3 Ways to Unclog a Household Sink

You may not notice it at first, but with each passing week your pipes and drains become a little less efficient. Clogs in sinks and bathtubs are a common problem, especially when long hair and other debris are routinely flushed through the fixture. Blockages usually start slow, but build up over time. Sometimes, they can also appear seemingly out of nowhere. Many people have to deal with clogged drains on a fairly regular basis, especially in a family home or an office with many employees. Before you run to the store to buy expensive and toxic drain cleaning chemicals, there are a few other easy methods you can try to remove the blockage. 1. The power of suction You likely already have a plunger on hand to remove blockages from your toilet, but these handy devices are also great at clearing clogs in drains too. A smaller plunger may be more convenient for use in sinks and tubs compared to the “standard” size. Keep a spare, clean plunger on hand for fast relief from most drain blockages. Wet and dry vacuums are also an option for sucking out all the debris that’s obstructing the flow of water. Do not use a normal vacuum to do this! Check the manual to make sure that your vacuum can handle water since you may end up sucking a fair amount of moisture out with the blockage. 2. Simple liquid drain cleaning solutions Caustic drain cleaning chemicals can pose a health risk to children and pets, not to mention the cost for a solution that may not provide results. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to the store to get a liquid solvent to clear out clogs. An even mixture of salt (or vinegar) and baking soda followed by hot water can dissolve organic material and flush the pipe clean without much fuss. Pouring boiling water down the drain can also ease or completely remove the blockage with no added chemicals. 3. Household cleaning tools Metal hangers aren’t just for storing clothes; you can also use them as a flexible makeshift tool to pull out wads of hair, garbage and other things cluttering your pipes. Slowly bend the wire frame straight and use pliers to create a small hook at the end. Insert the hooked end and scrape around to your heart’s content. If your clogged drain simply refuses to give way, you can always give Rooter Hero Plumbing a call to schedule an emergency service. Call any time during the week, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!