Clogged sinks in the kitchen and bathroom can be fixed without spending a fortune. If you're dealing with a slow drain, these expert tips can help get your sink flowing smoothly again.
Why Does Your Sink Get Clogged?
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Food residue, soap scum, hair, and grease can build up in the pipes, blocking water flow. Regular maintenance can help prevent clogs. Here are some of the best budget-friendly solutions plumbers recommend for unclogging a sink.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
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Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by white vinegar. Let it fizz for five minutes, then rinse with boiling water. This helps dissolve grime and grease.
Washing Soda
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Washing soda can break down grease and soap scum. Pour one cup of washing soda into the drain, wait five minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Dish Soap
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Pour two tablespoons of liquid dish soap down the drain and follow up with boiling water. Repeat as needed to dissolve grease buildup.
Drain Snake
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Insert a drain snake carefully into the pipe, twist the handle, and pull out debris. Repeat until the drain is clear.
Boiling Water
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Pour a large kettle of boiling water down the drain once a week to prevent grease and soap buildup.
Use a Drain Strainer
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A simple drain strainer can catch food scraps and hair before they clog your pipes.
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Sink
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Cooking grease can solidify in the pipes and cause blockages. Instead, pour it into a container and dispose of it properly.
Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum for Stubborn Clogs
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If you have a wet-dry vacuum, try using it to suck out a stubborn clog directly from the drain.
When Nothing Else Works – Chemical Drain Cleaner
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As a last resort, use a chemical drain cleaner, but be cautious, as it can damage pipes over time.
When to Call a Professional
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If none of these methods work or your drain keeps clogging, it may be time to call a plumber for a thorough inspection and cleaning.
Keep Your Sink Clog-Free!
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Use baking soda and vinegar
Flush regularly with boiling water
Use a drain strainer
Avoid grease and food scraps
Use a drain snake for stubborn clogs With these simple tricks, you can keep your sink clean and running smoothly without spending a fortune!