How to Unclog a Sink: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on July 7, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Have you ever been in the middle of a kitchen task only to find your sink clogged and unusable? We’ve all been there. Clogged sinks can be an annoying problem, but fortunately they’re usually easy to fix. In this bog post, we’ll show you how to unclog a sink drain step-by-step so that you can get back to your regular routine in no time.

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How to Avoid Clogging a Sink Drain

Clogging a sink drain is one of the most common household problems, and it can cause a lot of inconvenience and even costly repairs. However, it is easy to avoid this issue with proper drain maintenance. Firstly, make sure to dispose of food scraps and excess grease in the trash, rather than pouring them down the drain. Additionally, use a hair catcher in the bathroom sink to prevent hair buildup in the drain. Regularly flushing the drain with hot water and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help dissolve any buildup. By following these tips, you can keep your sink drain running smoothly and avoid the frustration and expense of a clogged sink. Now let’s talk about how to unclog a backed up sink drain!

Easy Guide to Unclogging a Sink Drain

Step 1: Supplies You’ll Need

The first step in unclogging a sink is gathering the right supplies. You’ll need a plunger, either a pair of pliers or an auger, and some type of drain cle a ner. Make sure you have all the necessary items before starting your project so that you don’t have to make multiple trips to the store.

Step 2: Preparation

Once you have all your materials on hand, it’s time to prepare for the job. If possible, clear out any dishes or other objects from around the sink so they won’t get wet during the process. Next, fill up the sink with about 4 inches of hot water and place the plunger over the drain opening.

Step 3: Plunge Away

Once you have the p lunger in place, it’s time to start plunging. Push down on the handle with a steady, consistent force for about 30 seconds or until you feel resistance. This will help push any debris down the drain and clear out the clog. You may need to repeat this step several times before moving on.

Step 4: Use an Auger or Pliers

If plunging doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to move on to more aggressive methods. If you have an auger (sometimes called a “snake”), then you can use this tool to reach further down the drain and break up stubborn clogs. If you don’t have an auger, then you can also try using pliers or another type of heavy-duty tool to manipulate whatever is blocking the drain.

Step 5: Contact a Licensed Plumber

If all else fails, do not use a chemical drain cleaner. Instead, call a licensed and insured plumber for professional drain clearing and drain cleaning services. They have the proper tools, equipment, resources, and training to get the job done swiftly, and without making a huge mess.

Say Goodbye to Clogged Sink Problems From Now On!

Following these steps should help you unclog your sink effectively and quickly. If the clog persists or the drain continues to back up, contact a professional plumber for assistance. With their expertise, they can get your sink working again in no time.

Is your drain problem too big for you to tackle alone? No problem at all! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed and insured plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers serve residential and commercial clients.

Does Your Kitchen Sink Drain Too Slowly?

Posted on September 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

If your kitchen sink starts to have issues, especially when it comes to poor drainage, it can truly put a dent in your daily household flow. Slow-draining kitchen sinks are among the most common kitchen plumbing problems expressed by homeowners and homemakers. Fortunately, there are a few quick and easy solutions for fixing a kitchen sink that doesn’t drain as quickly as it used to. These solutions could save you money on future problems and repair costs, as well as, eliminate time wasted waiting for a local plumber to arrive.

Continue reading to learn how to combat a slow-draining kitchen sink, and which plumbing company to trust for prompt and professional service.

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Gather All Necessary Materials and Supplies

First, collect all the necessary ingredients you will need to unclog or clear a kitchen sink that doesn’t want to drain fast enough. You will need a pot to boil water, baking soda, and distilled white vinegar. Start by boiling 6 cups of water. While the water reaches a boil, proceed to dump one cup baking soda down the drain. Follow this step by pouring one cup of vinegar down the drain. When the drain stops fizzing, pour in the boiling water.

To entirely eliminate any blockage, continue to run hot water down the drain through the faucet. Although the initial rinse of boiling water is enough the wash away the blockage, vinegar, and baking soda, it is best to complete the job with an additional hot water flush. Now simply check to see if the drain is flowing again. If not, you might need to try a more aggressive approach to drain cleaners.

How to Beat Tougher Clogs

For tougher clogs, a store-bought enzyme cleanser may be necessary. Although a more aggressive approach, enzyme cleaners are not made with harsh toxic chemicals. In fact, they are chemical-free cleaners made from bacteria cultures. These bacteria cultures flow through drains and pipes, feeding on all the organic material causing the blockage. This includes mold, mildew, food, grease, hair, and anything else that is organic in nature.

It takes a little more time for an enzyme drain cleanser to take effect because they do not contain any chemicals that are manufactured to help speed up the process. After dispensing it down the kitchen drain, flush with hot water for several minutes, and then refrain from using the sink for two to three hours. Keep in mind you may need to use a snake, plunger, or other plumbing device to finish the unclogging process.

Take on the Plunge Challenge for Persistent Clogging

Sometimes, a more “hands-on” approach is the best method to unclogging a kitchen sink. This method only involves a plunger and your own manual power. You have to position the plunger on top of the drain, the fill the sink with water only enough to cover the rubber. Now you are ready to start plunging up and down in a consistent and steady fashion. Repeat as needed to unclog a slow-draining kitchen sink.

When Your Kitchen Sink Still Has Issues Contact a Local Plumber in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed kitchen plumbing services in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink

Posted on January 8, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

One of the most common plumbing problems is a slow draining sink. Although common and quite obnoxious, you’ll be happy to discover that this issue is relatively easy to fix. Even with little to no handiwork experience, it is very likely that you can take on the problem all by yourself.

Continue reading to learn what you need and how to get started!

The first step to determining how to fix a slow draining sink is to figure out what is causing the drain obstruction. There are many circumstances that can cause a sink to drain slowly, namely large blockages. Debris like hair, soap residue, food, garbage, and other items can accumulate or get stuck in the drain, which is often the reason why it drains slowly. To learn what’s causing your slow draining sink, you will need to gather some specific supplies. Then to fix your slow draining sink, you will need some more supplies.

Here is What You Will Need:

→ Drain Cleaner (store-bought or homemade; see below)

→ Drain Snake/Auger

→ Plunger

→ Pipe Cleaners

→ Garbage Can or Trash Bag

→ Adjustable Wrench

How to Get Started:

First, use your auger or drain snake tool to clear out any loose debris from the drain. Simply follow the manufacturers’ instructions for using a drain auger. Insert the drain snake deep into the drain, give it a twist, and then slowly pull it out. You will see a lot of nasty residue, hair, dental floss, and other items that have made it down the drain recently.

If you cannot fit your auger into the drain well enough because it has a pop-up (cap-like cover) on top of it, you can remove the pop up and continue cleaning your drain. In fact, even if the auger fits with the pop-up attached, it is better to remove it to begin with in order to get a more thorough clean. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that connects the pop-up cap to the drain.

If there still seems to be an obstruction of sorts, resort to using your plunger. A plunger will help to dislodge any hair balls or heavy soap buildups, and allow better results with a drain auger and cleaner. Just give your drain a few pumps with the plunger, and work the auger in between. You may need to repeat this step a few times.

Next, you want to use your drain cleaner. You can use a homemade drain cleaning solution, or a store-bought cleaner. See our article, “Homemade Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions for Drains and More” to learn how to make your own.

After you have cleaned out any drain obstructions, you are likely done. However, if your sink drain is still draining slowly after the above steps, move onto the sink overflow opening. This is the small round hole in the face of the sink, just below the faucet. The sink overflow opening can sometimes get obstructed with soap residue and other types of sink debris. Use pipe cleaners or another similar, non-abrasive tool to reach inside the opening and pull out (or loosen) any obstructing debris.

Preventing Drain Issues

The only way to prevent a drain blockage in the future is to routinely clean out your sink and shower drains. Regularly use drain cleaner, and periodically snake your drains using a drain auger. Also, be sure to be responsible with your sink drains to prevent other issues. See our article, “Never Put These Items Down the Sink Drain!” to learn more.

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing service and installation at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.