How to Unblock a Sink: The Step-by-Step (100% Effective)

Post By Admin

July 18, 2024

Dealing with a blocked drain can feel like watching a soap opera—the more you’re involved, the more frustrating it becomes.

A smelly bathroom drain starts to haunt your senses, and the gurgling drain leaves you wondering if you’re hearing things.

Take a deep breath. As an experienced plumber in Sunbury, we will explore some methods to unblock a sink that we’ve tried. With our 100% success rate, you’ll soon master how to unblock a sink without too many failed experiments. Let’s get started!

How to Unblock a Sink: The Plunger Way

Plunger is a good start. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to unblock your sink using this familiar tool:

1. Prepare the battlefield:  First, remove any standing water from the basin. If there’s a significant amount, use a cup or jug to remove it and dispose of it carefully.
2. Seal the overflow:  Some sinks have an overflow hole located near the top of the basin. If yours does, plug it tightly with a damp rag. This creates a stronger seal when you use the plunger.
3. Get a good grip: Place the rubber cup of the plunger directly over the drain opening. Make sure it creates a complete seal. If you’re using a cup plunger, ensure the rim fits snugly inside the basin.
4. The plunge is on:  With the plunger firmly in place, plunge forcefully and steadily several times. Aim for short, sharp plunges rather than long, slow movements.
5. Breaking the seal: After a few plunges, break the seal by lifting the plunger slightly. Observe the water level in the basin. If it starts to drain freely, you’ve successfully dislodged the clog!
6. Repeat if necessary: If the water isn’t draining freely yet, repeat steps 3 to 5 a few more times. Flush out any debris remaining.
7. Clean-up time: Once the clog is cleared, remove the rag from the overflow hole (if you used one) and dispose of it properly. The next step typically involved pouring boiling water down the drain, but let’s save this conversation a bit later.

If this method successfully unblocking a sink, you will not need another approach that might have a negative effect. Plus, you can sleep at peace knowing that the sounds of gurgling drain has disappeared.

Other Ways to Unblock a Sink

When addressing how to unblock shower drain issues, these techniques below can also be applied, providing a versatile range of solutions for various plumbing problems.

1. Using a Multi-Purpose Cleaner

According to our in-house experts at Neighbourhood Plumbing, a multi-purpose cleaner offers an effective solution to unblock a sink. Here’s how you do it:

• Apply the Cleaner: Pour a generous amount of multi-purpose cleaner into the blocked sink. Ensure the cleaner contains grease-dissolving agents for optimal results.
• Let the Cleaner Sit For at Least 10 Minutes: This waiting period gives the cleaner time to break down any grease or debris causing the blockage.
• Rinse with Warm Water: Pour warm water down the drain for several minutes. This helps to flush out the loosened debris and grease.
• Check the Drain: Check if the sink is still clogged. If the blockage persists, you may need to repeat the process.

For more stubborn clogs, leave the cleaner in the sink for a few hours or even overnight. Ensure your multi-purpose cleaner contains alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxylates, and quaternary ammonium compounds. They are known for their grease-dissolving properties that also work in unblocking a bathroom sink.

2. Using Alka-Seltzer Tablets

Alka-Seltzer tablets can effectively unblock a sink drain by fizzing away the debris.

• Prepare the Sink: Plug in the sink stopper to prevent water from draining immediately. Then, fill the sink halfway with water.
• Apply Alka-Seltzer Tablets: Drop two or more Alka-Seltzer tablets into the sink drain.
• Wait for It to Work: Allow at least 20 minutes for the fizzing action of the tablets to work on the blockage.
• Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the drain with warm water to complete the process.

At last, that’s how to unblock a sink with water in it. Alka-Seltzer tablets contain sodium bicarbonate, which is not a harsh chemical. The fizzing action of Alka-Seltzer tablets effectively breaks down blockages without causing damage to your plumbing.

3. Using a Wire Hanger

A simple wire hanger can serve as a handy tool for unblocking a sink, especially when dealing with hair or other solid debris.

• Prepare the Wire Hanger: Unwind a wire hanger, creating a long, straight piece with a small hook at one end.
• Insert the Hanger: Insert the hooked end into the drain and gently push it down.
• Remove the Blockage: Twist and pull the hanger to snag and remove the blockage.
• Check the Drain: Run water to check if the sink drains properly.

In addition to the wire hanger, prepare a flashlight. It can help you get a better view of the drain, making it easier to locate and remove the blockage. Also, get a plastic bag ready to dispose of the debris immediately. This keeps the area clean and prevents any mess. You will thank us later!

4. Using Sink Unblocker Solutions

If you’re wondering about how to unblock basin drain, we recommend this simple yet effective method. 

• Select the Solution: Choose a reputable sink unblocker solution from a hardware store.
• Read the Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions on the product label for proper usage.
• Apply the Solution: Pour the specified amount into the sink drain. Typically, you need to pour half of the bottle. Wait for it to work for around 15-30 minutes.
• Flush with Warm Water: Flush the drain with warm water to remove the blockage.

Remember to always wear gloves when handling the sink unblocker solution to protect your skin from any potential irritation. As a bonus, your sink will smell nice after using the solution.

5. Using a Burst of Water

A sudden burst of water can dislodge blockages that other methods might miss.

• Preparation: Plug the sink with a stopper or a wet cloth.
• Fill the Sink In: Fill the sink with water up to a few inches from the top.
• Create a Powerful Burst: Quickly remove the plug to release a powerful burst of water.
• Don’t Hesitate to Repeat: Repeat if necessary to fully unblock the sink.

We highly advise you to use hydro pressure jets instead. It’s effortless, satisfying, and 100% effective. But, for a simple blockage, those steps above will do.

6. Using a Large Wire Drain Snake

Got some serious problem down the sink? It’s time for the star: wire drain snake.

• Prepare the Drain Snake: Uncoil the wire drain snake, ensuring it is straight and ready for use.
• Insert the Snake: Insert the end of the drain snake into the sink drain. Push it gently but firmly down the drain. Rotate the snake handle to help it navigate through the pipes and reach the blockage.
• Break Up the Blockage: Once you feel resistance, twist and push the snake to break up the blockage. Move it back and forth to dislodge any debris.
• Remove the Snake: Slowly retract the snake from the drain, bringing up any debris it has snagged.
• Flush the Drain: Run warm water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris and ensure the blockage is fully cleared.

Despite the effectiveness, this method is limited for mild to intermediate blockages. For more serious blockages, a drain snake with a spin grip provides better control and power, making it more powerful.

Ways We Don’t Recommend to Unblock a Sink

We have discussed some methods that are both safe and effective. However, as previously mentioned, certain methods can have adverse effects. Here are three methods we do not recommend:

1. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Many sources on the internet suggest using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to unblock sinks. This combination creates a reaction that produces carbon dioxide through oxidation. However, this reaction can cause damage to your pipes over time. Moreover, we have conducted this experiment ourselves, and it did not work as effectively as claimed. Therefore, we advise against using this method.

2. Using Boiling Water

Using boiling water down the sink might seem like an easy solution. However, this can cause your pipes to warp, especially if they are made of plastic. In comparison to other methods, boiling water is far less effective and poses a risk of damaging your plumbing. We recommend considering alternative solutions that are safer and more efficient.

3. Using Bleach

Using bleach to unblock a sink is highly inadvisable. When bleach reacts with substances in your pipes, it can release toxic fumes, especially if it mixes with other household cleaners. This method not only poses health risks but can also cause significant damage to your plumbing system. Avoid using bleach and consider safer alternatives for unblocking your sink.

Conclusion

There are many DIY methods worth trying to tackle your clogged sink. However, even if you know how to unblock a sink, a more serious problem might not be resolved. Therefore, don’t be shy! You can contact us, Neighbourhood Plumbing, for an efficient and long-lasting solution.

About the Author

Ricky Rizz

From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.