It can be frustrating (and disgusting) to be brushing your teeth, only to realize your sink is filling fast and not draining. Surprisingly, there are ways to unclog a sink drain without using chemicals. Although strong chemicals often work to fix the problem, they can damage your pipes and cause a larger, more costly mess in the long run.
How to Unclog A Sink Drain
1. Wait for water to slowly drain. If it is fully clogged, scoop out as much water as possible and use an absorbent towel to soak up the rest. Then, use a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers to remove any visible debris in the drain. Next, take a piece of wire with a bent hook-end and use it to fish out any debris that is not visible on top. Try running water to see if it drains.
2. If this does not work, use duct tape to cover the air hole in the sink. After putting a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the ring of a plunger, place it over the drain hole and fill the sink with about an inch of water. Thrust the plunger up and down for about two minutes. Remove the tape and plunger, and run some water to see if the drain is cleared.
3. If it is still clogged, place a bucket under the P-trap and use a pipe wrench to remove the nuts which hold it in place. Flush the P-trap out in a bucket so as not to reintroduce the debris to another drain. Replace the P-trap using a cloth under the wrench to reduce scratching. Run water to check for leaks and drainage.
4. If this still does not solve your problem, remove the P-trap again and insert a drain auger into the pipe. Begin rotating until you feel resistance. Reverse your rotations repetitively until the debris comes loose. Replace the P-trap and run water for a few minutes to clear the drain.
Get Help Immediately
These methods should unclog a sink drain. If they do not and you are concerned about your mechanical abilities, you may need to hire a professional plumber. TalkLocal can find one in your area quickly and easily. Simply type in a little bit of information about your problem and we’ll have qualified professionals call you in a matter of minutes.
