If a plunger does not clear the clog, you will need to clean the siphon located under the sink or sink as follows to unclog drains. For the Blocked Drains Kent services this is important.
Step 1: Make sure you have a bucket on hand to collect the residual water.
Step 2: Check if there is a cleaning plug in the siphon, it will be a square or hexagonal plug at the base of the elbow. If present, remove the cap and insert a stretched hanger or bottle brush in circular motions into the siphon elbows to remove debris.
Step 3: If the siphon does not have a cleaning plug, remove the siphon by loosening the two couplings that hold it in place. If you have chrome pipe connectors, you will need to wrap the water pump clip in something soft to protect the finish. Penetrating oil can help loosen a stuck siphon fitting.
Step 4: Hold the siphon above the bucket and insert a stretched hanger or bottle brush into the siphon. Push the hanger or bottle brush in a circle around the curves and push the debris.
Step 5: Clean the siphon with hot soapy water.
Step 6: Before making the connection again, check the siphon for wear or corrosion. The metal or plastic material can begin to wear and leak. If you notice wear then replace the siphon. When reassembling the siphon after cleaning it may be necessary to reseal the threads. Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape.
How to use a plumber’s auger to unclog a drain
If the siphon is clean and the drain is still clogged, the blockage is further away in the sink drain pipe or the main drain or general pipe. To unclog these drains, you will need a plumber’s auger or, as it is also called a plunger. Use it as follows:
- With the siphon off, insert the auger into the drain pipe and push until you find the clog.
- When the end of the plunger hits the clog, try to hook it by turning the handle clockwise.
- When it is firmly hooked, twist and push the obstruction over and over again until it breaks. Rinse the tubing with cold water.
Once the clog is gone, reassemble the sink siphon. When reassembling the siphon after cleaning, you will need to reseal the threads. Use pipe joint compound or Teflon tape. Let water run for a few minutes to make sure the clog is completely gone and the siphon does not leak where it was reconnected.
Unclog with chemical drain cleaners
In the event the above methods fail, the next logical step is to use a chemical drain cleaner. Fast-acting chemical drain cleaners generally contain a high concentration of bleach or sulfuric acid to dissolve all types of clogs quickly and effectively. You must be careful when handling these chemicals to unclog drains, they should be kept out of the reach of children and pets, and also when using it, avoid breathing the gases they emit. When using a chemical drain plunger, be sure to read and follow all directions and warnings on the bottle. After following the directions on the bottle, and unclogging the drain, remember to run plenty of water to flush the chemicals out of your pipes.
