How to clean the clog in the sink?

Each person in his life has repeatedly encountered such a problem as a clogged sink. Not knowing how to clean the blockage in the sink on his own, he called the plumber and spent his time and money on this everyday and already familiar problem. From this article you will learn what to do if a sink in the kitchen is clogged, and what methods to use to make this problem worry you as little as possible.

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Reasons for the appearance

To understand how to eliminate clogging in the sink, you need to find out the cause of its appearance. There are 3 types of reasons.

Mechanical clogging

During the operation of the sink, third-party objects can get into the system - in the bathroom - this is hair, animal hair, in the kitchen - food waste. The problem is especially relevant when a special filter is not provided in the siphon design.

Operational

In other words, blockages that occur over time are in the process of prolonged use. Most often they arise when using cast-iron pipes. They tend to reduce the diameter of the pipe. This happens because residual fat and heavy substances in the water settle on this type of pipe. Over time, the sediment layer increases and creates difficulties for the flow of water.

Violation of the angle of the pipe

This problem occurs if the pipe is installed incorrectly or if it is not securely attached. But the consequences are the same. The angle of the pipe is violated and, as a result, all heavy substances and grease settle on the pipe. After some time elapses in the pipe, the useful diameter decreases and a tube forms. To get rid of this problem, it will not be enough just to clean the sink.

Important! It will be necessary to call the plumbing and reinstall the pipe in order to get rid of the problem.

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Cleaning methods

There are many ways to clean the sink in the sink - from the simplest folk (from improvised means) to disassembling the siphon, they are also divided into mechanical and chemical. If the blockage is small, then you can clean it with the help of improvised tools and a plunger. More complex blockages are cleaned with special chemicals and mechanical devices, and for the most complex ones you need to disassemble the siphon. Consider all the above methods in order to be sure with confidence that you will be able to independently clean the drain in the sink.

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Mechanical methods

The basis of such methods is the use of various devices in order to pull out or push through the blockage and thereby get rid of it. Let us consider in more detail each of them.

Plunger

The plunger is the simplest device to quickly clean the blockage in the sink. Use it like this:

1. To begin with, if you have 2 drain holes in the sink, tightly plug the second with a wet rag.
2. Place the plunger on the first drain hole, holding it vertically.
3. Fill the sink with hot water so that the rubber of the plunger is completely covered with water.
4. Vigorously swing the plunger up and down for half a minute.
5. At the end of time, sharply raise the plunger up.
6. Repeat the procedure until the blockage disappears, but no more than 7 times.

Important! If after 6-7 times the cork does not disappear, try a more effective method, since the pollution is more serious than you thought.

Cable

If the blockage is deep in the pipe, it is advisable to use a cable. For this:

1. Remove the siphon and other pipes that are connected to the main one.
2. Unwind 15-20 cm of cable.
3. Insert it into the pipe and tighten the set screw.
4. Move the cable through the pipe by turning it by the handle clockwise.
5. Do not stop turning until the cable passes through the plug in the pipe. At this point, you will feel the weakening of the cable tension.
6. Then start turning the knob counterclockwise to pull out the cable.
7. Wash it.
8. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

Important! The cable must constantly be tensioned. In case of weakening, it may be damaged and become unsuitable for further use.

Wire

If it is not possible to clear the blockage with a cable, try to reach it with a wire, at the end it should be bent into a hook.

Important: The wire must be strong enough not to bend under the pressure of pollution.

To clean the plumbing hole, do the following:

1. Insert the hook into the drain hole.

Important! Press the hook against the wall so as not to push the blockage even deeper.

2. When approaching a blockage, try to pick it up and pull it out. Remove as much trash as possible from the chimney.
3. Turn on the hot water and let it drain for a couple of minutes.
4. If the sink begins to overflow, repeat the cleaning procedure.

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Chemical methods

Among chemical methods, there are both special and folk remedies. For special tools, the execution steps are always the same. You just need to familiarize yourself with the instructions and clearly follow the recommendations indicated in it. One such tool is Mole.

Important: Use caution when using these products.

Let’s talk about folk cleaning methods in more detail.

Boiling water

A simple but reliable folk remedy to clean the blockage in the pipe in the kitchen. Let us consider in more detail the sequence of actions.

1. Boil water in a kettle.
2. Pour water into the drain hole.
3. It is recommended that the water boil at this time, as the vibrations will help to remove the blockage.

Important! This method excellently cleans small plugs, for heavier blockages you need to use more efficient methods.

A solution of soda and vinegar

The secret of such a solution is that a violent reaction occurs between the substances, which helps to get rid of many traffic jams.

To clean, follow these steps:

1. Pour half a glass of soda into the drain hole.
2. After - pour in half a glass of distilled vinegar.
3. Close the drain hole immediately afterwards to direct the reaction down the pipes.
4. When the hiss stops, pour another half a glass of vinegar.
5. Close the hole with a stopper and leave for half an hour.
6. Boil about 4 liters of water.
7. Pour water into the sink - it will wash away the remaining soda and vinegar in the pipes.

Important! This method is good not only for removing the cork, but also for the prophylactic removal of plaque on pipes.

Soda and salt

When soda, salt and water are mixed, a chemical reaction also occurs that removes most of the blockages. For removing:

1. Mix half a glass of soda and table salt.
2. Gently pour the mixture into the drain hole.
3. Leave the mixture there for 10-20 minutes.
4. Boil one to four liters of water and pour boiling water into the drain hole.
5. Close the drain with a stopper as soon as possible, directing the reaction down the pipe.

Important! This method will help to remove medium blockages.

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Siphon cleaning

It often happens that the waste gets into the siphon and clog it. It is possible to clean this particular section of the pipe manually - removing it. Follow these steps to remove and clean the siphon.

1. Place a large bucket under the siphon.
2. Using a wrench, unscrew the sunroof cover. (For a bottle siphon, unscrew the cup of the sump by hand).
3. Take it off.
4. Remove debris from the siphon with a brush and thoroughly clean it with the same brush.
5. Rinse this section of the pipe thoroughly with hot water.
6. Clean the pipe behind the siphon.
7. Carefully inspect the details that you see. If you see worn ones - replace them.
8. Put the siphon in place and tighten it.

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Blockage prevention

To prevent such a problem as a blockage in the sink in the kitchen or in the bathroom as rarely as possible, it is worthwhile to carry out regular preventive measures. The following few tips will help you with this:

1. After washing the dishes, clean the siphon of the remaining fat. It is not necessary to remove the siphon, just open the hot water for a few minutes.
2. Do weekly maintenance. To do this, prepare a mixture of citric acid, soda and baking soda in a ratio of 0.5: 1: 1. Pour it all into the sewer and add boiling water 1 part. In 5 minutes, the solution will clean the pipe and remove the smell. After - rinse with water.
3. Hot water treatment does not allow residual grease and soap to linger on the pipes. It is enough to heat the pot of boiling water once a week and pour it into the drain. After 5 minutes, work as a plunger.
4. Do not throw leftover food or other waste into the sink. It is highly advisable to use a special drain net. Then cleaning will be reduced only to cleaning this mesh.

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Stock footage

Following our recommendations, not only a man, but even a woman can clean a clog in a sink, following our recommendations. And it is not necessary to immediately call the plumbing, as soon as such problems arise. Simply follow the instructions to determine how complicated your blockage is and remove it using a method that is more suitable for your situation.