How to Unblock a Sink Without a Plumber

antony lord • September 4, 2024

How to Unblock a Sink Without a Plumber


Blockages in sinks can be an immense source of frustration, but you don't necessarily need to call in professional services for solutions. With some basic tools you could save both money and hassle.

If your drain becomes blocked, try pouring baking soda and vinegar down it, or for tougher blockages use an unblocker specially designed to unclog drains.


Run the Disposal


Before attempting to unclog your disposal, it is essential that you switch off both power and use a flashlight to inspect its drain. If anything remains stuck within, try extracting it using tongs or pliers if possible. Also make sure your dishwasher connection hose is securely clamped so that dirty water from sink doesn't flow directly into dishwasher.

If the obstruction remains, use a plunger. Start by making sure the garbage disposal is off and its P-Trap (if applicable) removed, placing a bucket under it, unscrewing any slip-nut fittings, and running cold water down both drain and disposal for approximately sixty seconds to see if that clears things up; if its motor still hums loudly then there may be blockage somewhere within; otherwise move onto alternative methods of troubleshooting.


Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar


Baking soda and vinegar are two powerful alkaline and acidic agents, respectively, that when mixed together create a chemical reaction that dissolves many types of clogs. Start by pouring one cup of baking soda down your drain; once mixed with white vinegar it should fizz away! Finally add another cup and watch as this reaction dislodges most bathroom clogs caused by soap scum build-up!

This mixture will also break down grease and fat residues responsible for most kitchen clogs, helping prevent them from forming in the first place. If your drain remains blocked after this has been tried regularly, consider alternative home-grown solutions or contact a plumber for professional assistance.


Pour Boiling Water


Food scraps discarded regularly into the sink can accumulate over time and create blockages; similarly in bathrooms soap scum and hair can also cause blockages to form.

Pouring boiling water down the drain can provide a quick and simple way of unclogging any obstructions while simultaneously flushing out your pipes and relieving any congestion.

Step two of clearing away a blockage with a plunger involves draining any excess water out and covering the overflow with an old dish cloth for airtight seal. After that, take your plunger and cover it in vaseline to increase suction power.

If the plunger doesn't work, another solution could be baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour a small amount of baking soda down your drain followed by one cup of vinegar for chemical reaction to break through grease or soap scum build-up. Rinse out with hot water afterwards.


Use a Plunger


When your sink won't drain properly, using a plunger may be your only recourse. Before doing so, be sure that there is enough water in the sink to cover the top of the plunger head; also put on rubber gloves and place old towels nearby in case there is any spillage from splashing. Beware using chemical drain cleaners while using a plunger - as doing so can easily result in burns!

Pour some petroleum jelly on the bottom lip of your plunger to create an airtight seal around your sink drain and plunge up and down several times quickly in quick succession. After each plunge, run more water into the sink to flush out any potential obstructions in its path and flush away clogs that might exist in its path.



If the clog won't budge, try taking steps such as disassembling your P-trap beneath your sink to see if hand clearing works; otherwise, Medina suggests trying a plumbing auger (found at most big box stores). Just be wary when using this tool; it can easily slip out of your hands and cut yourself.

 

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