How To Unblock A Clogged Sink Most homeowners will have to deal with a clogged sink at some point. While they are messy and inconvenient, you can usually take care of them yourself with a few basic supplies. Learn several strategies here for clearing a blocked sink and find out when you should leave the job to a plumber in Yardley, PA, or a town near you. Disassemble the Trap Beneath your sink, the drain should bend 90° or 180° in what is known as a drain trap. This curved section of your drain is designed to catch foreign objects before they can wash further down your drain. The traps often become clogged with hair and food—as well as toys, rings, and other objects that get accidentally knocked into your sink. If it's an object of value that you want to retrieve (such as jewelry), then you'll want to use this method rather than one of the other ones that simply push the clog down and send it on its way to the sewer. You can usually disassemble the trap yourself by unscrewing its sections. Make sure to put a bucket below the trap to catch dirty water as you take it apart. Commercial Drain Cleaner Commercial drain cleaners use powerful chemicals to break through most clogs in your sink pipes. If you want an easy, no-frills method of clearing out a drain that's running slowly, this is usually the best way to go. However, be careful that the drain cleaner doesn't touch your skin or eyes. And rinse the sink thoroughly when you're done to make sure all the chemicals are washed down the drain. Baking Soda and Vinegar If you want to avoid the harsh chemicals, combining baking soda and vinegar creates a homemade drain cleaner that is often just as effective as a commercial solution. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down your clogged drain, then follow it with half a cup of vinegar. You will see and hear the reaction as they come together, and the fizzing should help loosen debris that's caked to the sides of your drains. Finish by rinsing your drain with hot water. By using this homemade concoction once a month, you can keep your drains running smoothly and often prevent clogs from forming. Plunger Plungers are often able to clear clogged sinks by using pressure to force the clog down the drain. Make sure the plunger completely covers the drain. Keep it upright and pump 6–8 times. This should be enough to clear most clogs. NOTE: If you've already tried a commercial drain cleaner, don't try to use a plunger! Plunging your drain will only splash the harmful cleaner around, putting you at more of a risk for injuries. Drain Snake A drain snake or auger is a tool that is used to clear away tough clogs that plungers and liquid cleaners can't break. The snake is made of a tough cable that can be wound down into your drain. It can break through clogs and knock debris off the sides of the drains. Some also have hooks that allow you to pull the clog out of the drain altogether. Some people choose to use metal coat hangers as makeshift augers, but this is not recommended. The metal is too sharp and can cause serious damage to your pipes. Call a Plumber If you've tried unclogging your sink without success, it's time to call a plumber. The other time you should call a plumber for a clogged sink is if the clog is located deep inside your plumbing system. Your clogged sink may be due to a more serious problem like a backed-up sewer line or an overflowing septic tank. Call a plumber in Yardley, PA, or a town near you if you notice any of these signs: • Your sink clogs regularly. • Your appliances are draining slower than usual. • Several sinks, toilets, or other appliances all clog at the same time. • There is a foul odor coming from your sinks. • You hear gurgling noises in your plumbing system.