subject: Drain Cleaning - 5 Things You Can Do [print this page] Sometimes a sink clogs all at onceSometimes a sink clogs all at once. When it does, you usually know exactly why it happened. You gave the dog a bath in the tub or put something down the sink that you shouldn't have. Other times, it clogs over time. The water gradually takes a little longer to swirl away and you start getting that weird ring at certain levels of the sink or tub where the water leaves its residue, absent the force of a decent pipe. Is it time to call a plumber? It may be, but here are five things you can try first.
The Hanger
Most people associate a bent coat hanger with getting a car unlocked, but it can help tremendously when trying to get your pipes unclogged as well. Straighten out one of your wire hangers and then bend a little hook onto the end of it. Now you have a tool with which you can extract the hair and gunk that's causing your clog. The key is to pull the gunk out towards you, rather than push it further into the pipe. This is a simple, effective drain cleaning method that works for many.
Hot Water
For light clogs, you may have success with this method. Boil up a pot of water on the stove and bring it over to the sink. Pour it slowly down the sink a little bit at a time, allowing each separate allotment of water to have its time in the pipes. Often, the reason behind clogs is related to gunk that has stuck to the sides of the pipe. Boiling water can melt this gunk away and send it swirling.
Baking Soda/Vinegar Mixture
Baking soda and vinegar both have endless numbers of household uses. Together, they can create a fairly effective drain cleaning solution. Mix them together, using a 1/3 of a cup of each and you'll have a fizzing solution that may be the answer to your problem. Pour it immediately down the sink and let it sit in there for as long as you can. Overnight, if possible.
Shop Vac
You certainly don't want to use your regular vacuum cleaner as a drain cleaning tool, but if you happen to own a wet/dry vacuum, it can be a big help in this scenario. Set it to the liquid setting and see if you can vacuum the clog right out of the pipes. This is something of a last resort type of solution, but it may do the trick if you can get a tight enough seal around the drain.
The Plunger
You may be accustomed to seeing the plunger as a toilet-only type of tool, but it can work to fix clogs everywhere in the house. You may need a smaller version for your sinks, but you can pick one up for very cheap at your local hardware store.
