Professional Methods You Can Use On Your Sink Clog
As most Red Oak homeowners know, clogs are something you’ll inevitably have to deal with in your home.
Some clogs form from things you send down your drains, like hair from shaving or showering, soap scum buildup or feminine napkins. Others form from factors outside your control, like root intrusions and bent pipes. Whatever the cause of your clog, you need a way to solve the problem quickly.
You could call a plumber like Combat—we’re certainly happy to help!—but we suggest trying to clear the clog yourself before calling in the big guns. Here are some methods you can use to clear that sink clog without having to pay a plumber.
Store-bought Liquid Drain Cleaners
You can get liquid drain cleaner at any store, and they are useful for minor clogs involving built up kitchen grease or soap scum. However, they contain chemicals that can harm your pipes if used incorrectly or too often, so make sure you read the label carefully and follow the directions carefully if you choose to use a liquid drain cleaner. Also be sure to store them safely, as they are toxic if swallowed and can also damage your floors and cabinets if spilled.
Homemade Drain Cleaner
If you’re worried about using caustic chemicals on your drain clog, you can make a homemade alternative that is chemical-free and just as effective as any store-bought drain cleaning liquid. Simply pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, then a cup of vinegar. The two will foam like crazy, but that’s how you know it’s working to unclog your sink drain. Repeat as needed. If you have a garbage disposal, you should always use this method, as chemical drain cleaners will destroy your disposal.
Drain Snake
You’ll need to go to a hardware store or plumbing supply store to get a reliable drain snake, but for tough clogs, they’re really the best option. Insert the snake in your sink drain and turn the crank handle to extend the snake down the drain line. When you hit resistance (the clog) keep cranking until the snake breaks through the clog. Drain snakes are especially effective for deep clogs.
If you’ve tried one or more of these drain cleaning solutions on your clogged sink and it’s still backing up and refusing to drain properly, go ahead and give us a call at (773) 724-9272. Combat Plumbing has some of the fastest response times in Red Oak, and we’ll have your sink unclogged in no time at all!
