The frustration of a plumbing problem, like a clogged sink in the Los Angeles & San Francisco area home, can be overwhelming because you can’t use the sink anymore and may not know what went wrong or how to fix it. Truthfully, several potential causes can lead to a clogged drain. Knowing the most common reasons for a clogged sink is the first step to addressing the issue. Here are the top 5 reasons for a clogged sink:
Hair
A sink clogged with hair is a common complaint. Understandably, having multiple people in a household increases the likelihood of hair clogging the drain. Additionally, hair can cluster and ball up in a way that prevents water from passing through. It can bend and stick to other structures and withstand significant amounts of water pressure.
Grease Buildup
The sink is highly susceptible to clogging, resulting in a foul odor from the drain. Grease accumulation within the drain is primarily responsible for this issue. Many food scraps will build up on the pipe walls when you use the garbage disposal. A common mistake when preparing ground meat or ground turkey is discarding the fat produced in the cooking process. It is essential to avoid this behavior.
Corrosion
If you reside in an older home with metal pipes, pipe corrosion is inevitable. Corrosion increases the likelihood of a clogged sink: the pipe interior becomes rough, allowing debris to attach to it, and the pipe diameter narrows.
Soap
Using a bar of soap could be the very cause of a clogged bathroom sink. The fats and grease in the soap can cling to your drain, and the soap residue accumulates quickly. To avoid this issue, consider switching to liquid soaps for the bathroom and shower.
Dirt
Many people don’t realize that a shower drain is specifically designed for water drainage. By assuming that their sink drain can handle dirt being washed down it, they inadvertently contribute to clogging. While you may not think your shower drain can handle much grime, water causes dirt particles to clump together, exacerbating the problem. Washing large volumes of dirt down the drain practically invites buildup along the pipe walls.
How to prevent a clogged sink?
By following a few simple preventative measures, you can avoid clogged drains in the first place. To ensure your drains continue working correctly, consider these seven tips:
Use Strainers
Despite being obvious, many sinks still lack strainers for soap and other cleaning supplies. They’re easy to use and affordable, and they help keep debris out of the drain. Don’t overlook the sink stoppers either. Always remove them and give your sink a thorough cleaning. The cleaner the stopper, the less surface area for dust and dirt to adhere to.
Have Backup Tools
Unfortunately, even with filters, some dirt will still get flushed away. Using a drain snake or a similar device can help clear out the pipes and prevent buildup.
Try A Little Chemistry
Unclogging a sink with baking soda and vinegar is a tried-and-true method. Quickly clean the drain by pouring boiling water down it, followed by a 1:1 mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and then immediately plugging the drain. The combination creates a chemical reaction that breaks up the gunk. Afterward, flush everything down with a pot of boiling water to remove any remaining residue.
Hot Water
As mentioned earlier, boiling water is used because its pressure makes it a more effective rinse than cold or warm water. An alternative technique for maintaining smooth water flow is filling the sink with hot water and letting it drain or running the hot water tap for a few minutes. Ensure all the oil you’ve cleaned off the dishes and into the sink drains by running a steady stream of hot water after each time you do the dishes.
Keep Some Distance
The bathroom sink, in particular, can quickly become clogged with loose hairs if not cleared every day. Remind your loved ones that it’s fine to use the mirror above the sink for hair styling, but they should step back a foot or two, so the hairs don’t end up in the sink.
Cover it
Clogged sinks can be caused by more than just women’s hair. Shaving also results in hair entering the drain. Consider placing a towel over the sink before shaving. When you’re finished, give the towel a good shake to remove the hair.
Call Oasis Plumbers to Fix it Today!
Now that you’re aware of the various causes of a clogged sink, you should know what to do if your sink becomes clogged. Have you noticed any other issues, such as a leaking sink? Perhaps you want more information on how to clean the sink drain? Feel free to call any of our hotlines here at Oasis Plumbers or fill out the contact form to schedule an appointment.