How to Unclog a Sink with a Drain Plunger
If your kitchen or bathroom sink drains slowly, it may be time to clear a clog. You will need a drain plunger to quickly clear most sink drain clogs. The first thing you need to know is the difference between a cup plunger and a flange plunger. The cup plunger is the type that most people have in their homes. It is also called a sink plunger. It has a flat cup, whereas a flange plunger has an extended rubber lip that should be used for toilet drains. Make sure that you use a cup plunger when plunging your sink drains. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Place a piece of duct tape over the overflow hole at the top of the sink. This will prevent water from accidentally shooting out while you are plunging the sink drain.
-
2
Remove the sink stopper by pulling it out or unscrewing it from the sink drain if you are plunging a bathroom sink. In kitchen sinks, make sure that you remove the sink strainer basket.
-
-
3
Place the cup plunger over the drain hole and make sure that you have a tight seal around the drain. If your sink is not full of water, run water until the sink fills halfway and covers the plunger completely.
-
4
"Burp" the air out of the plunger by lifting it away from the drain partially and allow the plunger to fill with water. After the plunger is burped, press it down over the sink drain, making sure you have a tight seal between the plunger and the sink.
-
5
Push down and then quickly pull up on the plunger while maintaining the seal with the sink. The handle of the plunger should be as straight as possible while doing this.
-
6
Repeat the plunging motion for 20 seconds and then remove the plunger completely from the sink. The clog may or may not go away after the first attempt.
-
7
Repeat the plunging steps several more times if necessary. Remember to burp the plunger each time you reseal it to the sink drain.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If plunging fails to remove the clog after five attempts, you may need to rent a drain snake to remove the clog.
Do not use a plunger while using drain-cleaning chemicals. Chemicals could spray onto your skin or clothes. Use chemicals only after plunging efforts have failed.
