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Are you struggling to fix your clogged sink? Whether you’re dealing with food buildup in your kitchen sink drain or hair stuck in your bathroom sink drain, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that all homeowners deal with at some point.

In this blog, we’ll review some DIY tips for homeowners who can’t fix a clogged sink. We’ll also cover when it’s time to turn to a pro and reveal why you shouldn’t use chemical drain cleaners. Finally, we’ll briefly cover drain clearing, drain cleaning, and no-dig sewer repair.

Methods for Fixing a Clogged Sink

You may be able to fix drain clogs yourself if the problem is confined to specific fixtures, such as a sink drain or a toilet. If your bathroom sink is clogged, it’s not likely to affect your dishwasher or washing machine.

Plunge It

This is often the quickest fix. To use your plunger, position the rubber cup fully over the drain opening to create a tight seal. Then, push down forcefully and pull up with a quick, vigorous motion. This will create suction and dislodge the clog.

If you have a double sink, cover the drain on the opposite side. Sometimes, pressure generated by the plunger causes water or debris to shoot out of the other drain.

Snake It

Use a simple plastic drain snake to remove hair and other materials clogging your sink. These “snakes” are available at all hardware and big box stores. If the clog is too deep in your plumbing system for the snake to reach, you will likely need help from a professional plumber.

Boiling Water

First, if you have standing water in the sink, remove as much as possible with a bucket or other container. Second, pour a stock pot or coffee pot of boiling water directly into the drain. Repeat while removing removing standing water as necessary.

If this doesn’t work, remove standing water and pour salt into the drain. Let it sit then clear it with another pot of hot water.

Clean the P-Trap

In the cabinet below the sink, you’ll find a P-trap in the curve of the sink’s drainpipe. Put a bucket underneath it and unfasten the P-trap from the drainpipe. Clean it and return it. If the clog is past the P-trap, try inserting the snake here.

Drain Unclogging Methods To Avoid

You might be tempted to try products that are supposed to quickly unclog your drains. However, these products often do more harm than good. They can cause harmful chemicals to leach into your water or cause your pipes to crack and erode.

When You Need a Pro to Fix a Clogged Sink

Call a professional if:

• All your drains are affected
• Water is going down one drain and back up another
• DIY methods have not been enough to unclog your drain

These signs indicate a main drain line issue that requires professional attention.

For simple clogs, plumbers use industrial snaking tools to target specific pipes, break up clogs, and let water flow freely through your plumbing. If your main sewer line is clogged, your whole home feels the effects, and you will need professional clogged drain repair.

How to Prevent Clogs in Your Sink

The best way to prevent smelly drains and accompanying clogs is to avoid the accumulation of sludge in the first place by practicing good “drain hygiene.” This blog post contains some helpful tips for preventing clogs in the first place.

Contact Apollo Home for Clogged Sink Services

If you need help fixing a clogged sink anywhere in your home, call Apollo Home today at (513) 613-4506. It doesn’t take much water to create thousands of dollars of water damage. Learn how we can help solve your slow drainage problems before the problem spirals out of control. Our team of licensed plumbers travels throughout the Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area to serve you.