If your kitchen or bathroom sink is draining slowly, it may be time to clean your drain. Over time, hair, soap scum, and food debris can build up in your drain, causing a blockage. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to clean your drain and get the water flowing again. Keep reading to learn how to clean a blocked drain.
What is a sink drain?
Your sink drains are an essential part of your kitchen and bathroom. Not only do they help to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean by draining water and food particles, but they also protect your sink from becoming clogged. To understand your sink drains, it is essential first to understand the anatomy of a sink. Your sink comprises three main parts: the basin, the overflow drain, and the sink drain. The basin is the large bowl in the center of your sink that catches water and food particles.
The overflow drain is a small hole near the top of your sink that allows water to escape if the basin becomes too full. The sink drain is a large pipe that runs from the bottom of your sink to the drain on the floor. The sink drain comprises three main parts: the strainer, the drain pipe, and the P-trap. If you notice your sink drain is clogged, you most likely need plumbing drain cleaning. Plumbing drain cleaning removes blockages from drains and pipes to allow water to flow through them freely. This can be done using several methods, including chemical cleaners, plungers, or mechanical snakes.
Chemical cleaners are usually poured down the drain and work by breaking down the blockage so that it can be easily washed away. Plungers work by creating a vacuum seal around the blocked area and forcing the air out of the pipe, which then sucks the blockage up and out. Mechanical snakes are inserted into the pipe and worked back and forth until they reach the blockage, which they pull out. A plumber can use a hydro jet to clear the clog and get your sink working correctly.
What causes a blocked drain?
There can be several reasons why a sink drain becomes blocked. However, some of the most common causes are a build-up of grease, fat, or food particles, tree roots growing into the pipes, a broken or collapsed pipe, or a blockage in the sewer line. When grease, fat, or food particles build up in a sink drain, it can be challenging to clear the clog. To prevent grease build-up in your sink drain, you must avoid pouring grease down the drain. When cooking, try to pour the grease into a jar or can. That way, you can dispose of it properly.
Another thing you can do is install a drain catcher. A drain catcher is a piece of equipment that sits in your sink drain and catches the grease.
If you've ever had a tree root growth in your sink pipe, you know it's not a fun experience. Tree roots can grow surprisingly large and quickly become a significant nuisance if they get into your plumbing. If you notice a tree root in your sink pipe, try to remove it as soon as possible. If the root is small, you may be able to remove it with pliers. If the root is large, you may need to use a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw. If you can't remove the root yourself, call a plumber. A plumber will be able to remove the root and fix the damage it has caused.
If your sink pipe collapses or breaks, you'll need to call a plumbing professional to fix it. The pipe will need to be replaced, and this can be a costly repair. You can try to fix the pipe yourself, but, likely, you won't be able to get the job done correctly. If you're not experienced with plumbing, it's best to leave the repair to a professional. Lastly, a blockage in the sewer line is one of the most common problems homeowners face. A blockage can cause problems, including a backed-up toilet or sink, water spilling onto the ground, and foul odors.
If you are having problems with a sewer line blockage, it is essential to find and fix the cause of the problem as soon as possible. If you are unsure of what is causing the blockage, you can call a professional to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
