2021-05-20 18:51:15 -0400 | Show
Few things are as bothersome as a sink that won’t drain. Soapy or greasy water standing in your bathtub, kitchen sink or bathroom sink is not a pretty sight, and a slow draining sink means you have a clog to deal with. The good news is that there are numerous strategies you can use to unblock a drain without calling a plumber. Before we look at how to clean bathroom sink drains, let’s explore some of the causes of clogged drains. Common Causes of Blocked DrainsA blocked bathroom sink drain can happen in countless ways. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of clogged drains:
Signs of a Clogged DrainTo know how to clean bathroom sink drains, you need to be aware of the signs of a clogged drain. Here are a few:
How to Unclog Bathroom Sink Drains: Home RemediesUpon noticing signs of a clog, many people immediately run for chemical drain cleaners.
Therefore, before you use chemical cleaners or call a professional plumber, take a look at these DIY, natural drain unclogging techniques: Salt and Hot WaterSalt and hot water are especially effective at clearing clogs caused by soap scum or fat. You can use any kind of salt, including sea salt, kosher salt, and table salt. All you need to do is to pour half a cup of salt down the drain, then flush it with 2 litres of boiling water. The salt acts as a natural scouring agent that clears debris, while the hot water melts the oil and grease clogging the pipes. Hot Water and Liquid Dish DetergentBoil some water, stir in a small portion of natural liquid washing detergent, and then pour it down the drain. The combination of hot water and liquid dish detergent is very effective, especially for clearing fat and grease. For best results, repeat the process several times until the drain is clear. Vinegar and Baking SodaIf hot water fails to clear your drain, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Simply mix 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda in a measuring cup. When the mixture starts fizzing, immediately pour it down the drain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, then flush it out with hot water. PlungerMost American homes have a plunger lying somewhere. If you don’t own one, different types of plungers can be found in any local chain store. The best type of plunger for the bathroom sink is the cup-shaped plunger. Follow these steps for an effective plunge:
Wire HangerA coat hanger can be very useful for removing small objects or hair stuck in bathroom drains.
Drain Cleaning Products for Blocked DrainsAt times, a plunger, wire hanger, hot water, vinegar, and baking soda might not be enough to clear your blocked drains. After a few attempts at unclogging your drains, you might want to try something else. Before hiring a plumber, try one of these drain cleaning products: DRANO Max Gel Clog RemoverSafe for septic and piping systems, this clog remover is a thick gel that goes down the drain to the source of the clog. It melts soap scum and grease, dissolves hair, and clears other gunky clogs. If you have stubborn clogs, use the product twice. DRANO Max Gel is the best solution for clogs in standing water. THRIFT Odorless Drain CleanerTHRIFT works on grease traps, sewer lines, septic systems, and drains. It clears out drains within less than 60 seconds. However, THRIFT does not work for clogs in standing water. Green Gobbler Drain Opening PacsThis biodegradable and environmentally friendly product is effective against hair, grease, toothpaste scum, body oils, and lime build-up. It works for floor drains, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, toilets, showers, and bathroom sinks. All orders come with five hair grabber tools. VASTAR 3 Pack Drain SnakeIdeal for bathrooms and kitchens, this 19.6-inch cleaning tool can easily grab and remove hair and other objects. It is flexible enough to bend in all kinds of pipes and strainers. However, the drain snake can easily break in the drain if not handled properly. Liquid Plumr Clog DestroyerLIQUID PLUMR is specifically designed to eliminate hair clogs. It is safe for drains and pipes as well as septic systems. Wait until all the water drains out of the tub or sink, then pour the thick gel down the drain. Wait for about 15 minutes, and then flush with hot water. For major clogs, you could leave LIQUID PLUMR in the drain overnight. How to Prevent Clogged DrainsClearing blocked drains can be costly and time-consuming. If you learn how to avoid clogged drains and keep your plumbing system in good shape, you’ll save yourself plenty of pain. The following methods can help keep your drains clear and running freely: Lint CatcherLint, facial tissue, bits of fabric, and even a sock could sneak through your washing machine hose and cause clogs in your drain. To prevent such items from going down your drain, place a lint catcher on the end of the hose where water is being discharged. You can purchase mesh lint traps at hardware stores or home centers. Hair CatcherThere are many ways to catch hair before it goes down the drain. One of the most effective hair catchers in the market is TubShroom. Unlike other plugs that go over the drain, this revolutionary drain protector fits inside the drain and collects hair. With its patented and award-winning design, TubShroom catches hair without disrupting the flow of water. It fits any standard 1.5-inch bathroom sink drain or 1.5-inch tub drain. Bacterial Drain CleanerSince bacterial drain cleaners are non-corrosive and biodegradable, they won’t damage your pipes like chemical drain cleaners. When you add bacteria to your drains, it breaks down organic matter and prevents clogging. Drain-cleaning bacteria can be bought in liquid or granular form. Flush Out Your DrainsOnce in a while, fill a large bucket with water and pour it down the drain. This will wash away any debris in your pipes and prevent clogging. Keep Your Drain Clean With TubShroomBlocked bathroom sink drains can be caused by hair, grease, soap scum, and makeup debris. Bad odors, gurgling sounds, and drain flies are some signs that a drain is clogged. Home remedies for clearing such clogs include hot water, wire hangers, plungers, and baking soda. If home remedies don’t work, use products like Drano, Thrift, Green Gobbler, and Liquid Plumr. Are you looking to eliminate plumbing problems and clogged drains for good? Look no further than our complete 'Shroom drain protection line! We have award-winning solutions for every drain in your home. Check out these videos for more information on quick ways to clean your drains.
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