Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Unclog a Sink Efficiently

Do you find clogged drains annoying? Well, you’re not alone! Clogged sinks are one of the most common problems that exist in homes today. It usually happens as a result of soap residue, grease, hair accumulation, and food particles. These factors may be the source of your sink’s slow flow or obstruction. Regular maintenance, knowledge of the primary reasons why blockages occur, and instruction on how to unclog a sink can help you save time and money on repairs. 

Effective unclogging methods including utilizing a plunger, a drain snake, or organic cleaning agents can rectify the flow and prevent more severe plumbing problems. 

Let’s first learn about some of the popular causes of clogged drains and useful tips for maintaining the functionality and clarity of your sink. 

Why Do Drains Get Clogged?

Hey, it’s important to understand why drains get clogged. Knowing the primary causes can certainly help you prevent future clogs and keep your plumbing running hassle-free.

Hair and Soap Scum

Hair and soap scum are general causes of clogged bathroom drains. As you shower or wash your hands, stray hair falls out and gets caught in the soap scum. When the two combine they form a sticky, gooey mass that adheres to everything inside of your pipes. The more hair and soap scum that gathers, the bigger of a blockage they become. Eventually, water just can’t pass freely through your pipes, causing clogs.

Food Particles

The most common cause of clogged kitchen pipes is food particles. Even with a drain guard, small food bits can make their way past and build up in your plumbing. Cooking oils and grease are particularly difficult as they will become solid upon cooling, creating tough blockages. Over time these fats and food particles slowly accumulate and can lead to slower drainage, or even full blockage of your sink.

Mineral Buildup

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits may build up in your pipes. Mineral deposits can form when highly concentrated minerals, such as calcium and magnesium in hard water, bond to a surface like the interior of your pipes. This accumulation can gradually affect the flow of water in your pipeline or even create nasty blockages that are really hard to clear.

Tree Roots

Although tree roots are far less likely to block your sink drains, they can be much more irritating when you consider underground plumbing. Since tree roots naturally seek out moisture they can penetrate underground plumbing through small cracks or joints in the pipes. Once inside the roots can grow and create blockages, or even damage your pipes! Even though this is typically seen in sewer lines, it is essential to keep this problem in mind if you are having trouble with complex plumbing systems.

Now that we have discussed the causes, let’s get to the heart of the matter – how to unclog a sink efficiently.

How to Unclog a Sink: DIY Methods

Most of us head right for the harsh chemical drain cleaners whenever we have a clogged sink. Instead, consider these hassle-free methods before turning to expensive chemicals.

• Boiling Water

Sometimes, the best solution is the easiest one. 

Let’s learn How to unclog a sink with boiling water:

1. Boil a full pot of water.
2. Pour the boiling water directly into the drain, pause for a few seconds between, and repeat. Make sure to pause between pours to let it work its magic.
3. Turn the tap on and check for water draining.

This method usually works well for soap scum and grease clogs, as the heat helps break down these substances.

• Plunging

A strong push with a plunger will usually work for your clogged sink. Here’s how to unclog a sink using a plunger:

1. Close the seal by filling the sink with a few inches of water.
2. Put the plunger directly on top of the drain so that it seals the hole completely.
3. Vigorous push and pull for 20 seconds on the plunger.
4. If the water drains, remove the plunger.
5. Repeat if necessary.

• Vinegar & Baking Soda

Here’s how to unclog drains effectively using vinegar & baking soda:

1. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
2. Now, pour half a cup of white vinegar into the drain.
3. Cover the drain with a stopper or a damp cloth.
4. Let the mixture fizz for about 15 minutes.
5. Flush with hot water.

The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda can help break down clogs and fix your drain.

• Plumber’s Snake

A plumber’s snake (also called an auger) can be a good idea for stubborn clogs. Here’s how it works:

1. Insert the end of the snake into the drain opening.
2. Turn the handle to feed the snake further into the pipe until you feel resistance.
3. Continue turning the handle to break through the clog.
4. Once you feel the clog has been cleared, retract the snake.
5. Run hot water to flush the drain.

You need to be patient when learning how to unclog drains. If one thing doesn’t work, try another.

How to Unclog a Sink…In the Future???

Now that you have already learned how to unclog a sink, let’s see how we can prevent clogs from happening in the first place. 

Use Drain Guards

Installing a drain guard is arguably one of the cheapest and most effective ways you can prevent clogs. These are basically strainer-like mesh screens or covers you put over your drains. They catch hair, food particles, and other debris that would normally end up down the drain. You can save yourself from future plumbing problems with this little investment.

Watch What You Put Down the Drain

Never dump grease, oil, and fatty foods in your sink; this can lead to the start of a clog. These can go down and semi-set, causing some problematic congestion. Lastly, do not dispose of coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables in the garbage disposal, as these may create jams and even clog pipes. These are habits you must always remember so that water will freely flow through your plumbing.

Run Hot Water

Regularly running hot water through your drains is a simple yet effective way to prevent clogs. Running hot water also dissolves and flushes out soap scum, grease, and other residues that may be piling in the pipes. For drainage systems, it is advisable to let hot water run after cooking or washing dishes.

Clean Your Drains Monthly

A good monthly drain cleaning routine is to use the baking soda & vinegar method. Just pour a half-cup of baking soda and a half-cup of vinegar down the drain. After about 15 minutes, rinse with hot water. This natural solution helps to dissolve buildup and prevent your drains from clogging.

Brush and comb your hair before you step into the shower.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to minimize hair clogs in your shower drain is to brush your hair before you get into the shower.  This aids in shedding some of that hair before it goes down the drain! The more hair you keep from washing down, the less likely your shower will have a blocked drain.

When to Call a Professional?

DIY solutions may work in most cases, however, they will not work all the time. When all else fails, you have to call in experts. Are you annoyed at the thought of trying to unblock your sink…again, just for it not to work? When you’ve tried every trick in the bag, but the blockage will not budge, it’s probably time to call a professional.

Conclusion

Just remember, prevention is the best way to unclog a drain; be careful about what you put down your drains, and schedule regular maintenance so that you avoid a bigger problem down the road.

When you do get a clog and everything you try fails, it’s time to bring in the experts. Service 360 Group offers quality plumbing services that can handle the most severe drain problems. With cutting-edge techniques and equipment, our experienced team quickly examines the plumbing system and addresses any issues to ensure that your home continues working like a well-oiled machine.

So when blocked pipes come to haunt you, take a deep breath, remember these tips, and give that clog its marching orders. Should you need help beyond this, we are just a phone call away to help keep your plumbing running at its best.