what can i use to unclog my sink

What is the best product to use for clogged sink?

Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum to Clear the Sink

• Set up your wet dry vacuum for wet use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Place the hose end at the entrance of the drain, then create a tight seal around the end of the hose and the drain.
• If the clog is on one side of a double sink, seal up the opposite side of the sink with a rubber stopper.
• Turn on the vacuum to the highest setting. ...

What are some home remedies for a clogged sink?

Seven clogged drain home remedies for sinks

• Checking disposal for kitchen sinks
• Boiling water solutions
• Baking soda mixtures
• Plunging
• Cleaning P-trap (also known as U-pipe)
• Snaking the drain
• Utilizing a shop vac

How do you unclog a kitchen sink naturally?

How to unclog a sink drain successfully, with or without a plunger

1. Use soda crystals. Soda crystals (available from Amazon) are great for all kinds of cleaning jobs – from smelly washing machines to drains.
2. Use a sink unblocking product. If your sink is lazy, with water taking a while to go down the drain, and especially if you're dealing with a bathroom sink ...
3. Unscrew the U-bend and clean the pipe manually. ...

More items...

How to unclog a sink or a bathtub naturally?

How to unclog a sink or a bathtub

1. Pour ½ C of baking soda into the drain followed by hot boiling water. ...
2. Then, add 1 C of vinegar and quickly cover the drain, sealing the bubbling gas - remember the erupting volcano experiment for Middle School science project? ...
3. Add more hot water to push the loosened up gunk down the drain further, until it's all clear. ...

What is the easiest way to unclog a sink?

If you have a sink clog, start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. If this doesn't work, try a combination of baking soda and vinegar. The next method is to use a plunger. If the clog still won't move, try a plumbing snake or clean the P-trap.

What is the best homemade drain cleaner?

Baking Soda and Vinegar This combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar may be one of the best homemade drain cleaners around. First, if you want to unclog a tub or sink drain, pull out the stopper so that you can access the drain. Then, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.

How do you unclog a kitchen sink fast?

0:401:46How To Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain (Fast and Cheap Method) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut for extra precautions pour some more hot water from the tap. And let it run the salt scratchyMoreBut for extra precautions pour some more hot water from the tap. And let it run the salt scratchy texture will help remove any leftovers.

Can you leave baking soda and vinegar in drain overnight?

If it's still clogged, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water. Let it work overnight to clear the drain.

What household items can I use to unclog a drain?

Here are several ways of clearing a drain clog without toxic chemicals:Dish Soap and Hot Water. Boil about two liters of water and mix in a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap. ... Wire Coat Hanger. Straighten the hanger out but leave the hook. ... Baking Soda & Vinegar. ... Salt, Borax, and Vinegar. ... Baking Soda & Salt. ... Plunger.

Why is my sink not draining?

If the clog is in the disposal, running it may break it up. If the disposal is not running, check to see if it has overheated. Activate the reset switch at the side or on the bottom of the unit. Then turn it on again to see if this clears the clog.

What is the cheapest way to unclog a sink?

8 Fast and Cheap Ways to Unclog a Kitchen Sink DrainRemove a greasy clog with baking soda, salt, and vinegar. ... Eliminate the problem with salt and boiling water. ... Use vinegar and baking soda. ... Hit the enemy with caustic soda. ... Clean the P-trap. ... Use a drain snake. ... Destroy your enemy with a wire hanger. ... Blow the clog out.

How do you unclog a sink with standing water?

First, remove all stagnant water from the sink. Replace it with hot water until it is halfway full, and it generates a seal around your drain. Place the sink plunger over the drain and start pumping up and down swiftly. Remove the plunger, observe if the water flows, and repeat the procedure until water flows freely.

What is the best liquid to unclog a drain?

These are the best drain cleaners, according to testing:Best Overall Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover.Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator.Best Single-Use Drain Cleaner: Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs.Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio Clean.More items...•

Does vinegar and salt unclog drains?

The combination of salt and vinegar can help break down gunk and clogs in your drain, and it's also a good natural odor eliminator. To make a simple clog-busting solution, mix together 1 cup (273 g) of salt with 1 cup (237 mL) of vinegar. Stir the salt and vinegar mixture until it's smooth.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve hair in drain?

Hydrogen peroxide effectively clears clogged drains caused by hair, skin and more.

How do you unclog a drain naturally?

Unclog Slow Drains Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drain. Plug drain, and let sit for one hour. Then, pour a pot of boiling water down drain. Repeat if necessary.

How to make a sprite?

This is the easiest and least expensive solution of all, which makes it the best one to try first. Here’s how: 1 Place a kettle or pot of water on the stove and bring to a rolling boil. 2 While you’re waiting for the water to heat, remove as much standing water from the sink as you can, using a mug or small pot to bail out the water. 3 Pour the entire kettle of water into the sink and let it sit for a couple of minutes. If the water stands in the sink without draining, that means the clog is still there. 4 Give the water time to cool for about five minutes and then remove it by scooping out as much cooled water as possible with a small jug or container and disposing of it in another sink or toilet. 5 Try the process again. You may need to repeat the process several times to move the clog, but this strategy often works on many types of blockages.

How to fix a clogged garbage disposal?

One of the next things you should do is check to make sure your garbage disposal isn’t causing the problem. A clogged disposal can easily stop up the drain, so run the disposal for a minute or two with hot water running to see if that clears the clog. If that doesn’t work, make sure the disposal is turned off and carefully inspect it to make sure it’s running correctly. If the disposal has overheated and automatically switched off, you may need to restart it at the base. The base on/off switch can usually be found on the side or bottom of the disposal unit underneath the sink.

What is a plumber's snake?

Sometimes called an auger, a plumber’s snake is a handy tool that can clear clogs stuck further down the drainage system under your kitchen sink. You’ll have to disassemble the drainpipe and P-trap that runs underneath the kitchen sink to expose the “stub pipe” or “stubout” that travels behind the cabinet wall.

How to clear a sink with salt?

Use salt and boiling water. After removing as much standing water from the sink as possible, pour about a half a cup (½ cup) of table salt down the drain. Then pour in about a quart of boiling water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush with hot water to clear the mixture. 4.

How to clear a clogged sink with baking soda?

This is another combination that can clear out sink clogs. Mix about a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt , and pour this mixture down the drain. Let the mixture sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water. You can repeat this process again if it doesn’t work the first time.

How to clear a clogged drain?

Again, remove any standing water before you try this technique. Pour about a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The solution will soon start to bubble; when it subsides, put the stopper in and wait about 15 minutes. Next, run the hot water to see if the clog clears. Repeat the process one more time if the water is draining, but slower than normal (that means the clog isn’t fully clear yet).

How to keep a sink clean?

To keep your sink smelling fresh and running clear, pour in equal parts vinegar and baking soda on a regular basis, usually once or twice a month. For routine cleaning, you’ll just need about half a cup of each.

How to unclog a sink with a plunger?

To unclog a sink, try using a plunger to loosen the clog like you would a toilet. Make sure the sink has 3 to 4 inches, or about 7.6 to 10.2 cm, of water so the plunger can create a good seal. Then, holding the plunger upright, plunge vigorously for 20 seconds or until you feel the pressure give way. If that doesn’t help, you can also try pouring boiling water down the drain, which may help loosen up whatever is inside. For really stubborn sinks, combine 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar in a glass and pour it down the drain, or use any commercial drain-unclogging product. Let the mixture sit in the drain for 20 minutes before flushing it out with boiling water.

How to get rid of a blockage in a sink drain?

When combined, salt, baking soda, and water also create a chemical reaction capable of loosening most blockages. Combine 1/2 cup (125 ml) table salt and 1/2 cup (125 ml) baking soda. Carefully pour or spoon the combination down the sink drain.

How to get rid of a swollen drain?

Pour 1/2 cup (125 ml) baking soda down the sink drain. Follow the baking soda with 1/2 cup (125 ml) white distilled vinegar. Quickly cover the drain opening with a drain stopper. Doing so forces the fizzy reaction down through the pipes, where the blockage is, rather than up and out.

What is the difference between acid and caustic drain cleaner?

Acid drain cleaners use a chemical reaction between hydrogen ions and the material clogging the sink. Acid cleaners tend to be harsher than caustic drain cleaners.

How to make a sink drain?

Flush the sink with boiling water. Boil at least 4 cups (1 L) of water in a kettle. After the water boils, pour it down the drain in two to three stages, pausing for several seconds in between each stage. Repeat if needed.

How long does it take to boil salt and baking soda?

Let the baking soda and salt sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Boil 1 to 4 quarts (1 to 4 L) of water in a kettle or saucepan. Carefully pour the boiling water into the drain. Plug up the sink drain as quickly as possible after adding the water to force the reaction down into the pipes rather than up and out.

How long do you have to plunge a sink?

Pop the plunger off the drain on your last vertical upstroke. You may need to plunge the sink for several minutes in order to loosen the blockage.

How to catch gunk in a drain?

Think the shape a backscratcher or fishing hook. Once you have the right shape, lower the hook into the drain and once you feel a blockage, start twisting and moving the hanger to catch as much gunk as you can.

How to get a stopper out of a sink?

To do this, get under the sink and release the stopper by squeezing the spring clip to remove the pivot rod from the clevis strap. Once the pivot rod is removed from the clevis strap, the stopper should pop right up and out of your sink. This is where is gets gross, so make sure you have your rubber gloves on.

How to unblock a bathroom sink?

Another effective combination is baking soda and salt. Mix 1/2 cup of each and pour the mixture into the drain. Wait about fifteen minutes and then pour boiling water down the drain as well. All three components create a pretty aggressive chemical reaction and can unblock some of the tougher bathroom sink stoppages.

How to stop a bathroom clog?

Boiling water is most effective when there is a slow drain and not a lot of tepid water already sitting in the sink. Fill up a kettle or large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

What is the trap under the sink called?

Cleaning the Trap – The u-shaped pipe underneath the sink is called “the trap” and is a good place to start if you’re having trouble with a difficult clog. This method might sound a bit complicated, but it’s pretty simple and merely requires a bucket and a plumber’s wrench.

What is a wet and dry vacuum?

A wet and dry shop vacuum is an ideal appliance to help with particularly stubborn clogs. You might need to create a seal for the hose to effectively suction out the blockage (such as the top of a plastic soda bottle or a plunger head). Set your vacuum to the highest liquids setting and let the shop-vac do the rest. The powerful suction is usually strong enough to dislodge whatever is clogging the plumbing.

What to do if you think a P-bend is clogged?

If you think that there is a big clog in the P-bend of the pipe, where you can’t get to with the hanger, then you may need to unscrew the P-bend section of the pipe. This may or may not be necessary, depending on the seriousness of the clog.

What About Chemical Drain Cleaners?

If all else fails and you want to use a drain cleaner, opt for a mild, non-toxic, and biodegradable drain cleaner. You can also try a baking soda and vinegar solution.

Why is my shower drain clogged?

Occasional clogs in the sink, tub, or shower drains are a fact of life. They are usually caused by localized clogs in the drain trap or branch drain for a single fixture. However, if you have several fixtures that are draining slowly or not draining at all, the problem may be in the main drain or sewer line in your home.

How to clear a clogged drain with hot water?

If you have metal pipes, you can try to loosen the clog with hot water—very hot. Pouring a pot of boiling water directly down the drain into the trap may dissolve the clog, especially if it consists of soap scum or grease. Hot tap water won't do the trick—it has to be boiling water.

How to fix a clogged sink?

Try Using Boiling Water to Fix a Clogged Sink. Most clogs in sinks and tubs are due to a combination of hair, grease, soap residue, and tepid water that are trapped in the drain trap right below the drain opening. If you have metal pipes, you can try to loosen the clog with hot water—very hot.

What is a toilet plunger?

Two types of drain plungers are common for home use: the cup plunger, and the flange plunger (also called a toilet plunger). For working in sinks, showers, and tubs, use a cup plunger.

What to use to clean drains?

If all else fails and you want to use a drain cleaner, opt for a mild, non-toxic and biodegradable drain cleaner. You can also try a baking soda and vinegar solution. Do not use chemical drain cleaners .

Where is the clog in the drain?

If you have extended the cable all the way through the trap without contacting a clog, then the clog is probably in the branch drain or the vertical drain stack in the wall past the branch drain.

What causes a sink drain to clog?

Garbage disposers and grease are the two biggest contributors to clogged sink drains. Here’s the first rule for avoiding clogs: Don’t use your garbage disposer like a trash can. If your family sends vast amounts of food down the disposer, you’ll have a clogged sink someday.

Why is there a baffle in my garbage disposal?

There’s a baffle inside the waste tee that is meant to direct water down the drain, but since the baffled area is narrower than the rest of the drain, food often gets stuck there. Garbage disposers are notorious for causing clogs, especially at the baffle.

How to use a drain snake?

Here’s how you do it. Loosen the setscrew or chuck to allow the cable to come out of the drum freely. Now feed the cable into the drain until you can’t push it any more.

How to get rid of a clogged drain?

Peek under the sink to get a rough idea how far down the waste tee is from the basket strainer. Push the bent hanger down the drain.

Why is my kitchen sink clogged?

Kitchen sink clogs—usually caused by grease or overworked garbage disposers can be easily removed in minutes with these simple tools and common-sense tips.

How to get snake out of drain?

If you’ve pushed the cable down through the basket strainer, you can rinse it off as you retrieve it by running water. Otherwise, put on some gloves and wipe the cable off with a rag as you push it back into the drum.

How to avoid last minute shopping trips?

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

How to fix a garbage disposal that is humming?

Before doing anything to fix your disposal, remember to disconnect the power to the unit and never - and we mean never - stick your hand in the disposal. From there, you can try to break up the clog in the disposal by turning the blades manually. You can do that by inserting an Allen wrench into the hole on the bottom of the disposal, and twisting until you feel less resistance, meaning the blockage is beginning to break up. If that doesn't work, follow these tips to unclog your garbage disposal. Once unclogged, turn the power back on and test the disposal. If all looks and sounds good, turn the faucet to see if the sink drainage is back to normal.

Why is my sink draining slowly?

Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.

Why does my sink drain so bad?

If the clog is in the disposal, turning it on will usually break up the blockage. Overheated or dysfunctional disposals may not even turn on, but you can activate the reset switch at the side or bottom of the unit for an easy reboot. After resetting the disposal, try turning it on again to clear the clog.

How to get rid of a sprite in the sink?

Follow these steps to let the mixture work its magic: Remove standing water from the sink with a cup or bowl. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, using a spatula or spoon to push the powder down the drain if necessary. Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain opening.

Why do you run hot water down the drain?

Another good habit for your pipes sake is running hot water down the drain after each sink use to keep everything clear. You might also want to use a drain cover to catch debris before they cause damage in the pipes.

How to get rid of a clogged drain with a snake?

Electric snakes pack even more power to tackle clogged drains. If you don't have a plumber's snake, you can create a makeshift one with a wire coat hanger. Simply use a pair of needle-nose pliers to unwind the hanger into a long piece of wire. Keep the hooked end, as this is what you'll use to grab onto the debris.

How to get water out of sink?

Bring half a gallon of water to a boil on your stove or use a kettle to heat the water. Pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening. Turn on the faucet to see if the water drains in a steady fashion. If it's still draining slowly or standing still in the sink, repeat the process.

How to get a clogged sink out of the drain?

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.

What is a blow bag?

And in that same vein, refrain from using a drain bladder; also known as a blow bag, this garden hose attachment inserts directly into the drain and uses water pressure to clear it. Unlike bathtub and shower drain traps, which are permanently connected, sink drain traps connect with twist-off couplings.

What happens if an auger hits a blockage?

If your auger hits a blockage, don’t forcefully pound at the clog. This motion can damage your trap connectors or pipes. Obstructions that can’t be cleared with an auger should be handled using a different method.

How to clear a clogged sink?

Bail excess water from the sink, and then place a bucket under the drainpipes (since the trap holds water and will release it when undone). Twist the connectors loose and remove the trap. From here, you can clear away a clog by gloved hand.

What to do if your sink isn't draining?

If the standing water in your sink isn’t draining at all, the worst thing you can do is add more water to the basin. The additional water pressure won’t actually flush out the blockage, and you’ll have to bail it out before attempting a more effective de-clogging method.

How to unclog a slow draining kitchen sink?

If you suspect your slow-draining kitchen sink’s plumbing is lined with greasy sludge, pour about a tablespoon of dish soap and a large pot of boiling water into the drain. The hot water should cause the grease to break up and dissolve enough to unclog the sink.

Can a plumber use an auger on a drain line?

This may require the help of a professional plumber, who could use a powered auger or other device on the main line. Incorrectly working with unfamiliar tools could cause damage to the drain lines, so it’s best to call for backup whenever you’re uncertain.

Need to clear up a clog but don't want to mess with any chemicals? Here's how

There are plenty of products on the market to pour down your drains and chew through the nastiest of clogs. But those products typically contain nasty chemicals that can be bad for your health and harmful to your plumbing. So why go that route when safer and equally effective options exist?

Dish Soap

Grease can easily congeal in pipes and clog a sink drain, causing a whole host of issues. To break up a grease clog, attack it with something you likely have sitting right next to your sink — dish soap. Here’s how:

Grab a Plunger

Bathroom sinks are notorious for hair and soap scum clogs. The good news is, you can use the same tool to unclog your bathroom sink as you do your toilet — a plunger. Just don’t use the same plunger you use on your toilet, or at least clean the plunger thoroughly first.

Baking Soda and Boiling Water

Baking soda is a fantastic natural cleaner that chews through grit and grime. Combine baking soda with a little vinegar and some boiling water and you’ve got yourself a powerful, chemical-free unclogging compound. Here’s what to do:

The Wire Hanger Method

You can also use a wire hanger from your closet to break up drain clogs. Here’s how:

Drain Snake

If a wire hanger isn’t doing the job, you might need to buy a drain snake. These are specifically designed to unclog drains. They tend to do a pretty good job if you know how to use them. Here’s how: