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Water is the natural resource in the greatest abundance on this planet. And because it is so readily available, you scarcely give it thought. Until then, you are faced with the challenge of overflowing water from the pipes and figuring out how to unclog them. Let's start with what causes a sink to clog.

What Clogs Your Sink?

Fibrous foods, eggshells, and other non-food materials, as well as grease and oil, do not degrade and can gather in your pipes over time, eventually clogging your drain.

Drainpipes are also clogged when hair is washed down the drain during showers or when hair is washed in the sink. Washing your hair in the sink isn't the only thing that might cause a drain block; combing and cutting your hair there can, too!

Most of the time, children who play with their toys as they float on the water's surface end up clogging the drain. In addition, you may have a clogged drain because you flushed an excessive amount of toilet paper or other items, such as paper towels, tampons, and other products used for personal hygiene, down the drain.


Home Remedies to Unclog Your Sink

It is possible to clear a stoppage in a drain using various methods, but it is not always easy to tell which method will be successful, given the specifics of your plumbing system.

It is recommended that you first begin with the least abrasive procedures to prevent any harm from occurring to your pipes. Here are some home remedies to unclog your sink:

  1. Vinegar and Baking Soda

    It would be best to start by pouring boiling water down the drain and waiting for it to clear. Next, you should flush your drain with half a cup of baking soda. Then, rinse with a mixture of white vinegar and hot water. Allow this concoction to sit for at least an hour, but the longer it must work, the better. After that, run the hot water to see if everything drains correctly.

  2. A Hanger

    Yes, that's right, a hanger! If your sink is clogged, you only need a hanger to get the job done. Make a little hook at one end of the wire of a standard coat hanger by straightening it out. Carefully insert this end into the drain and start "fishing."

    Don't try to force the hanger down the drain, as this could cause the clog to shift locations. Instead, try using soft "prodding" and "hooking" motions to loosen the sludge and pull it out of the drain.

  3. Washing Soda

    Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, is an inexpensive and effective do-it-yourself solution for clearing clogged drains. It's more effective as a drain cleaning because it's more alkaline than baking soda.

    The sink can be cleaned by dumping a cup of washing soda and hot water. Then, after waiting 5 minutes, strain the mixture back into the mug and add hot water. Any obstruction should now be cleared. Do it all over again if the sink still takes too long to drain.

  4. Dish Detergent

    Dishwashing liquid is an excellent option because it dissolves grease and soap scum while keeping your drain smooth. Dishwashing detergent to the tune of a cup, and then boiling water. After that, you can use a plunger to help you clear the clog. Wearing rubber gloves and manually removing the obstruction is another option.

  5. Coke

    However, compared to professional drain cleaners, the causticity of coke is far lower, and despite its effectiveness in removing build-up in drains, it is much safer to use. Before turning on the hot water to drain it, you should give it some time to sit and wait for at least an hour.

  6. Caustic Soda

    Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is dangerous and should be handled cautiously. Extra caution should be taken when working with this chemical, and adequate ventilation should be provided. Pour three cups of caustic soda and three-quarters of a gallon of cold water into a bucket.

    Toss in a wooden spoon and stir it up well. You should hear some fizzing from the mixture. The liquid should be poured down the clogged drain and left to sit for 20 to 30 minutes to do its magic. Just pour boiling water down the drain to get rid of the compound. Repetition of these steps may be necessary if your drain is extremely plugged.

  7. Wet/Dry Vacuum

    Wet/dry vacuums are designed to remove liquid and dry debris. These are commonly used to remove debris from drains that have become clogged, especially if the obstruction is located at a higher level. To avoid making a mess, first cover the plughole with a sealant; the head of an old plunger works well for this.

    Then, place the vacuum over the top of the plughole and switch to the liquid setting for maximum suction. Just turn on the vacuum and walk away for a minute or two. The next step is to try and unclog the sink by running cold water through it very slowly.


Problems From a Clogged Sink

A blocked drain can cause numerous problems for your home's foundation. Pipes can easily become clogged from the slow but steady build-up of dirt, hair, food particles, and grease.

This is a common way for drains to become clogged. The accumulation of such debris in the drain can pollute the water and eventually restrict the water flow.

Harmful to Health

It's possible that having clogged drains will have a detrimental impact on your overall health. To put it another way, it encourages the growth of bacteria, the presence of which is linked to a variety of illnesses and allergic reactions.

This is because there is an accumulation of waste in the plumbing system. As a result of an obstruction in the pipes, sewage and water is flowing in the opposite direction. Germs that cause disease are carried in the recirculated sewage and trash water used to clean the sinks. This water is also used for flushing the toilets.

Microorganisms contain pathogens that can cause asthma episodes and allergic reactions when released into the respiratory tract. Additionally, the contaminated water may cause irritation and inflammation of the skin in certain people.

Poor Drainage

A poor drainage system is the most obvious consequence of a clogged drain. When a drain is plugged, water and garbage take longer to drain. When water flows back up the drain and bubbles up, it signifies a bad drainage system.

Unpleasant Odor

When the drains are clogged, wastewater and other debris build up inside the pipes. Putrid odors result from the build-up of sewage and stagnant water. The odor permeates every room in the house. People in your home may also experience physical discomfort, such as headaches and nausea, as a result.

Structural Damage

As water seeps back into the foundation of a house, it usually causes structural damage. Water leaking into the foundation compromises the house's stability and safety. Floors and walls may be ruined if the entire house is flooded.


Conclusion

If you must deal with clogged drains frequently, you know how annoying they can be. Before using toxic substances, ensure all possible physical obstructions have been removed. However, if you must pour something down the drain, use fewer abrasive methods before resorting to heavy-duty cleaners. If the remedies above don't work out, call Mesa Plumbing Company for help!

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