Homeowners typically don't think about maintaining their sinks—until the water starts draining painfully slow and the basin starts filling with dirty water. Unfortunately, your kitchen and bathroom sinks are prone to get clogged at some point.

The U-shaped pipe, located underneath the fixture, is the most common source of back-ups. Although it is necessary to prevent sewer gases from leaking into your home, its curved shape can be quite a nuisance.

Luckily, there are a few reminders on how you can fix your clogged sink. Check out the list of dos and don’ts if ever you need help with clogged drain disposal. 

Do Use Hot Water and Pour onto the Sink

If you think your slow-draining kitchen sink is due to a buildup of grease in the pipes, you can try pouring a tablespoon of dish soap and a pot of boiling water down the drain. The hot water should help break up and dissolve the grease, unclogging the drain disposal. 

To prevent this thing in the future, be careful not to pour oil or dispose of food scraps down the sink drain.

Do Check The Caustic Chemicals You Will Use

Many homeowners reach for a chemical drain cleaner when they have a clogged sink, but these solutions can be harmful. They can soften PVC pipes and damage older metal pipes. Besides that, they can cause personal harm, too. Stray chemical splashes can burn your skin and eyes. 

If you want to use a commercial drain cleaner, consider buying a biodegradable one. These cleaners use enzymes to eat away at clogs. They don’t work as quickly as chemical cleaners, but they’re safer, and they won’t damage your pipes.

Do Try A Drain Snake 

An auger or a drain snake is a long coiled cable with a hook or sharp cutter. You can buy a manual auger at most hardware stores for around $30.

To use a drain snake, simply remove the sink filter and insert the tip of the auger into the pipe. Afterward, twist the hand crank to release the wire cable, and insert the snake into the drain. Once you notice resistance, it means that you have reached the clog. Lastly, rotate the auger to break up the blockage.

Don’t Flush Down More Water 

Stop adding water to the basin if it’s already clogged! If the water in your sink isn't draining, adding more water will only make the situation worse. The extra water pressure won't actually clear the blockage. You'll need to bail it out before trying a different unclogging method.

Don’t Neglect Drain Stoppers

Hair and soap scum can quickly build up and clog your bathroom sink. To loosen this type of clog, use a wire hanger to form a hook.

If there is a stopper, take it out by twisting it counterclockwise, pulling it up, or using a screwdriver to loosen it. Then put the wire into the drain, turn it, and pull the blockage out.

Don’t Hesitate To Reach Out To a Plumber

If these methods don't improve the situation, the issue may be with another clog in your home's drainage system. This would probably require the help of a professional plumber, who would use a powered auger or similar tool on the main line. 

Remember, it's safest to ask for help whenever you're unsure about how to proceed. Otherwise, incorrect use of these tools could damage your drain pipes severely.

Conclusion

You can do these things to maintain your bathroom and kitchen sinks. If you ever get a clogged sink in your home, remember to follow these dos and don'ts to get it unclogged.

Are you looking to eliminate plumbing problems and clogged drains for good? Look no further than our complete 'Shroom drain protection line! We have award-winning solutions for every drain in your home.

More Articles from The Shroom Company

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