A clogged sink is one of those household nuisances that can quickly escalate from a minor inconvenience to a major headache. Whether it's a buildup of grease, hair or food particles, a clogged sink can disrupt your daily routine and cause frustration. However, fear not! With a bit of know-how and some basic tools, you can often tackle this issue yourself without having to call in the professionals. That said, if you’d prefer to have someone else solve the problem, Red Deer plumbers at Fonda’s Plumbing & Heating are here for you 24 hours a day at 403-907-9865!
Assess the Situation
Before you dive into the mess, take a moment to assess the severity of the clog. Is the water draining slowly or not at all? Are there any noticeable blockages or strange smells coming from the drain? Physically remove any visible blockages with your hands or tweezers. A bad smell signifies deep fermentation and blockage, so you definitely don’t want to touch anything in the vicinity.
Try the Plunger
The plunger is often the first line of defence against a clogged sink—and, obviously, a frighteningly clogged toilet. If there is not enough water in the sink to cover the bottom of the plunger, fill it up to that point. Then, place the plunger over the drain and pump it up and down forcefully several times. This action creates pressure that can dislodge the clog and allow water to flow freely again. If you have a double sink, make sure to block the other side with a wet cloth or stopper to create a vacuum.
Check the P-Trap
If plunging doesn't do the trick, the next step is to check the P-trap (confusingly the P-trap is the U-shaped pipe underneath the sink). Place a bucket or basin underneath the P-trap to catch any water, then use a pipe wrench to loosen the slip nuts on either side of the trap. Once the trap is removed, check for any obvious blockages like hair or debris. Clean out the trap thoroughly before reattaching it.
Use a Drain Snake or Auger
If the clog persists after checking the P-trap, it's time to bring out the big guns – a drain snake or auger. Feed the snake down the drain until you feel resistance, then crank the handle to break up the clog. If you don't have a drain snake, you can also try using a wire coat hanger bent into a hook shape. Once the clog is cleared, run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
Make a Sink Volcano
Pour an entire pot of boiling water down the drain to loosen any greasy buildup, then pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain with a wet cloth or stopper to contain the fizzing reaction, then wait 5-10 minutes before flushing with another pot of hot water. Believe it or not, this home kitchen solution genuinely works on many clogs!
Still Not Working? Call Us!
If these steps don’t clear the clog, heed this warning and do not resort to using drain cleaner chemicals. The caustic properties needed to literally burn through a clog are also harmful to pipes—not to mention they do no favours to sewage treatment workers and the environment at large. If you can’t unclog a sink on your own, call Fonda’s Plumbing & Heating. Our professional Red Deer plumbers will get the job done cleanly, quickly.
We look forward to serving you for all your plumbing and gas heating needs in Red Deer.
