So many things can cause clogs in
bathtub and sink drains, one of the most common being hair.
However, as we all know, sometimes things fall down drains, like
toothpaste caps, hairpins, and yes, even marbles. In kitchen sinks,
the most common culprit of a clogged drain is grease buildup or
food scraps, especially if you don't have a garbage disposal. While
in many cases, drain cleaner and a good plunger will remedy the
problem, there are times when an auger, or snake, must be used.
When that fails, you may need to get out the monkey wrench and actually
remove the trap from the clogged drain.To unclog a kitchen or bathroom sink
drain, carefully read the following steps in order to avoid
pushing clogs further into the drain lines, and avoid a call to
the plumber. Before you get started, you'll need a plunger and some
rags. If possible, have a snake on hand. Augers, or snakes, can
be purchased for under $40 at your local hardware store, and if
you're a homeowner, one should be a part of your basic tool collection.
Step One: Fill the clogged sink with
about 4 inches of water. You may not need to do this if your sink
is already backed up! If it's a double sink, as found in most kitchens,
fill the other side as well.
Step Two: If possible, have someone
hold a rag or the stopper over the drain of the unclogged
side of the sink to help provide pressure.
Step Three: Get ready, set,
and plunge! Use powerful, sharp downward strokes, and pump 10-12
times, fast. Then, lift the plunger and see what happens. You may
have to do this a couple of times. If that doesn't work, proceed
to Step Four.
Step Four: You may have to use the
snake to clear your pipes. To do this, you'll have to remove the
trap, the U-shaped bend in the drain, underneath the sink. Use a
monkey wrench to loosen the lug nut on each end of the trap. Make
sure you place a bucket underneath to catch water. If you're lucky,
the clog will be trapped in the trap. If so, clean out and reattach,
placing plumbers tape or putty on the threaded sides of the pipe
before reattaching.
Step Five: If the clog is not located
in the trap, loosen the screw on top of the auger, or snake, and
pull out about 8-12 inches of cable. Insert the snake into the pipe
going into the wall, tighten the screw and turn the hand crank in
a clockwise direction to feed additional cable into the drain.
If you feel resistance, pull out the snake and see if you've caught
the clog on the end of the cable. Repeat as necessary.
If nothing else works, call the plumber,
but in most cases, if you don't mind getting a little dirty, homeowners
are able to remove minor clogs themselves.
