Most people associate the plumber with an expensive repair bill. However, a good plumber, such as this plumber Sydney won’t charge you the earth to fix small problems. It’s always worth having their number on hand in case of an emergency. Having used them for small jobs before will make them more inclined to help you instead of someone else.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to resolve some issues yourself, even if you get the plumber to check it afterward.
A slow draining sink is a great example of this. In many cases, it is caused by a blockage in the pipes. Blockages are the result of things going down the drain that should, specifically food waste, hair, and hot oil. These items congeal in the pipes and slowly block the passage. You’ll notice the flow is slowing before it stops draining altogether. When you see it draining slowly you need to act.
Here are several great ways of fixing a slow drain sink.
1. Baking Soda & Vinegar
These two substances together create a powerful chemical reaction that can shift most blockages. The first step is to put half a cup of baking soda down your drain. Leave it there for several minutes to ensure it penetrates the clog. Next, you can add one cup of vinegar to the drain, it will reach the baking soda and react with it, effectively breaking up the clog.
To finish, boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain, this will help the clog to break up and flush it away.
2. The Plunger
Another viable option is the sink plunger. You need to make sure you have a plunger designed for the sink, this will ensure you have a good vacuum seal. Simply place it over the drain and slowly pump it up and down. It doesn’t need to be fast or vigorous.
The plunger seals the drain, creating a vacuum and forcing the clog to move. You can test if it’s worked by pouring a little water down the drain.
3. Clogging Tool
You can purchase a clogging tool for a few dollars. You’ll need to unscrew the top piece of your drain, there should be one screw visible in the base of the sink. Then, slide the clogging tool into the drain and turn it gently.
The tool has a barbed end that will connect with any debris, allowing you to pull it up and out into the sink.
Again, flush the pipes with hot water t make sure the clog has gone.
4. Drain Snake
The alternative is to use a drain snake or augur. This is a small pipe that slides down the drain and connects with the clog. It has a spiral catch on the end that allows it to push its way through the clog, breaking it up in the process.
You’ll need to use a little more force with the drain snake but it can be a very effective tool, especially if the clog is past the ‘U’ bend.n