How to Unclog Sink Drains

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By MrBrett
User-Submitted Article

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Sink Drain

Here’s how to unclog sink drains. In many cases, no tools are need except for one handy household item.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bucket
Towels
Metal Clothing Hanger
Pipe Wrench (maybe)

Step 1

Begin by removing everything from under the sink. This will not only give you room to work, but also protect items and supplies for being damaged by any excess water.
Step 2

Turn off the water line going to the sink. This should be located at the back wall just under the sink. It’s a “silver” knob. Turn it clockwise (right) to close off the water supply. Also, if the sink has standing water in it, be sure to plug the sink before removing the pipes.
Step 3

Place a towel on the floor in the sink cabinet. Then, place a bucket, or a large bowl under the pipes to catch the standing water inside the pipes.

Now begin removing the necessary pipes. Most clogs are generally located in the curve or “elbow” on the drain pipe system and are often cause by potato peels, fruits and other food type items not flushed through the garbage disposal.
Step 4

Pipes on newer homes are made of PVC (plastic) and have built in handles which allow the pipes to be unscrewed without any tools. If not, use a large pipe wrench to loosen the attached pipe. As mentioned, remove the pipe at the “elbow” or curve. This is most likely where the clog is.
Once you’ve removed the pipe and located the clog, using a fork or fingers, remove all the debris. You may need to use a metal wire clothing hanger to get debris that you can’t see or reach. In this case, stretch out the hanger and make a small hook at the end. Slide it in and gently twist it has you pull it out. The hook will help grab the debris.
Step 5

Finally, once you’ve gotten the clogged debris, attach the pipes back as they were. Be sure to gently tighten then and make sure they are on correctly, otherwise once you turn on the water they will leak. After all connections are re-connected, turn on the water source. Make sure there is no additional foods in the sink of standing water, then remove the drain plug. Flush the sink with hot water and also flush and run the food waste disposal.