pump.

How does a plunger work?

How Drain Plungers Work. Plunging a drain uses the forces of suction and compression. When you pull up on a plunger, it pulls water in the drain upward, beginning the process of loosening the clog . When you push down on the plunger, water is forced downward, moving the clog in the other direction. After a few up-and-down strokes, this push-pull ...

What is the best tool to clear a drain snake?

The other common hand tool for clearing drain clogs in the drain snake, also known as a drain auger. It is better suited for clogs that are lodged more deeply in the drain system, such as in the branch drains that extend beyond the drain traps. DIYers are well-advised to own both tools, but always try a plunger first, as it will clear most common clogs. If the plunger doesn't work, the next step is to try a drain snake.

Why block the overflow opening in a double sink?

Blocking the overflow opening will seal the drain so that the plunger can create the suction and compression necessary; without it, the plunging will have very little effect. On double-basin kitchen sinks, block the drain opening in one basin before plunging the other basin.

Why is my drain clogged?

In most cases, such clogs occur because hair and soap scum block the drain trap—the curved section of the drainpipe that lies directly below the drain opening. Such clogs are usually easily cleared by using an ordinary drain plunger.

How to clear a clogged drain?

Pull the plunger away from the drain opening after about six pumps of the plunger, and see if the water drains away. If it does, you have successfully loosened the clog. If not, then repeat the process.

Why is my plunger rubber so old?

Over time, the rubber or neoprene cup on your drain plunger may grow old and cracked, which will prevent it from making a tight seal against the basin around the drain. At this point, it's time to replace this inexpensive tool.

Unclog the kitchen sink

Clogging occurs in the kitchen sink because people eat different food items and throw them in the washbasin.

Remove food residues

Sometimes food remains on your plate, and you place the dishes in the sink for washing purposes. Many people do not use dust bins near the there washing area.

Accumulation of water

The water can accumulate in the kitchen sink when there is some issue in the main drainage line.

Vegetable peel

People love to eat different vegetables every season, and this also adds colors to their dining tables.

Broke glass pieces

Many people place the broken glass pieces in the sinks; they think it is safe for their disposal rather than the dust bin.

Tissue papers

Many people place tissue papers in the dishes to soak oil and clean their hands after eating.

Dry fruits

Many people love to eat various dry foods, especially in the winter. The dry fruits have hard peel on their surface and can get stuck in the kitchen sink during washing purposes.