Unclog the sink or drain, how to do it

A clogged drain is one of the most frequent problems in household sinks and sinks. Normally, the blockage is usually in the siphon, since due to its curved shape, it is quite common that after years of use grease or soap deposits are formed mixed with other solid residues that need to be eliminated. But the dock can also be found in any other section of the evacuation system, the pipes and even the main downspout, from our team we want to help you solve these small inconveniences.

• Sometimes, when the toilet drainage system is very old, it is best to replace it with a new one. A kit can be purchased that includes all the parts for its assembly: the siphon itself, the outlet elbow, the outlet valve, the union nuts with their sets of rubber washers, etc. However, it is always a good idea to take your old parts with you to make sure you have purchased everything you need.

• If you have to open the siphon to fix it, it is advisable to take the opportunity to change the rubber gaskets and remove the old ones; They cost very little and the proper sealing of the sink depends on their good condition.

siphon types

All traps are made up of basic elements, whether they are metal or PVC traps.

common siphon

With a smooth curve, it is the most common model.

Siphon with purge

Same as the common one, but with a screw cap at the bottom of the siphon, to facilitate cleaning of the interior without having to disassemble it

bottle siphon

With or without a drain plug, the design is a bit more compact and instead of having a curved reservoir to hold the water, it uses a small tank or bottle.

siphon elements

drain valve

It connects the sink outlet with the siphon tube, it is attached to the toilet by means of a union nut and a flat rubber gasket.

siphon valve

The curved tank in the shape of a “U”, which is connected to the drain valve by means of a conical rubber joint and a union nut.

siphon elbow

The outlet of the siphon towards the wall in an angled form It is also connected to the siphon by means of a conical rubber joint and a union nut.

sink maintenance

So that the pipes are in good condition and there are no stagnation, it is advisable to pour quite hot water down the drain once a week for one or two minutes. This simple habit will eliminate small deposits of grease or soap in the siphon and prevent them from building up in quantity. It is also a good idea to clean the drain filter on a regular basis. Simply, you have to remove it by pulling it and wash it with a brush and plenty of water.

How to remove a blockage in the sink

Accumulated dirt, food remains… who hasn’t had a clogged sink and every time the tap is turned on the drain doesn’t “swallow”? Solving it is easy if you take into account some tips.

Depending on the severity of the problem, there are several solutions to clean the pipes. The most basic and the one that requires a minimum investment of time and money is the rubber plunger technique. The best ones are purchased at plumbing supply stores. The plunger is most effective when there is some standing water, thus ensuring a deeper suction and without the cushioning effect of an air gap between the plunger and the clog.

beware of chemicals

If used correctly, they keep the drains clean very effectively, but beware, their handling requires caution, since their acidic components are very strong and can burn skin and clothing. In addition, if they are abused, they end up wearing down metal pipes and, by producing the chemical reaction necessary to dissolve residues, they create heat that can damage rubber gaskets and PVC pipes. If the blockage is large, it is possible that the opposite effect to that desired is produced, that is, the solid mass hardens, making it difficult to extract.

Remove the bleeder plug

If you have a siphon with a purge, the easiest thing to do is to disassemble the siphon and clean the blockage with a bottle-washing brush. Previously, you have to turn off the main water tap and place a bucket under the siphon, unscrew the cap and let the pipe empty, cleaning the dirt deposits found there. Screw the cap back on and open the tap, if the water flows freely, the problem is solved. Otherwise, the siphon must be disassembled.

disassemble the siphon

If the blockage is not found in the siphon, it is likely to be further down the drain, in the section of the drain that is attached to the wall. In that case, the entire assembly must be disassembled piece by piece, starting at the top. It is a simple job, especially on PVC pipes, since the nuts are usually screwed under manual pressure and it is not necessary to use tools to loosen them. Once the assembly has been disassembled, the pieces are placed in a bucket. The inside of each is then cleaned with a rag, sponge or bottle brush.

If the siphon is inside a sink or kitchen cabinet and the cabinet is made of chipboard, a large cloth or newspaper should be placed under the bucket to protect the wooden boards from moisture.

Use a cable plunger

The last option that we advise you from our emergency locksmith service in Oviedo is to insert a cable plunger inside the drain pipe and slide it through the tube. These plungers are the ones used by professionals, and can be purchased at plumbing specialty stores.

They have a long spring and a crank that turns it. The handle is pressed clockwise until the jam is found. If the cable is hard to turn, pulls out, it will most likely catch the ball of dirt and can be easily removed. Otherwise, you have to re-insert the plunger and move the cable carefully, pushing it back and forth to thoroughly clean the inside of the tube of any stuck debris. When it is finished, reassemble the siphon.