Plumbing issues are a nightmare for any household. Standing water in your sink or bathtub isn’t just a nuisance but it can also pose a potential health risk to your family by encouraging the growth of mold and mildew. If you are currently facing a clogged sink with standing water, you can follow these simple steps to remove the water and clear the drain:
Step 1: Removing the Water
Before you attempt to unclog your drain, the standing water needs to be dealt with. You will need to find a bucket or a cup and remove as much water as possible from the sink or tub. This will help prevent water from splashing out onto your floors during the unclogging process.
Step 2: Cleaning Around the Drain
It is essential that you clean and remove any potential materials that can increase the clog in your drain. This includes items such as pieces of soap, soap scum, globs of hair or toothpaste, and small toys.
Step 3: Dissolving the Clog
There are many chemicals on the market that can help you remove and dissolve a clogged drain. Unfortunately, most of these include strong harmful chemicals that can be unsafe for use around small children and pets. If you are looking for a more family-friendly way to dissolve the clog, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the clogged drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let this mixture sit in the clogged drain for about 15 minutes before you move onto the next step.
Step 4: Loosening the Rest of the Clog
Next, you will need to get a pot or a kettle of boiling water. Pour this into the drain to help loosen the rest of the clog. If you have PVC pipes, just use hot water instead of boiling because boiling water can damage PVC pipes. After you pour the water, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes so it can completely loosen the clog.
Step 5: Readying the Plunger
Apply a layer of petroleum jelly around the lip of the plunger to help it better stick to your sink or bathtub’s drain. If it is your sink that is clogged, you will need to use one hand to cover the overflow before you start plunging.
Step 6: Plunger
Slowly press the plunger down onto your sink or bathtub drain to create a nice tight seal around the plunger and the drain. Then, pull the handle of the plunger up quickly. This process will create enough pressure to force the partially dissolved and loosened clog down the drain. Continue this process for a few minutes.
Step 7: Water Test
Run the water to see if the drain is clear. If the water runs freely, then your job is complete. If not, you can repeat these steps again until you get the desired result.
If you are having trouble removing the clog from your drain or are experiencing any other plumbing issues, call the expert plumbers at Denton Roto-Rooter. We have years of experience handling the toughest plumbing problems. For high-quality service and a team that looks out for you, contact Denton Roto-Rooter today.