How to unclog your sink in 5 steps

Mornington plumber

The best way to unclog your sink: Advice from a Mornington plumber

A clogged sink in the home can be a real nuisance and disrupt your daily routine. It can cause water to back up and overflow, leaving you with a mess to clean up and a sink that doesn’t drain properly. As a blocked drain plumber on the Mornington Peninsula, this is an issue that many of our client’s face. The good news is that you can often unclog your sink with just a few common household items and a bit of elbow grease. In today’s blog, we will walk you through the process of unclogging your sink in 5 simple steps. Let’s take a look at some advice from a residential plumber in Mornington.

 

Step 1: Prepare the area

Before you begin the unclogging process, make sure to put on gloves as stagnant water can make you sick if handled incorrectly. You’ll also want to clear the area around the sink. Move any dishes, towels, toothbrushes or whatever other items may be in the way so that you have plenty of room to work. The last thing you want to do is get your belongings wet and dirty!

 

Step 2: Remove standing water

If there is a build-up of water in the sink, use a cup or a bucket to remove as much of it as possible. This will help prevent the water from splashing and making a mess when you begin working on unblocking the clog. It could also prevent you from being able to see the clog if the water is dirty. Allowing the water to continue to build up can increase the pressure on the clog, potentially causing damage to the pipes or other components of the plumbing system.

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Step 3: Use a plunger

The first and most simple solution for unclogging your sink is to use a plunger. First fill the sink with water with enough water to cover the end of the plunger. This will help to generate suction. Place the plunger directly over the drain and make sure it has a tight seal. Move the plunger up and down several times with force, applying pressure to the clog. If the clog is minor, the plunger should be able to clear it within a few minutes of plunging. If you have a blocked drain on the Mornington Peninsula, a plunger could be all you need to clear it. Run some hot water through your sink after plunging to see if the blockage has cleared.

 

Step 4: Use a homemade solution

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a homemade solution to dissolve the clog. One common solution is to mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for around 15 minutes and then follow it up with hot water. Some people will make the mistake of using boiling water, which could potentially damage your pipes if they’re made from PCP. This solution should help to dissolve grease, soap scum, and other organic materials that may be causing the sink to clog. Many people will tend to use a chemical drain cleaner, but it’s important to remember that they can be harmful to your pipes and should be used with caution. The natural baking soda and vinegar solution will provide you with the same results with less risk to your pipes.

CCTV drain inspection on the Mornington Peninsula

Step 5: Use a drain snake

If the clog is still not cleared, it’s time to bring out the big guns. A drain snake is a flexible metal or plastic cable that can be fed down the drain to physically break up the clog. You can purchase a drain snake from Bunnings or any other hardware stores for under $20. To use a drain snake, insert it into the drain and push it down until you feel resistance. Then, turn the handle to loosen and break up the clog. If the snake doesn’t do the trick, you may need to remove the U-shaped trap under the sink and physically remove the clog with your hands. If you do need to do this, make sure you have a bucket or some form of container to catch the water that is inside the pipes.

Sink still clogged? Get in touch with a licensed plumber in Mornington

Unclogging your sink can be a simple and straightforward process when you use the right tools and techniques. If you follow these five steps, you should be able to get your sink flowing freely again in no time. However, if the clog is severe or you are unable to clear it on your own, it may be time to call in a licensed plumber in Mornington for assistance. They have the expertise and specialised tools needed to quickly and effectively solve any clogging problem. Experiencing a clogged sink or blocked drains on the Mornington Peninsula? Get in touch with your local experts at HRA Plumbing to get the problem solved. We offer CCTV drain inspection on the Mornington Peninsula and the surrounding suburbs. Contact us for a free visit and quote. Looking for more plumbing tips and advice? Check out our blogs page here.