Sink Drains
A stopped sink drain isn’t just an inconvenience; it can sometimes be an emergency.
It’s always best to prevent clogs before they happen. Be alert to the warning sign of a sluggish drain it’s easier to open a drain that’s slowing down than one that’s stopped completely.When it’s too late for preventive medicine, a dose of scalding water – especially effective against grease buildups may be treatment enough.
If not, it could be that something foreign a button, coin, or small utensil has slipped down the drain. To check, remove and thoroughly clean the sink pop-up stopper or strainer.
Often, a clog will be close to the sink. You can determine this by checking the other drains in your home. If more than one won’t clear, something is stuck in the main drain. Otherwise, you’re probably dealing with a clog in the sink trap or drainpipe. The most effective way to clear a clog is with a snake (see facing page). You can try using a plunger or a chemical drain cleaner first; in any case, pay special attention to the cautions on these pages before you begin work.
Clearing Drains with a Plunger
What’s the first reaction to a clog? Reach for the plumber’s helper the plunger. The plunger is a good drain-clearing tool, but it often fails to work because it’s incorrectly used. Don’t make the typical mistake of pumping up and down two or three times, expecting the water to whoosh down the drain.
Though no great expertise is needed to use this simple tool, here are a few tips to guide you:
Choose a plunger with a suction cup large enough to cover the drain opening completely as shown in the drawing at right.
Fill the clogged fixture with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
Coat the rim of the plunger cup with petroleum jelly to ensure a tight seal.
Block off all other outlets (the over-flow, second drain in a double sink, adjacent fixtures) with wet rags.
Insert the plunger into the water at an angle so no air remains trapped under it,
Use 15 to 20 forceful strokes, holding the plunger upright and pumping vigorously
Repeat the plunging two or three times before giving up.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Though routine use of chemical drain cleaners to prevent clogs may eventually damage your pipes (see “Pre-venting Drain Clogs, these cleaners can be helpful in opening clogged drains. If water is draining somewhat but plunging has failed to open the drain completely, you may want to try using a drain cleaner.
Whenever you use chemicals, do so with caution and in a well-ventilated room. Be sure to take these precautions:
Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain; you risk splashing caustic water on your-self.
Wear rubber gloves to prevent the chemical from burning your skin.
Avoid splashing the cleaner.
Don’t use a chemical cleaner if the blockage is total, especially if the
fixture is filled with water. It won’t clear the blockage, and you’ll face
another problem how to get rid of the caustic water.
Never use a chemical cleaner in a garbage disposer.
Read labels and match cleaners with clogs. Alkalis cut grease; acids
dissolve soap and hair.
Don’t mix chemicals. Mixing an acid and an alkali cleaner can cause an explosion.
Don’t look down the drain after pouring in a chemical. The solution
often boils up and gives off toxic fumes.
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