what is the easiest way to unclog a sink

by Doris Koss Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

One of the best ways to unclog a sink naturally is using baking soda and vinegar, and we'll show you why:

Remove the drain stopper.
Take one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar.
Pour it down the drain.
Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it out with hot water.
If the clog is deep in the pipe, add more vinegar.
REPEAT until the water is completely drained.

Full Answer

How do you unclog a sink quickly?

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 can you pour down a sink to unclog it?

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 unclog a sink in 5 easy steps?

Just follow these five steps.Disconnect the Stopper. The most likely problem is that gunk has collected on the stopper. ... Remove and Clean the Stopper. Lift the stopper out of the drain, and you'll be shocked to see the amount of gunk stuck to it. ... Snake the Drain. ... Reinstall the Stopper. ... Check the P-Trap. ... Call Mr.

How do you unclog a deep clogged kitchen sink?

Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.

Will Coke unclog drains?

Coke. Coke is a lesser-known fix you can find in your refrigerator. Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola — Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand substitutes — down the clogged drain. Coke is actually quite caustic and effective at clearing away buildup in your drains, but it's far milder than commercial drain cleaners.

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.

Will bleach unclog a drain?

Bleach Will Clean Your Drain, Not Unclog It Bleach isn't going to unclog your drain any more than pouring a glass of water down the sink. Bleach is great for sanitizing your sink and drain and killing smelly germs; it will not break down clogs.

How do you unblock a sink without a plunger?

How to unblock a sink without a plungerBicarbonate of soda (or baking powder) and white vinegar. ... Washing powder (biological) ... Alka Seltzers and white vinegar. ... Use a wire or tool to poke/pull out the blockage. ... Use a blast of water. ... Use a natural drain cleaner. ... Bleach and hot water.

How do you plunge a sink without a plunger?

0:261:37How to unclog a sink the easy way (No Plunger needed) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust little liquor glasses or whatever you want to call take the glass plug plug this right this isMoreJust little liquor glasses or whatever you want to call take the glass plug plug this right this is draining. But stick the glass in there. Hold this with this hand. Plunge it whip that out.

How do you unclog a stubborn blockage?

A lot of folks know the baking soda and vinegar trick. Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog.

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.

Will a clogged sink eventually drain?

Most clogs ultimately get cleared with proper plunging, but you can first try an easy hot-water trick before pulling out your plunger. On the other hand, if the clog proves to be too much for plunging, you can snake the drain with a drain snake or auger.

Does salt and boiling water unclog drains?

2. Salt & hot water. Just like you, your kitchen drain may enjoy a nice exfoliation once in a while. While hot water can help loosen up debris, coarse salt actually scours the inside of your pipes, removing more material than hot water alone.

Will boiling water unclog a drain?

Try Using Boiling Water to Fix a Clogged Sink 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.

How do you unclog a double sink with standing water?

Another way to clear a clogged double kitchen sink is to use a salt and boiling water solution. First, remove the standing water from the sink. Then pour a half cup of salt down both drains, followed by boiling water. Wait five minutes and run hot water down the drain to clear it of the solution.

How can I unclog my sink without a plunger?

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.

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 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 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.

How do you unclog a bathroom sink drain?

If you’re not comfortable performing any of these steps, please call Western Rooter & Plumbing to get a professional plumber down to your house ASAP to fix your clogged sink drain immediately!

What tools do I need to unclog my bathroom sink drain?

Clearing your bathroom sink drain doesn’t require much – just these simple items:

What causes sink clogs?

Hair: Washing your face, shaving, and other activities that involve shedding hair over your bathroom sink can be dangerous for your sink drain!

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.

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.

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 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.

Can you unclog a sink with a chemical cleaner?

Warning: Only attempt unclogging a sink like this if you haven’t already poured chemical cleaner into the sink. Otherwise, as mentioned, the hazardous material can quickly splash onto your skin while you use the tool.

Can a sink drain be obstructed?

Most homeowners never think about maintaining their sinks—at least, not until it starts to drain agonizingly slow and the basin fills with dirty standing water. Unfortunately, kitchen and bathroom sinks are bound to be partially or fully obstructed at some point.

Can drain cleaners be biodegradable?

If you want to put a commercial drain cleaner to work, consider purchasing a biodegradable one, which utilizes enzymes to eat away at clogs. These biodegradable options don ’t work quite as quickly as chemical cleaners, but they’re safer and will protect your pipes.

Why Your Bathroom Sink is Not Draining

If the water in your sink isn’t draining well after a minute or two, you have what is commonly referred to as a slow running drain. A variety of issues can cause a slow running drain in a bathroom sink. Strands of hair, a buildup of soap scum and larger bits of debris can catch onto drain parts create a mass over time that blocks the drain flow.

Unclog a Sink With Boiling Water

There’s no single solution for clearing a clogged bathroom sink. However, there are a variety of options you can try, starting with the easiest ones that require only a few household items. If those don’t work, move on to more involved options below to fix your clogged bathroom sink.

Unclog a Sink With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda have long been effective in clearing stubborn drains. This solution is also safe and household friendly compared to chemical-based drain openers .

Unclog a Sink With a Plunger

A plunger is a useful household tool that you may already have around the house. Smaller plungers should be used for this method. Here’s how to unclog a bathroom sink with a plunger:

Unclog a Sink With a Drain Snake

Sometimes a bathroom sink not draining properly doesn't always respond to boiling water, vinegar and baking soda or the use of plunger. In this case, you’ll need drain cleaning tools that have the power to clear the clog.

Unclog a Sink With a Wet-Dry Vac

You may need to use suction to clear a bathroom sink not draining properly. A wet-dry vacuum comes in handy in this case. Here’s how to unclog a stubborn bathroom sink with a wet-dry vacuum to get your sink up and running again.

Tips for Keeping Your Bathroom Sink Clear

A clogged bathroom sink can take time to clear. You might even have to try multiple methods. Avoiding clogs in the first place can help you prevent this task. Here are some tips to help you avoid a bathroom sink clog in the future: