Clogged drains are a common problem for homeowners. Pouring Draino down the drain might be tempting, but sometimes, it causes more harm than good.
Should you use Draino to unclog your sink drain? That depends.
In most cases, the best option is a plunger. Plungers are a handy household item for any homeowner. They can be used on all drains, provided you know what you’re doing. Plus, they don’t use toxic chemicals that can damage pipes and joints.
Let’s dive in and find out more about clogged sinks and how to put an end to them.
What causes clogged sinks?
The most common cause of a clogged sink is grease. The hot grease cools down in the cold pipes and thickens. This thick oil catches debris and food and exacerbates the problem.
Most of the time, you don’t even know you have a clog, which is why it can take up to three weeks to unclog your sink drain completely.
The last tool that DIYers tend to think of when a sink clogs up is a plunger. Most of them will reach for that big bottle of Draino. Even then, they don’t use it properly.
How can a plunger unclog a sink? Plungers are used to clear the drains on your sink, tub, and toilet through suction. If you put your drain cleaner into the sink drain, it can work, but it’s not guaranteed. Draino should be a last resort.
If you decide to use Draino, make sure to follow the directions and allow it to sit in the drain for at least 15 minutes before following up with hot water. Before plunging, let the hot water run and drain freely for 10 minutes or so, then plunge.
Once you have a plunger, use it to remove any clogs from your sink. Create a tight seal with the bottom of the sink. Firmly pump the plunger up and down to loosen the clog. Now your sink should drain clear, and your sink will work just fine. If not, continue to run hot water and plunge accordingly.
Plunging may not always be an option. Your home could be full of other things that can cause your drain to back up. You may have old pipes or a buildup of hair and grease that needs to be snaked. Whatever the reason, if the clog is making your sink drain excessively slow, it needs help.
If that’s the case, you’ll have to call a plumber.
How can I prevent clogged sinks?
To prevent a clogged sink, you can use things like a SinkShroom. A SinkShroom is a great tool for drains that catches hair, jewelry, and other things before they have the chance to clog your drain.
Aside from tools like SinkShroom, you can put grease in containers and throw them away and be sure to limit hair falling into the sink.
Call Autry Plumbing Today
You don’t have to do much to keep your drains clean, but if you run into any issues you can’t seem to handle, give us a call or schedule an appointment now.
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