It is not out of place for a sink to get clogged up every once in a while. Going by this, you do not have to be worried when your sink gets clogged. If your sink becomes clogged, certain tools can come in handy in helping you unclog it. One of these tools is a plunger.
Due to the existence of a plunger, you do not need to spend so much money on seeking the services of a professional plumber before your sink gets unclogged. You can simply make use of a plunger and any issues of a clogged sink can be dealt with in about an hour.
Beyond being fully aware of the fact that a plunger can be used in helping you unclog a sink, you should know the steps to follow when making use of a plunger in unclogging a sink.
What is a Plunger?
A plunger is a very simple tool. It is otherwise known as a plumber’s friend and is made up of two parts. These parts are a shaft and a rubber suction cup that gets the job done. A plunger is used to clearing blockages in pipes and drains.
While a plunger is primarily used in clearing blockages in pipes, you should know how to use it if you must get the best from its use.
Steps in Using a Plunger
If you are looking to unclog a sink with a plunger, follow the steps below
Get Your Tools Ready
As soon as you discover that your kitchen sink is clogged, you will need to get the right tools for the job-ready. This might seem like a tall order. However, the truth is once you have the right tools, you will almost always be successful when dealing with a clogged sink.
If you are not sure where to get a plunger, you can always get one at any hardware store.
Find out what the problem is
Before you go ahead to make use of a plunger in unclogging a sink, you should be aware of what is responsible for clogging the sink.
More often than not, a sink gets clogged when a garbage disposal is clogged. When this happens, the part of the sink with the disposer might not drain, you simply need to make use of a plunge in getting the clog out.
In addition to your garbage disposer getting clogged, your sink might be clogged when your garbage disposer gets jammed.
Now, how do you know when your garbage disposer is jammed?
You can tell a garbage disposer is jammed if it produces a humming sound after it is turned on. Once you discover your garbage disposer is jammed, you should switch it off and get it unplugged.
One other issue with the garbage disposer that might clog the sink is when there has been a trip on an internal breaker on its motor. When this occurs, all you should do is let the disposer get cool. After letting it cool, click on the reset button and put it on.
While the garbage disposer might be responsible for lots of problems with your sink, if the garbage disposer is not responsible for the blockage in your sink, you will have to plunge the sink.
As soon as you discover the reason for the clog in the sink, the next thing you need to do is making attempts at plunging the drain.
While making use of a plunge in unclogging a sink, you will need to clamp the drain hose if you own a dishwasher. The next thing to be done is to pour some water into the sink. The sink should be about 3 inches full. When this is done, put a wet piece of cloth over the second drain. This must be done tightly. Once the wet piece of cloth has been used in sealing one drain, position the plunger on the second drain. The next thing you should do is plunge vigorously with an upward and downward movement.
While at this, to ensure that the plunger moves water into the drain and not air, see to it that the head of the plunger is in the water.
After moving the plunger up and down vigorously for a fairly short while, when making your last stroke, you should make attempts at popping the plunger off the drain. Doing these will go a long way in getting the sink free from the clog.
Although very effective, the situations associated with plunging are not constant. There are times in which plunging goes on smoothly and rapidly. Some other times, it is messy and wet. Due to this, you must always have a towel close by to help you deal with any spills that occur as a result of plunging.
Plunging your drain is an effective way to keep it free from clogs. It, however, should only be done when there are no cleaners in your sink. If you plunge your sing when there are cleaners in it, the chemicals contained in the cleaner might splash on your body and this might cause some burns.
If your sink is not clogged yet, you will not need to make use of a plunger. You can simply make use of a drain cleaner.
Ensure the P-trap is Clean
When the clog in a sink occurs in its P-trap, it is known to trap a bigger quantity of drain. The reason for this is when coffee grounds or grease gets stuck in the P-trap, a lot of times, plunging might not get the P-trap free from any clogs. In a situation like this, you will have to dismantle the P-trap and get it cleaned. This can last about 15 minutes.
When cleaning up the P-trap, the first thing you should do is sponge the water in the sink. Doing this will go a long way in reducing water flow. This should be followed by losing the trap arm assembly’s slip nut. Once you are done with this, clean the P-trap and ensure that it is free from debris
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