It is not fun to see water rise from the sink. However, clogged drains or water backed up under the sink are the most common plumbing problems that people experience.
Although it is not usually a major problem, it can be helpful to understand what could be causing the sink to clog.
COMMON CAUSES
If your sink drains slowly, it could be a sign that the sink is getting clogged. There are many reasons your sink water may back up.
Here are some common reasons water can seep through your sink. Once you know the cause, you can start to fix a blocked sink.
- Food – The most common cause of clogged drains is food. People often dump food scraps, eggs shells, peels and other food particles down their drains. These things can build up over time and block your garbage disposal.
- Grease and oil – Sometimes people pour grease and oil down their sinks. These substances can freeze when they get cold, and then over time, other items block the plumbing and cause the sink to back-up.
- Hair – This is a more common problem in the bathroom sink.
- Roots – Roots are more common in clogging toilet or bathtub plumbing. However, roots can grow into plumbing and cause blockages closer to the ground.
- Soap Scum and Other Products for Bathrooms – Have your ever noticed that white, hardened gunk that builds up around the drain and shower door? It’s called soap scum, and can build up in the bathtub and sink. Other bathroom products like toothpaste, hair products and floss can build up in the sink, causing problems with proper drainage.
Fixing a Clogged SINK
There are only a few things you can do to clear a blocked sink without calling a professional plumber. These are just a few ways to unclog a blocked sink.
Warm Water & Vinegar
To clean out the pipes and prevent them from getting clogged up, you can try this mixture of vinegar and warm water. Some liquid chemical drain cleaners are available, but they can be ineffective. You (or your plumber) will then be exposed to the chemicals.
Use a Plunger
Before you place a plunger on the drain, fill the sink with water. You will need to push the plunger’s center, just like you would for a toilet. This causes a pocket of air to fall from the plunger into the drain. It pushes any particles down and through the drain, allowing water to drain freely.
Get a Snake
The drain snake is also known as an auger. It helps to push through any obstructions in the drain by placing a long, flexible wire down it. It can pull up hair and other obstructions to the plumbing. You can use a variety snakes to clear clogged sinks. These snakes are usually sold in a home improvement shop, right next to the plungers.
Get a professional Glendale, CA Plumber
If all of the above fail, it is time to call the pros. Local Glendale, CA Plumbers can handle even the most complex drains and will be able to remove the blockage.
Important: Never place your hands or fingers on the sink to remove anything, especially if it has a garbage disposal. Don’t assume there is a garbage disposal if you’re not sure. These can lead to some of the most horrible accidents!
HOW TO PREVENT CLOGGED SINK
It is important to prevent a blocked sink from ever happening. You can save time, money, and headaches by learning these best practices for preventing plumbing problems from happening.
- Place any leftovers in the trash and don’t forget to rinse them down the sink.
- To prevent larger particles and clogging of the plumbing, place strainers at the opening to the sink drain.
- Do not pour any grease or oil down your drain. This not only puts you at risk of plumbing problems, but it also makes you think about where your waste might end up.
- Avoid large clumps when you are washing your hair or in the shower. A strainer is a good tool to catch as much hair as possible.