There are few things that are as frustrating as a sink that won't drain, especially when your life is already busy and your schedule is full. Let's take a look at what to do when your kitchen, bathroom or utility sink won't drain.
Fixing a Clogged Drain
- If you're comfortable trying to unclog the drain on your own, the first thing is to find any obvious obstructions you can see or feel in the drain. If you find something, try removing it to see if it solves the problem. If this or any of the following steps makes you uncomfortable, call a reputable plumber to take care of the problem.
- If you need to go further in trying to remove the clog, the next step is to remove as much water as you can from the sink and drain line. A dish cloth or sponge usually works well for this part of the process.
- The next step is to use a small wire hook or another clog-removing instrument.
- If the clog still won't clear, try using a plunger to loosen it up.
- Still stuck? A drain snake is a good option to try if you're still having problems. If you can't get it through your drain basket, you can detach the P- or S-trap under your sink and feed it directly into the drainage line.
- One last option, and only if you are sure the clog is grease-related, is to try a chemical drain-clearing solution. These can be very strong and can damage human tissue, so wear safety glasses and work very carefully to avoid getting splashed with the liquid. Be sure to follow the directions on the container exactly.
If you are unable to get the clog out and need professional help, you can do a few things while you're waiting. Call a professional to take care of the problem, then clear access to the drain area by removing bottles, boxes or anything else blocking access to your drain—you don't need to pay an hourly rate to move things. If you have any questions or need help, please contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000. We're always happy to lend a hand.