Как прочистить засор в раковине самостоятельно: 15 способов пробить в домашних условиях

Что делать, если забилась раковина на кухне: виды засоров, как прочистить

У каждого из нас кухня ассоциируется не только с холодильником и плитой, но и раковиной, которая является ее обязательным атрибутом. Это очень важный функциональный элемент интерьера, предназначенный для мытья фруктов и овощей, рыбы и мяса, а также посуды и кухонной утвари. Но раковина эффективно выполняет свою функцию лишь до определенного момента, пока не забьётся ее сливное отверстие.

Хотя появление засора в сливной системе очень неприятно, оказавшись в подобной ситуации, владельцу ничего не остается другого, как засучить рукава и заняться прочисткой раковины.

Засорилась раковина на кухне: что делать?

Кухонная раковина, как и любое другое сантехническое изделие, которая активно эксплуатируется, требует специального ухода. Иначе в самый неожиданный момент она забивается. После появления засора мойке уже непригодна для использования, поскольку вода скапливается в чаше раковины и не уходит дальше по канализации. Однако это не означает, что нужно срочно вызывать специалиста. Устранить засор можно и своими силами, тем самым сэкономив на оплате услуг сантехника.

Для начала вам следует узнать, что засоры в раковине на кухне бывают нескольких видов:

• Эксплуатационные. Если за мойкой не ухаживать соответствующим образом, то в ней возникает такой засор. Его появлению способствует длительное накапливание на стенках труб налета жира, грязи, пищевых отходов и разнообразного мусора.
• Механические. Подобные засоры менее распространены, однако справиться с ними гораздо сложнее. Появляются они, как правило, в результате проникновения в сливную трубу крупного мусора.
• Технические. Засоры этого вида являются наиболее сложными, и устранить их не поможет даже традиционная прочистка. Единственный выход — полностью поменять сливную систему. Появление таких засоров вызывает неисправная система слива, использование бракованных сантехнических элементов или неправильно выполненный монтаж.

Обычно устранить засоры первых двух видов хозяйка может своими силами. Что же касается технических, то здесь владельцу придется обращаться за помощью к специалисту.

Прочистка раковины вантузом

Чаще всего для борьбы с засорами владельцы используют вантуз. Каждый из нас, конечно, знает, как выглядит это приспособление. Вантуз имеет довольно простое устройство и выглядит как деревянная палка, на конце которой закреплен резиновый колпак.

Достаточно простым является и принцип работы вантуза:

• Основным рабочим элементом является резиновый колпак, который создает герметичное сцепление вантуза с поверхностью раковины;
• Удаление засора осуществляется за счет совершения поступательных силовых движений ручкой инструмента, в результате в системе возникает эффект гидроудара;
• Благодаря воздействию гидроудара грязь и налет начинают перемещаться по пространству сифона или колена, постепенно поднимаются до уровня канализационных труб;
• После успешной прочистки сливной трубы мусор уносится водой дальше по канализационной системе.

Вантуз представляется достаточно простым в работе приспособлением, позволяющим с его помощью каждому человеку прочистить сливное отверстие. Достаточно совершить пару движений, и довольно скоро все скопившаяся вода покинет мойку и направится в канализацию, образуя в раковине водную воронку.

Советы по работе вантузом

• Для устранения засора в раковине вантуз устанавливают на поверхность мойки. Можно предварительно смазать край колпака кремом. Это улучшит сцепление вантуза с поверхностью раковины.
• Теперь нужно наполнить раковину водой в таком количестве, чтобы она полностью покрыла резиновый колпак.
• Начинайте совершать поступательные движения, оказывая на рукоятку усилие руками.
• Приподнимите вантуз. Если засор оказался небольшой, то вода легко уйдет.

Если первая попытка по устранению засора оказалась неудачной, то нужно проделать следующее:

• Приготовьте средство из половины стакана соды и такого же количества соли, все перемешайте и высыпьте в сливное отверстие;
• Теперь туда нужно вылить стакан горячей воды;
• Подождите 15 минут;
• Воспользуйтесь вантузом, совершая привычные действия согласно вышеприведенной инструкции.

В некоторых случаях во время прочистки сливного отверстия раковины на ее поверхность могут выйти частицы мусора или ила. Сразу же удалите их, чтобы не произошло повторного засорения.

Народные средства для прочистки раковины

Если причиной засора являются скопления на стенках трубы жира и мелких фракций пищевых отходов, то прочистить сливное отверстие можно без использования вантуза. В этом случае используются подручные средства, которые можно найти на любой кухне.

Удаляем засоры содой

В борьбе с эксплуатационными засорами вам может помочь обычная сода:

• Возьмите стакан соды и высыпьте ее в сливное отверстие;
• Теперь добавьте туда стакан уксуса, который усилит действие соды;
• Подождите 15 минут, чтобы завершилась химическая реакция;
• Вылейте стакан горячего кипятка, а затем откройте кран и дайте водопроводной воде «пробежать».

Усилить действие соды можно, если к ней добавить стиральный порошок или отбеливатель в количестве 5 столовых ложек. Для лучшего эффекта можно вылить в сливное отверстие не кипяток, а свежий картофельный отвар. Он поможет устранить неприятный запах канализации.

Также вместо соды можно использовать антипохмельные таблетки «Алка-зельтцер». Их применяют по аналогии с содой и уксусом. С помощью таблеток можно устранить засор в трубе, а вдобавок к этому убрать неприятный запах скопившихся в сливном отверстии отложений.

Вышеперечисленные средства эффективны не только в качестве средства для борьбы за ссорами, но и для предупреждения их появления.

Химические средства для прочистки раковины

Для удаления засоров в трубах на кухне можно использовать не только соду и уксус, но и разнообразные химические препараты, которые можно найти в магазинах бытовой химии. Чаще всего они предлагаются в трех вариантах: жидком, порошкообразном или гранулированном. Главным их действующим компонентом является агрессивная щелочная или кислотная составляющая.

Для устранения засора в трубах с помощью средств бытовой химии вам необходимо проделать следующее:

• Приготовьте небольшое количество кипятка и вылейте в сливное отверстие.
• Теперь туда добавьте средство для прочистки и подождите два-три часа.
• В завершение предполагаемый участок засоренной канализации пролить большим количеством холодной воды.

Очень эффективно использовать химические средства для прочистки металлических труб, поскольку они не только помогают устранить засоры, но и удаляют ржавчину со стенок.

Однако во время использования химических препаратов обязательно соблюдайте правила безопасности. Не допускайте попадания агрессивных веществ на кожу или слизистую, иначе это может привести к появлению химического ожога. Для защиты открытых участков тела используйте перчатки и следите за тем, чтобы средство сильно не разбрызгивалось.

Прочистка слива механическими способами

Не всегда вантуз, народные и специальные химические средства помогают устранить засор. В этом случае приходится обращаться к радикальным мерам. Одним из возможных решений может быть использование сантехнического крючка или троса, а также моющего пылесоса.

Если вы выбрали последний вариант, то вам потребуется специальная насадка. Выглядит она как колпак вантуза. Для удаления засора насадку нужно прислонить к сливному отверстию, а затем включить пылесос, выбрав для него режим работы на выдув. Как правило, технике требуется не более пары секунд на то, чтобы восстановить правильную работу канализации. Также вам может помочь справиться с засорами и домашняя автомобильная мини-мойка. Вне зависимости от того, как именно вы решили бороться с засорами, после их устранения обязательно пролейте сливное отверстие холодной водой.

Если вы решили использовать сантехнический крючок или трос, то хочется вас предостеречь от совершения слишком резких действий. Так вы рискуете повредить сифон и трубы.

Для безопасного выполнения этой операции придерживайтесь следующей инструкции:

• Опустите трос в сливное отверстие, насколько хватит его длины, пока не нащупаете в трубе пробку мусора.
• Теперь попробуйте пробиться сквозь пробку. Для этого поворачивайте трос в трубе и одновременно совершайте толкательные движения.
• После успешного устранения засора откройте кран с холодной водой и дайте ей «пробежать».

Иногда может потребоваться разобрать полностью всю конструкцию сифона и прочистить в отдельности каждый из его элементов. Но прежде чем вы приступите к этой несложной операции, вы должны учесть, что в сифоне обязательно останется вода, источающая не самые приятные ароматы. Поэтому подготовьте какую-нибудь емкость, чтобы вылить туда зловонную жидкость.

Профилактика засоров раковины

Чтобы вам не приходилось слишком часто заниматься прочисткой труб на кухне, необходимо регулярно проводить профилактические мероприятия.

• Самая простая рекомендация предлагает установить на сливное отверстие специальную съемную мелкофракционную решетку.
• Прежде чем отправить посуду в раковину, вначале удалите с поверхности остатки пищи и жира салфеткой.
• Используйте для мытья посуды жирорасщепляющие средства.
• Возьмите за правило регулярно проливать сливное отверстие кипятком.
• Не реже одного раза в неделю проводите профилактическую прочистку раковины, используя приведенные выше народные средства.

Заключение

Слив раковины может засориться в самый неожиданный момент, и в этом мало приятного. Однако вам придется меньше беспокоиться по этому поводу, если вы заранее позаботитесь о том, чтобы этого не произошло. В этом вам помогут помочь народные средства по предотвращению засоров труб, которые можно найти на каждой кухне. Имейте в виду, что это всё равно не гарантирует, что раковина всегда будет исправно работать. Поэтому на такой случай у вас должны быть наготове специальные средства – вантуз, уксус и химические средства по устранению засора в сливном отверстии. С ними вы легко устраните засор в сливе и сможете дальше пользоваться раковиной на кухне.

90000 How to unblock a sink 90001 A blocked sink in your kitchen or bathroom can be an inconvenient and often smelly nightmare, leaving you tempted to give an emergency plumber a call. If, however, you want to save yourself a pretty penny, the best sink unblocker is actually a combination of know-how, patience and good old fashioned elbow grease! 90002 90003 90002 So if you’ve got the elbows and the patience, we’ve got the know-how for you below — including how to unblock a sink without a plunger.But if you do have one handy … 90003 90002 90003 90008 Unblocking a sink with a plunger 90009 90002 Unblocking a sink with a plunger is the easiest way to clear a blockage. Here are the tools you’ll need to get the job done: 90003 90012 90013 A plunger (cup-shaped) 90014 90013 A limescale cleaning product 90014 90013 A sponge 90014 90013 Duct tape (or an old dishcloth) 90014 90013 A large towel 90014 90013 A cup or beaker 90014 90025 90002 90003 90008 Step 1: Drain the sink of any water 90009 90002 If the sink is half-filled with water that will not drain, remove and dispose of the excess water using the cup.The goal is to have a reasonably water-free sink basin so we can get started 90003 90002 90003 90008 Step 2: Seal the sink overflow 90009 90002 Wipe the area around the overflow (the hole just under the taps) using the towel or some tissue to remove any moisture. Now seal the overflow using the duct tape, or stuff it with the dishcloth to create an airtight seal. 90003 90002 90003 90008 Step 3: Cover the floor with a towel 90009 90002 Lay the towel down on the floor around the foot of the sink basin to catch any water that might spill over the edge.90003 90002 90003 90008 Step 4: Clean the plughole 90009 90002 Unscrew and remove the plughole so you can thoroughly clean it using the limescale remover and sponge. Have a peek down the plughole to see if you can see any obvious blockages that you can remove by hand. 90003 90002 Once the area is clean, replace the plughole and wipe away any moisture. If you did remove a blockage, try running the taps to see if the sink drains properly. 90003 90002 90053 Read this article to find out how to get rid of damp, mould and limescale at home 90054 90003 90008 Step 5: Take the plunge! 90009 90002 Place the bottom of the plunger over the plughole and press down firmly.Run the taps for a few seconds until you’ve got a couple of inches of lukewarm water around the plungers seal. 90003 90002 Now, grip the handle of the plunger with both hands and pump it up and down vigorously to create suction. With a bit of luck, you’ll dislodge the blockage and receive a volley of contented gurgling from the grateful sink. If this does not work and the blockage persists, move on to the tips below. 90003 90008 How to unblock a sink without a plunger 90009 90002 If the plunger has not done the trick, or if you have not managed to get your hands on one, the following DIY tips using common household items are worth giving a try.90003 90002 For all of the following tips ensure your sink is free of water so you have unobstructed access to the plughole. You’ll also need to boil a kettle of water to help flush away the blockage. 90003 90068 1. Bicarbonate of soda (or baking powder) and white vinegar 90069 90002 The great thing about this solution is that you most likely have both of these items in your kitchen cupboards. Even if you do not, you can pick both of them up for next to nothing at your local shop. 90003 90002 All you need to do is pop a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda down the plughole and chase it with a cup of white vinegar.Leave it for about five minutes and then try flushing the blockage with the hot kettle water. 90003 90068 2. Washing powder (biological) 90069 90002 This is very similar to the above method and a great way to clear oily blockages, such as chip fat or other greasy substances that should not be down the sink. 90003 90002 Just pop two tablespoons of washing powder down the plughole and immediately chase it with the entire kettle of hot water. This trick can also be carried out using soda crystals instead of the washing powder.90003 90068 3. Alka Seltzers and white vinegar 90069 90002 This is less effective than the above methods, but still worth trying. Just add a couple of tablets (or teaspoons if you have the powder version) down the sink. Then immediately chase it down with a cup of white vinegar. Give it a few minutes to work its magic and then pour down the whole kettle of boiling water. 90003 90068 4. Use a wire or tool to poke / pull out the blockage 90069 90002 For this, you’ll need some flexible drain-unblocking wire from your local hardware store, or a DIY alternative, such as net curtain wire or a metal coat hanger.Feed the wire down the plug hole until you encounter resistance from the blockage. Apply careful but gradual pressure until the blockage is successfully dislodged. 90003 90002 90053 Important tip: 90054 Do not turn the pipe anticlockwise when using these items as you could unscrew the pipe, resulting in a flood. 90003 90068 5. Use a blast of water 90069 90002 If you have an empty plastic bottle lying around (2-litre soft drink bottles work best) then you can try using water pressure to clear the blockage.Just fill the bottle with warm water and place the open end down the plughole. At the same time, quickly squeeze the bottle hard to force the water out of the bottle and down the drain. With a bit of luck, the highpressure blast of water will be enough to clear the blockage. 90003 90068 6. ​​Use a natural drain cleaner 90069 90002 A natural drain cleaner is very effective against organic matter, such as fat buildups, grease and even hair. Natural drain cleaner is usually enzymatic — which means that it’s kinder to the environment than bleach or other harsher chemicals such as caustic soda.90003 90068 7. Bleach and hot water 90069 90002 We recommend trying this as a last resort as bleach is quite a corrosive substance. You probably do not need the safety lecture but just in case, please ensure you always wear protective gloves and avoid getting bleach in your eyes or breathing in the fumes. Once you’re sorted with the precautions, pour about a cupful of bleach down the sink and then slowly pour in hot water from the kettle to flush it down. 90003 90002 90003 90002 And if none of those work… 90003 90002 90003 90008 How to unblock the u-bend 90009 90002 If none of the above tips have worked then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and take the fight directly to the blockage. If, at this point, you feel nervous about fiddling with your pipes and want to call a plumber then that’s entirely understandable. 90003 90002 However, we assure you this is a pretty easy job to carry out yourself. You just need to be prepared to get a little wet. A strong stomach helps too, as that blockage is not going to smell very good… 90003 90002 You’ll need the following items to get the job done: 90003 90012 90013 An adjustable wrench 90014 90013 Rubber gloves 90014 90013 Antibacterial cleaner 90014 90013 Sponge 90014 90013 A bucket 90014 90013 Towels 90014 90025 90068 1. Start off with a little preparation 90069 90002 First of all get yourself changed into some clothes that you do not mind getting wet. This is going to be a particularly messy job, so do not do it in your Sunday best and make sure you wear your rubber gloves.90003 90002 Next, lay down some towels under the sink to soak up any excess water. Remember to save one of the towels for yourself as a headrest, as you’ll most likely be under the sink for a while. Finally, place the bucket down under the u-bend. 90003 90002 90053 Trouble in the loo? How to unblock a toilet 90054 90003 90068 2. Remove the u-bend 90069 90002 Slowly unscrew the threaded caps from each side of the u-bend using your wrench and direct any rush of water into the bucket.If the threaded caps are rigid (due to age) you can use a spray of WD40 or similar lubricant to loosen them. 90003 90002 Ideally, you want to take the u-bend to another sink or an outside area where you can flush it clean with water. At this point use the antibacterial spray and sponge to clean the u-bend thoroughly, as bacteria has most likely been lurking in there for a while. 90003 90068 3. Re-attach the u-bend 90069 90002 Re-attach the u-bend using the wrench and test that you’ve sealed it correctly by running the cold tap slowly.Hopefully, you will not have any leaks and you can then remove the towels and bucket. If you do notice a leak, try detaching and reattaching the u-bend again. 90003 90068 4. Test that you’ve cleared the blockage 90069 90002 Run the cold tap again to see if the sink is draining correctly. 90003 90002 90003 90008 What to do if your sink is still blocked 90009 90002 If at this point the sink is still blocked you may need to concede defeat and 90053 call in the professionals 90054.Do not be disheartened though. In most cases, if the above methods have not worked then it could be a sign of a deeper issue that needs to be rectified as soon as possible. 90003 90068 Common causes of blocked sinks 90069 90002 It’s important to remember that your sink is designed to drain liquids rather than solids. So to avoid future blockages you should resist the temptation to put the following down your plughole: 90003 90002 90003 90012 90013 90002 Tissues (including toilet tissue) 90003 90014 90013 90002 Food (even those little bits of carrot or pet food) 90003 90014 90013 90002 Cotton wool and cotton buds 90003 90014 90013 90002 Cigarettes and cigarette ash 90003 90014 90013 90002 Paper, plastic and cardboard (including straws) 90003 90014 90013 90002 Large quantities of fat (such as chip fat) 90003 90014 90025 90002 Essentially, if it’s not a liquid, it does not belong down your plughole.If you want to keep your drains clean and maintain a healthy drainage system, then prevention is the best cure. 90003 90002 90003 .90000 How to Unclog the Bathroom Sink 90001 90002 How to Unclog a Teenage Girl’s Bathroom Sink 90003 90004 I am the proud father of twin girls who recently managed to survive their teenage years and make it through to twenty. Throughout those twenty years, I’ve had to contend with many things plugging up the bathroom sink ranging from pencils and hair to some very unsanitary objects that will not be mentioned here! 90005 90004 Suffice to say that I’ve had to come up with some pretty unique ways to unclog a bathroom sink.Some of the tools I have used over the years are: 90005 90008 90009 90010 Toothbrush: 90011 Very handy once you’ve removed the siphon (or p-trap). 90012 90009 90010 Broken wire hanger: 90011 Great for grabbing wads of hair and other clogs from the piping. 90012 90009 90010 Wrench (or spanner): 90011 No, not used to bang the piping in frustration, but used to remove the siphon. 90012 90009 90010 My hand: 90011 As yucky as it can get, sometimes sticking your finger into the pipes near the siphon is the best way to remove much of the gunk coating the pipes.90012 90009 90010 A paper clip: 90011 Brilliant if you want to grab some of the hair right at the top of the drain! 90012 90029 90004 Luckily for you, I happen to have a clogged bathroom sink all ready to be unclogged, so I can actually show you how to safely unclog your sink without damaging your bathroom, your ego or in extreme cases your marriage! 90005 90002 Drano Snake Plus 90003 90004 While the method I show is a useful one and does unclog the sink very well, you may not actually have to remove the siphon to rid yourself of the dreaded hair blockage.The Drano Snake Plus is a superb tool that removes the need for advanced plumbing techniques! 90005 90004 Not only will you have a clean drain, but you will also avoid injuries caused by trying to squeeze into a cabinet that was designed to hold shampoo, not a human body! 90005 90002 What Causes Clogs? 90003 90004 Clogs are simple build-ups of ‘debris’ in the piping, the clog can be in the siphon, or lateral sections of the pipe and often are hard to clear. A clog is usually made up of congealing soap, grease, toothpaste, and hair, although if you have teenage girls, you’ll probably find a few more items like nail clippings, makeup, hair clips, and other unmentionables will form part of the clog.I have found the bathroom sink clogged more times than I care to remember, but luckily it’s actually taught me a little bit about plumbing! 90005 .90000 Kitchen Sink Not Draining? Here Are 6 ways to Unclog It l HomeServe 90001 90002 90003 90004 90005 90006 There I was, minding my own business, washing the dishes after dinner like I always do. Just moments into scrubbing and rinsing the frying pan, I noticed that the water was not draining from the sink. I checked to see if anything was blocking the drain opening — nothing. I switched on the garbage disposal, but that was only a temporary fix. As I continued washing dishes, the drainage was only getting slower.With a clogged sink on my hands, my after-dinner cleanup was about to get more intense. 90005 90006 I’m sure I’m not the only one to experience the inconvenience of clogged drains. Clogged kitchen sinks are among the most common drainage issues to plague homeowners, largely because food debris and soap residue are nightmares for smooth draining. Thankfully, clogged drains are also one of the easiest home repairs to make on your own. However, before you roll up your sleeves and get into the do-it-yourself spirit, make sure you’re aware of the plumbing myths that could lead you astray.90005 90006 When it comes to the kitchen sink, for instance, do not think Drano and other chemical-based drain cleaners are the easy, go-to fix. The chemicals can sometimes cause more damage to your system, even if the clog seems fixed initially. Plus, backsplash from stubborn blockages could seriously harm your skin and eyes. You can avoid these catastrophes with other clog repair methods, some using common household items and others requiring some straightforward plunger or plumber’s snake action.90005 90006 Do not call the plumber yet! There’s a good chance you can fix the problem yourself with one of these six methods to unclog a kitchen sink: 90005 90006 90015 1. Attack with boiling water 90016 90005 90006 When hair, grease, soap residue and other debris get stuck in your drain, boiling water may be all your pipes needs to loosen the blockage. It’s the simplest fix, which means it should be your first move when trying to unclog a sink. 90005 90006 Easy as 1-2-3, here are the steps to follow: 90005 90022 90023 Bring half a gallon of water to a boil on your stove or use a kettle to heat the water.90024 90023 Pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening. 90024 90023 Turn on the faucet to see if the water drains in a steady fashion. If it’s still draining slowly or standing still in the sink, repeat the process. 90024 90029 90006 Important note: Do not try this method if your drain is attached to PVC pipes, as the boiling water could melt or damage the plastic. 90005 90006 If the boiling water fails to dislodge the clog after the second try, it’s time to move on to another method.Unfortunately, you have yourself a sink clog that’s too stubborn for the simple boiling water approach. 90005 90006 90015 2. Check the garbage disposal 90016 90005 90006 If your sink has a garbage disposal, it could be the culprit of your drainage issues. If the clog is in the disposal, turning it on will usually break up the blockage. Overheated or dysfunctional disposals may not even turn on, but you can activate the reset switch at the side or bottom of the unit for an easy reboot. After resetting the disposal, try turning it on again to clear the clog.90005 90006 If you turn on the disposal and hear a low humming sound, the unit could be jammed or broken. Before doing anything to fix your disposal, remember to disconnect the power to the unit and never — and we mean never — stick your hand in the disposal. From there, you can try to break up the clog in the disposal by turning the blades manually. You can do that by inserting an Allen wrench into the hole on the bottom of the disposal, and twisting until you feel less resistance, meaning the blockage is beginning to break up.If that does not work, follow these tips to unclog your garbage disposal. Once unclogged, turn the power back on and test the disposal. If all looks and sounds good, turn the faucet to see if the sink drainage is back to normal. 90005 90006 Keep in mind that your garbage disposal inspection may not reveal any clogs or issues, in which case you can skip straight to a different unclogging method. 90005 90006 90015 3. Plunge away the blockage 90016 90005 90006 Once you establish that the disposal is not the problem, it’s time to bring out the plunger.But keep in mind: While you can use the toilet plunger if it’s all you have on hand, Dengarden suggested using a flat-bottomed one for the job. With your plunger at the ready, follow these steps: 90005 90022 90023 Fill the sink with hot water until it’s about halfway full and creates a seal around the drain. 90024 90023 Position the plunger over the drain and begin pumping up and down quickly several times. 90024 90023 Remove the plunger and wait to see if the water drains. 90024 90023 Repeat the process until the water drains freely.90024 90029 90006 If the sink still is not draining properly after multiple plunging attempts, you know the drill. Time to try a different method. 90005 90006 90015 4. Break it down with baking soda and vinegar 90016 90005 90006 This approach is a natural alternative to using chemical drain cleaners on clogged drains. Much to your convenience, baking soda and vinegar are also common household items that you’re likely to already have in your kitchen. Follow these steps to let the mixture work its magic: 90005 90022 90023 Remove standing water from the sink with a cup or bowl.90024 90023 Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, using a spatula or spoon to push the powder down the drain if necessary. 90024 90023 Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain opening. 90024 90023 Place a stopper or cover on the drain to seal the opening. 90024 90023 Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. 90024 90023 Remove the cover and run hot tap water down the drain. 90024 90023 Use boiling water to break up more intense clogs. 90024 90029 90006 As with any unclogging method, this natural alternative does not have a 100% success rate.However, if it seems like you’re making progress on the clog after completing the steps, repeat the process to double down on the blockage. 90005 90006 90015 5. Try the plumber’s snake 90016 90005 90006 The clogs that put up a fight will require the strength of a plumber’s snake to battle the blockage. The tool has a coiled spiral snake that reaches down into the drain. Once the snake hits an obstruction, you can crank the handle to dislodge the debris and pull it out of the drain. Electric snakes pack even more power to tackle clogged drains.90005 90006 If you do not have a plumber’s snake, you can create a makeshift one with a wire coat hanger. Simply use a pair of needle-nose pliers to unwind the hanger into a long piece of wire. Keep the hooked end, as this is what you’ll use to grab onto the debris. If necessary, you can use the pliers to adjust the angle of the hook so that it can easily fit through the drain opening. 90005 90006 No matter which tool you’re using, simply feed it down the drain a few feet at a time. Try not to push too roughly, as you might accidentally push the clog further down the pipe.When you feel the tip of your tool hit an obstruction, hook it on and pull the debris up through the drain. Keep doing this until you feel confident that the blockage is gone. Run hot water down the drain to see if you’re right. 90005 90006 90015 6. Clean the P-trap 90016 90005 90006 If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, aka the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.90005 90006 The fix is ​​disassembling the pipe to clean out the gunk that’s causing the blockage. Warning: This task can get a little messy, so you might want to prepare yourself with gloves, goggles and towels. When you’re ready, follow these steps to clean the P-trap: 90005 90022 90023 Place a bucket underneath the pipe. This will catch any backed up water or debris that may fall out when you open the P-trap. 90024 90023 Unscrew the connectors on the trap that hold the curved piece to the vertical and horizontal drain pipe.There should be a slip nut on either end of the P-trap. 90024 90023 Remove the P-trap and clean the pipe of all debris, grime and residue. 90024 90023 Reconnect the trap. 90024 90023 Turn on the faucet to run water down the drain. 90024 90029 90006 If the drainage situation is still not up to par, the clog may be farther up the pipe. Back under the sink you go to find the source of the blockage. Here’s what to do when you get there: 90005 90022 90023 Repeat the steps to remove the P-trap.90024 90023 Remove the horizontal pipe that connects the system to the wall. 90024 90023 Feed a plumber’s snake, auger or coat hanger into the wall pipe. When you feel an obstruction, use your tool to pull the blockage out from the pipe. 90024 90023 Repeat the process until you remove all debris. 90024 90023 Reassemble the pipes and P-trap, tightening the connectors by hand. (Pro tip from Home Depot: Do not over-tighten, as this may cause the connectors to crack.) 90024 90023 Run hot water to flush the drain.90024 90029 90006 Before you celebrate your handiwork, check under the sink while the water’s running to make sure there is not any leaking from the pipes. If you do notice leaks, make sure all the connectors are tightened. Once you’re free from the drips, dry any water spillage from under the sink or on the floor and you’re good to go. 90005 90006 If you’ve made it to this point and your sink still is not draining, there could be a larger issue at play. It’s time to give in and schedule an appointment with a plumber for a professional fix.90005 90006 90015 How to prevent future clogs 90016 90005 90006 Now that your kitchen sink is draining properly again, make sure you’re taking measures to prevent clogs from coming back. The most important preventative measure is refraining from disposing of harmful items down the drain. That includes: 90005 90022 90023 Grease, fats and oils. 90024 90023 Meat. 90024 90023 Coffee grounds. 90024 90023 Egg shells. 90024 90023 Starchy foods, such as pasta, rice or bread.90024 90023 Fruit peels, pits and stickers. 90024 90023 Gum. 90024 90023 Paint. 90024 90023 Paper products, such as paper towels or food wrappers. 90024 90029 90006 Instead, pour cooking grease in an old can and dispose of the container once it’s full. You can add certain waste, including coffee grounds, to mulch or compost piles. 90005 90006 The Home Depot also advised homeowners not to overload the garbage disposal. Try not to grind more than one cup of food waste at a time, and, of course, avoid sending any of the above items to the disposal.Another pro maintenance tip: Create an equal solution of vinegar and water, and freeze the mixture in an ice cube tray. About once a month, grind a few of the cubes down your disposal to scrape away food-waste buildup and keep the unit fresh. Here are more garbage disposal do’s and don’ts to keep your drains clean and clear. 90005 90006 Another good habit for your pipes sake is running hot water down the drain after each sink use to keep everything clear. You might also want to use a drain cover to catch debris before they cause damage in the pipes.90005 While clogged drains are an easy DIY fix, being prepared for serious plumbing troubles before they arise is always a good strategy. See how plans from HomeServe can help with the costs of covered repairs. 90168 .90000 10 Really Easy Ways to Unclog Drains 90001 90002 90003 Wise Bread Picks 90004 We all know the warning signs. The sink takes a little longer to drain. You begin to notice water pooling around your feet in the shower.And the odors. The strange, unpleasant odors. They’re all signs that you may soon be facing a clogged drain. And then one day, boom. Your drain is blocked completely. It’s something you need to deal with quickly, or face the wrath of a burst pipe or a useless bathroom. 90005 90004 So you remove the excess hair and gunk that has built up at the surface of the drain. And nothing happens. You try some liquid plumber. No good. Then, the plunger. But what happens when it does not come to the rescue? Here are 10 ways to deal with the blockages before resorting to that expensive emergency plumber.(See also: 5 Household Fixes You Should Stop Paying Others For) 90005 90008 1. The Bent Wire Hanger 90009 90004 Simple enough, but surprisingly effective. Take a regular wire coat hanger and straighten it out as best you can. Then, bend one end over to create a small hook. Push that past the drain cover and start fishing. You should be able to get all sorts of hair and nasty stuff out of the drain. Remember, you always want to be pulling gunk out, not pushing it further. When you’ve got as much out as you can, run the hot water, and it should clear things up nicely.90005 90008 2. Baking Soda and Vinegar 90009 90004 Mix 1 / 3rd of a cup of baking soda with 1 / 3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. It will fizz immediately, and you should waste no time pouring it down the clogged drain. The fizzing action will help to remove the gunk, hair, and grime that has built up in the pipe. Let it sit for one hour or even overnight if you can. Flush with hot water. Alternatively, get as much of the dry baking soda as you can down the drain first, then pour on the vinegar.(See also: 30 Household Products Vinegar Can Replace) 90005 90008 3. The Wet & Dry Vacuum 90009 90004 If you have a wet & dry shop vacuum, it can become a terrific tool to unclog drains. First, set it to vacuum liquids. Cover up the vent to prevent a mess. Then, create the tightest seal you can over the drain. You may want to get creative and adapt an old plunger head for this purpose. With the vacuum turned on its highest setting, it can be powerful enough to draw the clog up the pipe and into the vacuum bag.It does not always work, but it’s worth a shot. 90005 90008 4. Boiling Water 90009 90004 Tips do not get any easier than this. Put the kettle on (or use the stove or microwave if you do not own a kettle) and boil up as much water as it will hold. Now pour it slowly down the drain in two to three stages, allowing the hot water to work for a several seconds in between each pour. This is usually the easiest and quickest way to unclog a drain. If there’s any water left, congratulate yourself with a cup of tea.90005 90008 5. Caustic Soda 90009 90004 Get some rubber gloves and eye protection. Caustic soda (also known as Sodium Hydroxide) can cause nasty chemical burns. You can pick some up from your local hardware store, but always use caution handling it. Pour 3/4 gallon of cold water into a mop bucket, and then add 3 cups of caustic soda. Stir it well with an old wooden spoon. It will begin to fizz and heat up. Pour it into the clogged drain and leave for 20-30 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water.Repeat if necessary. 90005 90008 6. Cleaning the Pipe 90009 90004 There are some plumbing jobs that I will not do, but this one is easy. First, place an empty bucket underneath the U-shaped pipe (the trap) beneath the sink. The bucket will collect the water that will spill. Using a plumber’s wrench, loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the pipe. You should be able to finish the operation by hand. When the trap is free, remove it and turn it upside down, emptying the contents into the bucket. You may also need to fish around inside it for debris, and do the same with the pipes that were holding it.An old toothbrush is good for getting the tough gunk out. Rinse the trap with water and then put it all back together. In most cases, that will have done the trick. 90005 90008 7. The Drain Snake 90009 90004 This is a fairly low-tech piece of equipment that works wonders. It’s basically a long flexible metal rope with a spiral of metal at the end. The following video shows you just what to do. 90005 90004 90037 90038 90005 90008 8. Salt and Baking Soda 90009 90004 Mix 1/2 cup of table salt with 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour down the blocked drain.Leave it for 10-20 minutes, then pour boiling water down. The salt, baking soda, and boiling water will produce a chemical reaction that should dissolve some of the nastiest blockages. (See also: 27 Uses for Baking Soda) 90005 90008 9. Dish Detergent 90009 90004 If your toilet is clogged, pour 1/4 cup of dish detergent in the bowl. Then boil some water. The dish soap will act as a lubricant and help break up any greasy residue. Then pour the hot water down, and get ready to start plunging. If the plunger does not cut it, rubber gloves may be the next option.90005 90008 10. Baking Soda, Vinegar, Gravity, and Pressure 90009 90004 If your bath drain is clogged, mix up some of the baking soda / vinegar mentioned in tip two. Pour it down the drain, and then place the stopper over it. After 45-60 minutes, fill the bathtub with water. Then, remove the stopper. The pressure of 40-60 gallons of water should be enough to dislodge the blockage that has been loosened by the baking soda and vinegar. You could also try some plunging or the drain snake in conjunction with the weight of the water.90005 90004 Those are 10 quick and easy tips that should help you deal with the most stubborn blockages. Do you have any great tips? Let us know. 90005 90054 Like this article? Pin it! 90055 90004 90005 90004 90059 90005 90004 90005 90004 90005 .