How to unplugged my sinc?

Sara
by Sara
  9 answers
  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Apr 27, 2020

    Many options. The most likely clog is in the P-trap in the drain. Hair and grease can make a clog. The P-trap is the water trap below the sink where it transitions to the wall. Put a bucket or pan under it and loosen the nut at each end of the P-trap. They normally are only hand tight. With those loose you can slide the trap down into your bucket to catch the water and goop. Dump everything into the bucket and flush it out. REMEMBER NOT TO USE WATER IN THIS SINK - YOU DON'T HAVE A DRAIN. Reassemble and start using the sink. Run some water into the sink and ensure there are no leaks at the P-trap.


    Another trouble spot can be at the pop up stopper connection if a lot of hair has been caught. The rod that operates the stopper is connected to a rod that penetrates the pipe and holds the bottom of the stopper. There is a nut at the pipe. Loosen that nut pull out the rod (you may need to disconnect the vertical rod from the horizontal rod) and clean that. You can also lift the stopper out and clean it. Put everything back together.

  • Oliva Oliva on Apr 27, 2020

    If you're sure that you can't disconnect the drain pipe below the sink, try placing 2 cups baking soda and 2 cups white distilled vinegar into the sink drain ( or near as possible). The vinegar will foam quite a bit. Let this set for 1 hour, then carefully and slowly pour a 4 quart saucepan full of boiling water over the drain area, to see if there's any change. You may need to try this several times.

    Clogged sinks are generally a result of hair, grease, or soap build up. If you're using bar soap with oils or lotions, try switching to a liquid hand soap. If you haven't already used a drain cover when washing your hair, purchase one to fit atop your drain. If anyone is tossing grease down your sink, they need to stop it, immediately. Despite running hot water while disposing of grease down a drain, it will not prevent eventual clogging of the drain.

    If you can't open the drain through repeated efforts of baking soda, vinegar, hot water, you'll most likely need to use a plunger or an auger, available at hardware and home stores.


  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Apr 27, 2020

    There are also commercial drain cleaners available (Draino, Mr Plumber). You can also get a short drain cleaning snake at the home center. It is pushed down the drain until it gets to the trap and grabs onto the clog and pulled up. My wife did that in her sink after trying other methods of unclogging.

  • Sara Sara on Apr 27, 2020

    Again, thanks!!

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 27, 2020

    Underneath is a hook pipe. It will turn and come off that's usually most of the problem or put a cup of baking soda in your drain. Add a cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes and then pour boiling water down drain. this usually works for me.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 27, 2020

    Remove as much as possible with a snake or drain cleaning tool. Pour ½ cup baking soda then ½ cup white vinegar in the drain and cover, letting sit for 20 minutes. Boil water, remove cover, and pour water down the drain. You may have to repeat the process.

  • Sara Sara on Apr 27, 2020

    Thank you Kathy! I definitely will try it!