FoodUnlocking the power of homemade solutions to unclog kitchen sinks

Unlocking the power of homemade solutions to unclog kitchen sinks

Blocked sink
Blocked sink
Images source: © Adobe Stock

4 February 2024 19:22, updated: 7 March 2024 09:20

Anything that flows down with the water can obstruct the trouble-free operation of the sewage system. A blocked kitchen sink is often a common issue. It sometimes suffices to restore flow using homemade remedies rather than reaching for harsh substances that can damage the pipes, among other things. So, what are the methods to unclog a sink?

How to clear a blocked kitchen sink?

Firstly, it's essential to know that unblocking plumbing involves removing a clog formed in the pipe. Most drains consist of a siphon, pipes leading to the stack, and sewer pipes that carry waste into the sewage system. A blockage formed within the route to the stack can typically be cleared with homemade remedies. However, if the blockage occurs further along the pipes, it's time for a plumber’s visit.

Using wire, a plunger, or a snake is prominent among the DIY methods. Usually, though, the battle against a blocked sink starts with pouring homemade concoctions into the pipes. What are the most successful remedies, and how can they be used effectively?

How to unclog a sink? Homemade solutions

The most commonly used household remedy to unblock a sink involves vinegar. Warm the vinegar and pour it down the drain, then after about 30 minutes, flush the pipes with hot water. If the blockage isn't sizeable, hot water with a dash of table salt can be used instead of vinegar.

It's not hard to block a kitchen sink.
It's not hard to block a kitchen sink.© Pixabay

If the methods above prove ineffective, you could also consider baking soda. To tackle a more stubborn blockage, prepare a solution in a 3:1 ratio of baking soda to vinegar, then pour it down the drain. After 30 minutes, flush the pipes with several litres of boiling water. If you have a domestic wastewater treatment plant, you could pour soda into the drain and douse it with boiling vinegar. Following this, after approximately 30 minutes, rinse the drain with water.

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