Are you tired of standing in a pool of water every time you use your bathroom sink? All the common inconveniences in any home include a blocked sink drain, and learning how to plumb your bathroom sink drain has been made easier with this guide from Goodbee Plumbing and Drains. Here are a few homemade tests that could be performed to clear out a blockage in the bathroom sink drain.
The Plunger Method
The first method to try when trying to figure out how to plumb a bathroom sink drain is the plunger method. This method is cheap, quick, and works well for small sizes. The good thing about this method is that a plunger provides great suction, which helps make unclogged drainage operations more effective.
Ensure that the sink’s water level is high enough to hide the plunger in the first place. This will create a seal between the plunger and the drain pipe, which is essential in applying this technique. Place the plunger over the drain, hold it carefully down, and immediately raise it. The snaking process creates pressure and suction in the drain line, dragging any debris or built-up moving along. Acting with the power of your shoulder and elbow, push down a few times, but each time you do so, exert more pressure every time you push. At this time, slowly, you will start feeling the water gushing dangerously but sludge out. This is a positive sign. You can, therefore, continue plunging until the water begins moving toward the drain.
If the plunger method fails, this shows that the clog is much more severe and requires a solution with a completely different approach, which we break down below. However, if none of these methods work, contacting a professional is best. The team at Goodbee will gladly come clear your drains (but don’t worry, we won’t clear your wallet!)
The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
Another method to try when attempting to figure out how to plumb a bathroom sink drain is the baking soda and vinegar method. This method works by the chemical properties present in the two ingredients that have a carbonating reaction whereby they melt amass and rudiment in the drain for a simple runoff. As a base, the sodium bicarbonate or baking soda can buffer any acidification reaction. The mixture of diluted acetic acid and baking soda is used to prepare a reaction that produces bubbles. This process gives rise to a reaction that deposits carbon dioxide gas, which may dislodge the piping. The environmental nature of this method is also beneficial because you do not have to worry about the dangers of harsh chemicals on your plumbing.
This method can be beneficial for treating a surface layer or minor blockages in the pipeline system, but it is not a good option when dealing with deep clogs that may require a plumbing snake or other tools. It is important to note that the process above could not be used for pipes that have aged by many years as the reaction could become too harsh to cause damage.
The baking soda and vinegar approach proves more efficient, as the results are achieved in under thirty minutes. By using these ingredients, they get an opportunity to decompose the drainage wastes. After pouring hot water down the drain to remove the mixture, run some cold water to ensure no debris remains.
The Plumbing Snake Method
Sometimes, a plumbing snake may help remove clogs that are almost impossible to clear and be your holy grail answer when asked how to plumb a bathroom sink drain. This tool has a narrow figure, the coil shape, to move well throughout the pipelines while holding onto other objects, hence dragging them out. In this case, to insert a plumbing snake, just push it into the hole and tighten it with a clockwise rotation. If you try stopping it with your hand, you will see the snake crawling deeper into the drain channel, and resistance will appear only when it hits the stopper. Continue turning the handle until you can feel the head of the serpent–plier taking hold of the obstruction and withdrawing it gradually.
The Boiling Water Method
A straightforward Do It Yourself (DIY) attempt that you may also make may be pouring the boiling water into your drain. The hot water approach efficiently handles greasy clogs, which can easily be liquefied. However, it is not recommended for PVC or plastic pipes in a high-heat environment where heat can degrade them. The hot water is only appropriate in the context of a metal pipe, but note the care taken while pouring. Let the boiling water trickle into the drain slowly and gradually, and once this is done, let it stand for a few minutes before adding more. This process can be iterated several times where it is desirable.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while using the boiling water method:
- Start by boiling water in a pot or kettle. It’s essential to have enough water to cover the drain once it is poured.
- Slowly and steadily pour the boiling water down the drain. Be careful to avoid splashing the water as it can cause burns.
- If the clog is particularly stubborn, you can slowly pour the water in multiple stages. This will give the hot water time to work on the clog and melt it away.
- Let the hot water sit in the drain for a few minutes before pouring more. This will allow the hot water to penetrate the clog and soften it.
- Repeat the process if necessary. You may need to repeat the boiling water method multiple times to clear the drain entirely for more challenging clogs.
- Always run cold water down the drain after using the boiling water method. This will help flush out any remaining debris and prevent the pipes from getting damaged.
It’s important to note that the boiling water method may not work for all types of clogs. If the clog persists, moving on to a different approach or seeking professional assistance is best.
Learn How to Plumb a Bathroom Sink Drain and More with Goodbee Plumbing
If you have tried the above and are still asking yourself how to plumb a bathroom sink drain, it’s time to call the Goodbee team. Our licensed professionals cannot only clear your drain but also help you understand how you got there and why the other methods didn’t work. They can also teach you some precautionary measures to prevent the same issues in the future. Contact us today to schedule your service!
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