subject: Diy Plumbing Tips: How To Unblock A Sink [print this page] If you have ever faced any plumbing problems in your home, you may have had to call on Northern Virginia plumbers to help you out. However, sometimes you may be able to sort out a simple problem yourself without having to call out a plumber.
One of the most common problems that you may face in your home is a blocked up sink. This occurs when the food particles build up too thickly and prevent the water from flowing down the pipes. If you pour fat down the sink then this can also block it.
If the water has stopped draining from the sink then it is probably blocked. But before you call out Northern Virginia plumbers to help you, if you feel like a spot of DIY here is what to do.
1. Gather Together the Equipment
It is a good idea to gather together everything that you need to complete the task so that you have everything to hand. The tools that you will need include:
A sink plunger
A large bowl or bucket
An old cloth
Some strong wire (you can use a wire coat hanger)
Disinfectant
2. Cover the Overflow
Once you have everything in place, you should place the damp cloth over the overflow. If you can squeeze it inside so that it stays in place then this is ideal. The reason you do this is to trap the air so that more suction is created when you use the plunger.
3. Use the Plunger
Before you start pumping away with the plunger, fill the sink with a few inches of water to cover the rubber ring of the plunger. This again helps to create more suction to improve the effectiveness of the plunger. You may also want to cover the rubber ring with petroleum jelly. Pump the plunger a few times and then remove it to see if the blockage has been removed and the water flows down the sink. Try this a few times, but if nothing is happening then it is time to move onto the next stage.
4. Clear the Pipes
Underneath the sink, locate the pipes and the trap and place the bowl or bucket directly underneath to catch any water. Then unscrew the pipes and allow the water to flow out. Use the strong wire to poke inside the pipes to remove any blockage that has formed. You can also use your fingers to do this. Once the pipe is clear, screw it back on and then turn on the tap. If the water starts to drain quickly again then you know that the job is done.
When to Call a Plumber
As you can see, if you just have a basic blockage then there may not be any need to call Northern Virginia plumbers to sort it out for you. However, if you are unable to clear the blockage using the above techniques then you may need to call out a professional.
Northern Virginia plumbers are often required if the blockage is further down rather than in the pipes below the sink, so if you find that your sink is still draining very slowly then it is time to call out a professional to get your sink working properly again.
