What to Do About Clogged Sinks?

No clog is a fun clog. It doesn’t matter if it’s a clogged shower drain, kitchen sink, toilet, dishwasher, or other plumbing appliance. They’re all a pain to deal with and can cause a great sense of discomfort and inconvenience in the home. Sinks are one of the most common places where clogs occur. 

In this article, homeowners can learn about the anatomy of a sink and how clogs form in the first place. They’ll also learn how to go about fixing a clogged sink and preventing it in the future. 

Anatomy of a Home Sink

A sink is one of several plumbing appliances that allow people to access the water in their homes. It gives people the ability to perform basic cleaning tasks such as washing their hands, brushing their teeth, washing their face, or scrubbing the dishes.

To understand how sink clogs form, it’s important to know the anatomy of the pipes directly below the sink. After water exits the sink drain, it enters a component known as the P-trap. It’s called the P-trap because it has a P-shaped curve, where it dips down and then comes back up and goes straight back to the wall. 

As water flows through the pipes, exiting the sink drain, a portion of that water will sit in the trap in order to prevent sewer gases from entering into the house through the sink. This is an essential function of the P-trap. However, because of the sharp curve of the component, this is also a common location for sink clogs to occur.

Basics of Fixing a Clogged Sink

The P-trap is one of the most common spots for sink clogs to take place. The clog could be caused by anything really, but the biggest causes of a clog include clumps of hair, facial cleansers or scrubs with beads that don’t dissolve in water, large food particles, and grease. These items often get stuck in the P-trap because there isn’t enough water pressure to move them through the rest of the pipes.

Removing and cleaning the P-trap will typically resolve this issue. Here’s what to do:

• 1. Place a towel or Tupperware container below the sink’s pipes or else water will likely drip out of the pipe and onto the cabinet or floor below the sink. 
• 2. Unscrew the nuts that are holding the P-trap in place. Carefully lower the component out from under the sink.
• 3. Clean the P-trap thoroughly. A small snake device or brush may come in handy for this part. 
• 4. Once cleaned, re-attach the P-trap to the other pipes by tightening the nuts.

It’s also a wise idea to test it to ensure that the water is flowing (no backing up) and that the pipes are tightened correctly and aren’t leaking water.

Tips to Prevent a Sink Clog

When it comes to preventing sink clogs, or any plumbing clog for that matter, the best prevention method is to be mindful of what’s going down the drain. In the bathroom, avoid brushing hair or shaving facial hair over the sink since hair is one of the biggest causes of sink clogs. It may be a good idea to place a hair trap in the drain to catch any hair that falls. Always throw floss and other single-use items into the trash rather than trying to wash it down the sink. In the kitchen, scrape the plates before washing them in the sink and never pour grease down the drain.

When homeowners start to notice the sink drain slowing down, they should try to clean out the P-trap and surrounding pipes quickly before the water completely stops draining. However, if cleaning the P-trap still doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s best to call a plumbing professional. There may be a clog that’s further down the pipes or another issue at hand.

About Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc.

With over 40 years of experience serving the Green Bay, WI area, Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc. knows what works and what doesn’t and will only recommend services that are necessary for each unique situation. They’re here to make their customers’ lives easier with fast, same-day appointments and solutions that last.

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