No matter how careful you are, how many preventive measures you take, or how rarely you use it, sooner or later, you’re bound to  Clogged Sink experience a kitchen or bathroom sink clog.

In most cases, you’ll notice the sink start to drain slower and slower before it becomes blocked completely. In other instances, it’ll seem like the clog appeared out of nowhere. Either way, most blockages are simple enough to clear without the help of a pro. Yet certain common mistakes can make matters worse.

For best results follow these tips:

Do flush a slow-moving drain with hot water.

Over time, food residue and grease build up until a clog is formed. If you suspect accumulated F.O.G (fats, oil, grease) to be the cause, pour a tablespoon of dish soap into the drain and flush with a large pot of hot (not boiling) water. Repeat just once if needed.

Do think twice before reaching for the store-bought drain cleaner.

Chemical drain cleaners, while a quick fix, can soften PVC pipes and damage older, metal plumbing. If you must use a commercial product, opt for a biodegradable one that utilizes enzymes to eat away at clogs.

Do give the sink plunger a try.

If the clog resides on the drainpipe, a standard sink plunger might be enough to do the trick. Pour a few inches of water into the sink and use a rag to block the overflow drain. Place the rubber suction cup over the sink drain and firmly plunge up and down a few times to get things moving again.

Do try to snake the drain.

Whether it’s an auger, a drain snake, or simply a straightened out wire hanger with a hook at the end, such devices often will loosen hair or debris so you can pull it out or break up the blockage to get water flowing again. Remove the sink strainer and feed the snake down the drain until you feel resistance.

Do check if the clog resides in the trap.

The drain trap, a pipe shaped like a J, P, or S, is most often where clogs occur. To clear it, remove as much water from the sink as you can, place a bucket under the drainpipes, and twist the connectors loose to remove the trap. Pull out gunk with a gloved hand or use a snake if the clog is further down the drainpipe.

Don’t add more water to a completely blocked drain.

Additional pressure from the faucet will do nothing to flush out the clog; you’ll just end up with more standing water.

Do check the drain stopper.

Hair and other gunk can wrap around the drain stopper and cause a clog. Remove the stopper and dispose of debris wrapped around it. Then insert a straightened out wire hanger – with a hook at one end – down the drain to remove remnants of the blockage.

Don’t hesitate to call a plumber.

If your attempt to clear a clog fall flat or if you are not comfortable with tackling the problem on your own, it’s best to call a pro. The blockage could lie deeper in your home’s plumbing or drainage system which requires specialized tools and equipment.

When a pro is needed, we’re always at hand – PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling. We solve drain and numerous other problems so you can get back the calm and normalcy that you’ve temporarily been deprived of.