Is there an easy way to unclog a sink drain besides buying something like Drano?
Question:
Answers:
Have you inspected the pipes immediately below the drain? Sometimes gunk amasses there, and all you need do is unplug it manually. Shut off H2O (at source) first to avoid any complications (you never know). If you can remedy the clog without chemmies, all the better for you, your family, and humankind.
run super Hott water n Bleach!!Workall the time!!
Easy...as in NOT dismantling the U/bend or trap underneath?
The no, chemicals are your answer. You could try some strong but flexible stuff (Like heavy duty electrical cable) and stabbing at it down the plug-hole. But drano or bleach is te answer.
If you can't use chemicals because you have a septic tank or similar, you'll have to dismantle the Ubend..then be more selective as to what you throw down.
The Plumbers Helper! Or other wise known as , a Plunger. Or, you could snake it, or put Hot Vinegar in the drain, or use a Tape Measure(no, not to measure it! Use it like a snake) or,Take the Elbow off,and see if you can clear it that way. Good Luck, I know how your feeling ,having to do that. I have to do the Plumbing all the time. Everything else too! Bye
Four options besides liquid drain opener.
1- Plunger. If it's a double sink, plug one side with a wet towel.
2- Remove the P trap under the sink. They usually unscrew by hand. Empty the water into a bucket then take it all apart. At this point you can usually see the clog and easily remove it.
3- Go to hdwr. store and buy a snake. It's a coated wire type device you hand crank to push the clog through. You will have to remove the P trap to use it.
4- Yellow pages.
Good luck.
You can try plunging it (the plunger for the toilet) and you can try using baking soda and white vinegar together in it.
good luck
Pour baking soda into the drain (about half a cup), then follow with a cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow to bubble for awhile, then pour a gallon of boiling water down the drain.
Do not use bleach, it is extremely toxic.
If you don't want to use chemicals or take apart the pipe under the sink, you can try a snake. There is also a product on the market that uses a CO2 cartridge to force the clog out by using a high-pressure blast of air down te pipes.
I don't like using chemicals, so try putting baking soda down drain, then vinegar, followed by hot water. I actually do this once a week for maintenance. It's not that hard to take apart the p-trap under the sink and most of the time, that's where the trouble is. When I have something really greasy, after I wash it, I put a squirt of dawn in the drain, followed by the running hot water long enough to flush it out away from the house. (A plumber told me this). I haven't called a plumber in 20 years! Good luck..(also the plunger works great, too)
You probably just have a clogged "P" trap. Anything you do short of removing the "P" trap and cleaning the gunk out of it, will only move the problem further down the line, then you could be facing real money expenses.
On a scale of 1-10 for a diy job in difficulty, cleaning the p trap is about a 2
I once had a plumber to tell me to pour one cup of bleach in the drain and let it soak for one hour. He said to do this periodically to prevent clogs and odors.
WHY DOES EVERYONE think chemicals first?
If you've already put chemicals into the drain, don't apply the plunger until it all subsides.
HOW TO USE A PLUNGER 101
1.) Remember that a plunger is a PULLING tool not a PUSHING tool. The clog went IN from the top... it needs to come out the way it went in. It's like a wine cork... you COULD force it into the bottle... but WHY?
2.) Put a little petroleum jelly or liquid dish soap on the rim of the plunger to make a good seal.
3.) Fill the sink with water higher than the drain itself so the plunger is working underwater.
4.) SLOWLY press the pplunger down over the drain forcing out the air and making a good seal.
5.) Quickly pull staright up!
Do this once or twice and the glop should back up enough to fall apart and then rinse down the drain. You should get the "plumber's kiss" a sucking kissy sound as it all drains away!
A plunger about 2-3 bucks in a hardware store.
Or disassemble the trap and use a wire "snake" or when it's disassembled shove a hose in and turn on the water. Wrap some rags around it while you have your wife or friend by the faucet to turn it on or off.
I've also unplugged a drain by running water down the air pipe on the roof.
More Related Questions & Answers...