A blocked drain can drive you crazy. In the event of such, you do not have to worry about getting the best plumber in town. Similarly, you do not need to use harsh methods to keep your sink in its functional state. You will agree that harsh chemicals can damage the whole drainage system and pose dangers to you and your environment. The good news is that there are safe ways that you can employ to unblock kitchen sink.
Take note of the warning signs
Before we focus on the safest and easiest ways on how to unblock a sink without a plunger, it is essential that you learn of the possible signs of a blocked sink. They include;
- Pooling water.
- Bad and strange odors.
- Takes longer to drain water.
Some of the best strategies you can use to unblock your sink include the use of a;
1. Bent wire hanger
Take a regular wire clothes/coat hanger, straighten it out and bend one of the ends. Create a hook and push past the cover of the drain. Start fishing. This will help you to get rid of all possible gunk that could have blocked your sink. Get out as much gunk as possible and then run hot water to clear the sink.
When using a hanger, you can efficiently unblock a sink because it pulls out gunk including stubborn debris. A toothbrush can also be used to scrub off debris before you run hot water on the skin to rinse it.
2. Vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar and baking soda have a way of unclogging sinks instantly. Take a third cup of vinegar and baking soda of the same amount. Mix it and pour it into your sink. It will unclog the sink by removing hairs, gunk, and any grime built up in the sink or pipe. For more efficient results, you need to let the solution settle in the sink overnight. Use hot water to flush the sink.
You can also use dry banking soda down the drain and then pour vinegar down the sink.
3. Wet and dry vacuuming
A wet and dry vacuum is a handy tool when it comes to unblocking a sink. It is terrific and you only need to set it to vacuum any liquids from the sink. When using the vacuum, it is important that you cover the vent. This will help to prevent any mess. Create a seal over the sink, and use an old head plunger to vacuum. On its highest setting, pull out the vacuum to draw up the elements blocking your sink.
4. Use hot water
Using hot water is one of the easiest methods to unblock your sink. You do not have to look for more details when your sink starts to produce a bad odor. Simply learn how to unblock kitchen sink within seconds using hot water. Boil water and pour it down the sink in three stages. Allow the water to work for a few seconds between each pour and rest assured of a clean sink.
5. Use of sodium peroxide or caustic water
As you think of the best way on how to unblock kitchen sink, you need to make the most of caustic soda. This is a corrosive chemical that can cause serious burns. Mix cold water in a gallon and mix it with caustic water. Use a wooden spoon to stir it. Let it fizz and heat up before you pour it down the sink. Let it settle for 20 minutes then flush the drain with hot water.
Also Read: Plumbing Maintenance Tips
6. Biological washing powder
The use of biological washing powder is an excellent way to unblock the sink while leaving a sweet smell behind. Use 2 tablespoons of the powder down the sink, and pour boiling water. It helps to get rid of any grease and fats build up
7. Clean the pipe
You can also unblock bath without plunger by cleaning the pipe. Take the U-bend apart, put on protective gloves and slowly unscrew the U bend on your sink using a wrench. You need to be keen while unscrewing so that you can put it back without a hitch.
Clear the pipework by washing out any traps. Use an old toothbrush to fish out any debris inside the U bend or the pipes holding it. The toothbrush will get out all gunk. Once it is clean, rinse it using clean warm and soapy water.
8. Use a drain snake
A drain snake also works wonders on a blocked sink. It is one of the easiest tricks to keep your sink running normally. The drain snake is a flexible metal rope that has a spiral metal at the end. Snake the metal up the pipe of your sink until you experience some resistance. Snake it down to get rid of the clog.
If you are wondering how to unblock a sink full of water, worry no more. This is usually one of the easiest ways to unblock a sink. Use an old towel or a dishcloth to block up the overflow. Similarly, you may need to empty as much water as possible using a jug scoop or a saucepan. Once the water is out, you can try to unblock sink without plunger using an airtight seal. Remember, the weight of the water in most cases will push the clog through.
If you have a plunger, place over the sink’s plughole and cover it with water. It helps to create a tight air seal. Grip the plunger with both hands, pump the water up and down to create a powerful suction to unblock the sink. Therefore if you want the best way to unblock a sink without using harsh chemicals, the plunger should be part and parcel of your cleaning items.
9. Use of a dish detergent
The other trick on how to unclog a sink without a plunger is by use of a dish detergent. In the event where your toilet or bathroom sink is blocked, you need to pour ¼ cup of dish detergent in the bowl, then pour in hot water. The dish detergent is very important because it lubricates the sink and it loosens any greasy or oily residue. Use rubber gloves to suction out the clog.
10. Vinegar, baking soda, gravity, and pressure
For a bathroom sink, you can also use vinegar and baking soda. Mix a third of the two and pour it down the sink. Place a stopper over the sink and wait for an hour or so. Full the sink with water, remove the stopper and pour in water until the blockage is out. Vinegar and baking soda loosen any clog and if the water doesn’t flow well, use a drain snake to get rid of any residues.
11. Bleach and boiling water
A combination of boiling water and bleach can help you unblock sink drain. It breaks down some clogs such as grease build up in your sink. In this case, you will need to understand how to unblock a sink and read carefully through the safety procedures indicated in a bleach container. Most importantly, wear protective gloves to ensure the safety of your hands.
12. Bathroom Sink
You also need to know how to unblock a drain without a plunger if you have a bathtub or a bathroom sink. Often, bathroom clogs occur as a result of hair and grooming products residues or buildup. The best residue for such clogs is for you to get rid of the hairs manually. Run hot water once the clog is out.
Additionally, you can flush the sink with hot hair. This is important if manual removal of the dirt buildup doesn’t work. Boil water and let it run down the drain. Consider two to three stages as you allow the water to work efficiently on the sink. You only need to ensure the hot water flows directly to the drain for effective cleaning.
13. Natural sink cleaning products
Today, you will also find a wide range of natural cleaners to help you unblock your sink. As you will find out on how to fix a blocked sink, you will realize that natural cleaners are enzyme based. They loosen or unclog drains by eliminating a biofilm in your sink. This means that they work incredibly well on all organic sink clogging elements including soap, grease, and hair.
Natural drain or sink cleaners are also reliable because they are environmentally friendly. They are ideal on minor and moderate sink blockages. In the event of a major clog, you will need to use the cleaners in combination with other items such as baking soda and vinegar.
14. Hydrogen peroxide solution
It is also important that you understand how to unblock a sink drain using hydrogen peroxide solution. Use one cup of the solution for a quart of cold water. Pour it down the drain and allow it to sit for up to thirty minutes. Rinse the sink using running sink water.
Once you have explored these methods on how to unblock a sink with a plunger or using natural cleaners, and the clog persists, it is wise to call a professional plumber. ALK plumbing is your reliable drainage system expert that guarantees exceptional services. The company offers professional plumbing and drainage services that will meet and surpass your expectations.
