How to Unclog a Sink or Washbasin
It’s inevitable — over time, every sink ends up accumulating residue such as soap, toothpaste, hair, and other debris. If you’re trying to unclog your sink and don’t know where to start, don’t worry — drain unclogging is one of the easiest plumbing repairs to handle.
Should You Use Chemical Cleaners to Unclog a Sink?
When the bathroom sink is clogged, it’s tempting to look for the quickest fix. While chemical drain cleaners can seem effective in the short term, they often cause long-term problems. Why? The acids in these products can damage your plumbing’s enamel and finishes. In addition, inhaling toxic fumes poses health risks. Even low concentrations of these chemicals can pollute groundwater reserves.
Natural Methods to Unclog a Sink
The most effective and safest way to remove debris from a drain is still the manual method. It protects your pipes while reducing health and environmental risks.
Pour Hot Water Down the Drain
Here’s a simple trick that helps dissolve residue. After removing standing water from the sink, pour boiling water down the drain. The heat helps melt away grease and debris, allowing water to flow freely again.
Use a Wire Hanger
A wire hanger can work wonders for dislodging stubborn clogs. After clearing any standing water with a plunger, insert a bent wire into the drain and move it back and forth to loosen debris. Then, flush with hot water to wash everything away — and you’re done!
Clean the P-Trap Under the Sink
If nothing seems to work, check the condition of your P-trap — the curved pipe located right under the sink. Heavy debris like hair, coffee grounds, fruit pulp, or grease can slow down water flow without completely blocking it.
To fix the issue, disassemble the pipe and clean out any buildup. This task can get messy, so be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses, and have a bucket and towels ready.
Need a Plumber to Unclog Your Bathroom Sink?
Contact the professionals at Plomberie Roger Chayer in Montreal. Available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies, we’ll be happy to help with drain unclogging or maintenance of your residential or commercial plumbing system. We look forward to assisting you!
Source: LA VOIX DU SUD. How to Effectively Unclog a Sink
