Dealing With A Clogged Sink Without A Professional Plumber
When you find yourself with a clogged sink, you obviously want to deal with it right away. Sinks are used often throughout the day, so you cannot afford to let it go for very long without a repair. However, the cost for calling in a professional plumber can be prohibitive for most households and can make a large dent in your paycheck. Before you incur that expense, look at what is causing the problem and determine whether you can fix it on your own. Read on for some things to look for.
Particularly in a kitchen sink, the main culprit behind clogs is usually food items or a build-up of grease. It will never hurt to assume this in the beginning and to use methods that address this problem. The easiest thing to do right away is to purchase liquid drain cleaner. Several brands and strengths are available in the marketplace, so read labels carefully and choose accordingly. Some work better in standing water than others, so check to see if the water in your sink has gone down or if you need a drain cleaner that can penetrate the build-up.
If liquid drain cleaner is not effective, the next thing to try is a snake. This is simply a device that you wind down into the drain to dislodge any items that may be stuck in there. Ideally it will just be food or other biodegradable pieces that will dissolve once they are pushed out of the clogged area. If at all possible, attempt to pull the item up to the top of the drain and remove it, rather than pushing it further into the pipes. Always use snakes that are made for metal or plastic pipes, depending on what type you have in your home.
If these two methods still do not fix your clogged sink, then you may need to call in a professional. Before you do that, however, there is still one more thing you can try. The portion of pipes visible beneath the sink can usually be taken apart to see if the blockage is in the curved portion that is accessible to you. You will need specific tools for doing this, which can be pricey if you do not already have them. Ask friends or neighbors to see if there are tools available that you can borrow.
If you are lucky enough to locate the blockage after taking the pipes apart, then remove it and dispose of it properly. While you have access to the inside of your pipes, take this opportunity to clean them, removing grease, smaller particles of food and anything else that could cause problems in the future. If the sink is in your bathroom, check for accumulation of hair and styling products. Look for bottle caps, hairpins and paper wrappings from products.
Try these things first before racking up large bills for clogged sinks. You work hard for your money, so keep as much of it as you can by becoming a professional in your own home environment.
