A clogged sink drain is not only a nuisance but also a health hazard. While the plumbing professionals at Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air are available for San Diego drain repair, we’d like to save you the trouble and expense of a drain service call for minor clogs.
San Diego Plumbing – Drain Clog and Repair Tips
Tip 1: Kitchen Drain Repair
Because the most common cause of clogged kitchen drains is grease, the best preventive is to let cooking grease harden and then throw it away; never pour it down the drain. However, if you think grease may be a culprit in your clog, try pouring boiling water (carefully!) into the clogged drain. Use this method only with metal pipes; it may harm PVC pipes. If this does not work, baking soda and vinegar may do the trick. Use a bowl or cup to remove as much water as possible from the sink, then pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain. Make sure the drain in a connecting sink is closed, then pour ½ cup vinegar onto the baking soda and plug the drain. Wait at least 10 minutes, then open the drain and run hot water into the sink while the disposal is on (if there is one).
Tip 2: Bathroom Sink Drain Repair
Bathroom sink clogs usually congregate around the stopper, so remove that first, usually by twisting and lifting. If the clog remains after you clean the stopper, try a cup plunger. (This is shaped differently than a flange plunger, which is used for a toilet.) Seal any overflow outlets with duct tape and fill the sink with 4 to 6 inches of water. Position the cup over the drain for a good seal and thrust three or four times. Note: A plunger may also be used on a kitchen sink that is not connected to a disposal. If this does not work, you may need to remove the P trap. Again, this may be necessary for a kitchen-sink clog as well.
Tip 3: Bathtub Clogged Drains and Repair
80% of the time, the clogs in bathtub or shower drains are caused by an accumulation of hair. You can try a removal tool like the one shown above or grab a “Zip It” from your local hardware store for about $3.
San Diego Plumbing – Drain Repair DON’T
Whatever you do, do not be tempted to use harsh chemical-based solutions like Liquid Plumb-R or Drano. They are not only expensive and inefficient, they can actually cause damage to your pipes and septic system. As certified Green San Diego Plumbers, we also recommend avoiding these products because they are so bad for the environment. If all else fails, that’s when you need to contact us! We’re available for emergency service 24 hours a day.