Hair, debris, and other nasties can accumulate in the plumbing and eventually prevent a sink from draining. If you are a homeowner, you have undoubtedly experienced this very thing. Perhaps you have reached for the liquid drain cleaner in hopes that what you’ve seen in the TV commercials is actually true. But you might have a better tool for addressing that nasty clog: the bathroom plunger.
There are times when a plunger is the best tool for unclogging a sink. With a tight seal and a little bit of up and down action, it is possible to dislodge a clog so that it flushes down the pipes and off to the sewer system. I would certainly use a plunger before I poured any liquid chemicals down my drain.
How the Plunger Works
A plunger works by creating an airtight seal around the drain you are attempting to unclog. Whether it’s a toilet or a sink, that airtight seal is critical. Pushing down on the plunger forces air into the pipes. Pulling back up sucks the air back. A few up and down motions are usually enough to dislodge all but the most stubborn clogs.
The experts at Utah’s Comfort Solutions, a Wasatch Front heating, air conditioning, and plumbing contractor, say professionals often do something similar. They force compressed air into pipes to dislodge clogs and send them into the sewer. Given that most homeowners don’t have access to such sophisticated equipment, a plunger is the next best thing.
Comfort Solutions also explains that the plunger will either work or it will not. If it doesn’t dislodge a clog within the first few tries, it’s probably not going to. It’s time to break out the plumbing snake or give your local plumber a call.
How to Use a Plunger on a Sink
Attempting to unclog a sink with a plunger starts by making sure you have the right kind of plunger. What you want is a cup-style plunger with a flat bottom. Don’t use a toilet plunger. Why? Because you will have a hard time getting an airtight seal. For the record, a toilet plunger is easily identified by a flange that is designed to fit into the toilet hole.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove most of the standing water, leaving just enough to completely submerge the plunger cup.
- Seal the overflow drain (in bathroom sinks) with a wet rag.
- Place the plunger over the drain and pump aggressively in an up and down motion.
- After a few pumps, remove the plunger and see if the water drains.
- Repeat if necessary.
You may struggle to get an airtight seal between plunger and sink. If that’s the case, a bit of petroleum jelly around the rim of the plunger might help. Also, be sure not to break the seal as you’re pumping up and down. The airtight seal is the key to the entire thing.
If the Plunger Works
Assuming the plunger does its job, you should have a freely flowing sink once again. Run hot water down the drain for several minutes to clear any leftover debris. In terms of maintenance, the pros recommend filling the sink with extremely hot water and then pulling the plug to let it all go down the drain. Do this once every few weeks to keep pipes clear of debris.
Hopefully, a plunger will help you unclog your next clogged sync. If not, there is always a plumber you can call. They are masters at clearing clogged sinks and drains of even the most stubborn coagulations of debris.