By Daisy 
Clogged sinks can be extremely frustrating, particularly if standing water refuses to drain away. Unfortunately, many homeowners experience unclogging one with standing water at one point or another. But don’t panic. Unclogging is actually quite manageable with proper tools and techniques soon, you should see your sink running smoothly again in no time!
This guide will walk you through the process of unclogging a sink clogged with standing water using simple techniques and effective tools. It will also explain when to seek assistance from plumbing companies near me to remove tougher blockages.
Guide For Unclogging A Sink With Standing Water
Step 1: Remove Excess Water
To unclog your sink more effectively and easily, begin by clearing away as much excess water from its drains and basin as possible. This will allow any tools or products you use to operate more effectively against any blockages present in the vessel.
Use a cup, bowl, or small bucket to scoop out water, pouring the excess into a nearby sink, toilet, or outside. When most of the excess is removed, use sponges or towels to soak up any additional drops left behind in your sink.
By clearing your sink, you will gain better access to your drain and can gain an accurate view of its status.
Step 2: Scan For Visible Debris
Before employing chemicals or any tools to solve the drain’s obstruction problem, examine it closely for any visible debris, such as food scraps, hair, and small objects, that might be contributing to its blockage. This debris often gets lodged inside sink drains, resulting in blockages that prevent free drainage.
Utilize a flashlight to inspect the drain. If any visible debris near its surface exists, attempt to clear away with gloves or tweezers (recommended for larger debris removals). After clearing away large chunks, test whether this has improved drainage by running hot water through it again to see how far your efforts have reached.
Step 3: Implement Plunging
A plunger can be one of the most efficient tools for unclogging sinks. It creates suction, pushing away obstructions from within pipes.
Here’s how you can effectively use a plunger:
- Seal the Overflow Hole: Many bathroom sinks feature overflow holes; to ensure proper sealing with your plunger, cover this opening using a wet cloth or tape to ensure its effectiveness.
- Fill Your Sink With Water: When filling your sink with enough water to cover the plunger and create suction, be sure to add enough to create optimal suction power.
- Position the Plunger: For best results and to create an airtight seal, place your plunger directly over the drain.
- Plunge Firmly: Gently push and pull on the plunger until its seal remains undisturbed before lifting to see if any water drains away from beneath it. After several plunges, lift to see if any drainage occurs from below it.
If the sink begins draining slowly again, repeat this procedure a few more times until your sink’s drain completely drains free from its obstructions.
Step 4: Use Boiling Water
For minor clogs caused by grease, soap scum, or small food particles, boiling water can provide an effective remedy. Boiling helps break down and flush through materials, causing blockages and breaking them apart into manageable chunks for flushing through pipes.
- How to Boil Water: Wash the pot until its contents come to a rolling boil before beginning this preparation method.
- Pour Carefully: Carefully pour boiling water down the drain in stages to allow its journey through pipes without overfilling or splashing back up into your eyesight. Avoid pouring too quickly, as this could result in splashing.
- Test Your Drain: Run your faucet after pouring the water down your sink drain. If any standing or slow-draining water remains, repeat these steps.
Boiling water can often help clear simple clogs from kitchen sinks where grease build-up occurs frequently.
Conclusion
Unclogging a sink with standing water is an everyday household task and typically can be accomplished using basic tools and methods, like plungers, baking soda vinegar, or drain snakes. But suppose the clog persists, or you need professional guidance. In that case, it is often wise to contact local plumbing companies near me for expert help in clearing away their blockages promptly to maintain smooth functioning drains while preventing future plumbing issues.