How to easily clear a clogged sink

A clogged sink is an unpleasant event from which no one is immune. Residues of food, hair, and small debris fall into the drain, which accumulate on the pipes and do not allow water to pass through. The best way to get rid of clogs is to prevent them from happening. But if a pipe is clogged, there are several options for clearing it.

How to clear a blockage

Can I use washing powder?

On forums and websites with tips on getting rid of blockages, they offer the option of using washing powder. According to it, 2-3 tablespoons of powder are poured into the sink drain and left for a while. If the blockage is severe, it is recommended to leave the powder overnight and break it with water in the morning. The powder is supposed to settle on the pipes, absorb grease and dirt, and then be washed off with water.

The method looks easy and effective, but is fraught with danger. The average powder, when it gets on pipes or other surfaces, dries and remains a stone coating. It is no longer possible to wash it off with water. Those who use powder to wash things sometimes notice that in the washing machine a stone deposit remains on the powder drawer, which can be cleaned with a knife.

Probably, expensive imported powder will not leave a residue on the pipes, but it is not advisable to use it for cleaning.For this money you can buy a special pipe cleaner and get rid of the blockage without harming the plumbing.

Using Vinegar, Baking Soda and Salt

Traditional methods of getting rid of blockages are also popular. It is better to use these methods for minor stagnation. If the water does not go away at all and purchased products do not help, the best way is to clean the siphon and pipe with a cable, and then rinse with water.

You can deal with incipient blockages using a combination of vinegar, soda and salt.

First way:

1. A glass of baking soda is poured into the drain hole.
2. A glass of vinegar is poured on top.
3. After 40–50 minutes, the drain is washed with hot water.

When working with vinegar, do not forget to wear gloves and face masks if you are intolerant to the smell.

Second way:

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and salt and pour the mixture into the hole.
2. After half an hour, rinse the clog with hot water.

An alternative method is to dissolve a mixture of soda and salt in water and pour it into the drain for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, rinse with a stream of warm water.

Washing with boiling water

This method is suitable for getting rid of contaminants at the very beginning.

If the pipes are metal, you can boil 2-3 liters of water and drain the boiling water with a strong stream. The method can be used in combination with cleaning with a plunger or pouring soda into the pipes first.

Hot boiling water is not suitable for plastic pipes. Here it is recommended to turn the tap to the hottest temperature and turn it on at full pressure. It is advisable to turn the tap towards the drain and leave it for 5-10 minutes.

If the hot water method does not help, the clog is most likely old. You can try cleaning with soda and vinegar, using a plunger, flexible tube, or disassembling the siphon.

Coca-Cola Rinse

Coca-Cola is a favorite carbonated drink among adults and children. Many people know that it contains a lot of sugar and you should not drink cola regularly. But if you want to drink a little carbonated drink, the leftovers can be used for household needs.

Cola helps remove rust from the bathtub, sink and toilet. It will get rid of minor blockages and pipes. Simply pour the drink into the pipe, leave for an hour, and then rinse with water.

Preventing clogging

Connecting the drain from the washing machine

If the washing machine is located next to the sink, it can be connected to a siphon under the sink. The pressure of water during draining of the washing machine can break up contaminants in the siphon and push them towards the main pipe.

The method has one possible drawback - the unpleasant odor from the siphon can penetrate the hose from the machine and reach the laundry in the drum. To prevent this, it is enough to install a water seal in which water from the machine will accumulate and trap odors from the drain.

Also, when washing in this case, it is not recommended to use low-quality or cheap powder, which will remain a coating on the pipes and will only aggravate the situation.

Cleaning dishes before washing

Another option for preventing clogs is to ensure that no large debris gets into the sink. If we are talking about a kitchen sink, you can install a fine mesh on the drain. It is recommended to first clean pots and plates of any leftovers and throw them into a bucket. If there is a greasy residue left, it is better to dilute it with water and detergent and flush it down the toilet.

Also, once a week it is necessary to take preventive measures against water stagnation - rinse the pipes with soda, use a plunger or a special pipe cleaner.This will help avoid major blockages in the future.

Everyone can choose a means of dealing with blockages to their taste. If you don’t want to bother with cleaning out complex contaminants yourself, you can call a plumber who will disassemble the pipes, remove the blockage and give advice on how to avoid them in the future. And regular prevention of stagnation will help avoid the problem of pollution and unnecessary financial expenses.