Stopping Clogged Sinks Once and For All

Say Goodbye to Clogged Sinks

Clogs are one of the worst nightmares for homeowners. They create inconvenience and discomfort for those living in the home. Any plumbing clog can be a menace, including clogged sinks. Trying to brush teeth at night? A clogged sink will cause the toothpaste foam to harden and set onto the sink. Trying to wash dishes? A clogged sink will keep food particles in the sink that then need to be picked out and thrown away by hand. In this article, homeowners can learn more about sink clogs, what causes them, and how to prevent them.

Basics of a Home Sink

A sink is one of the mediums between a person and the plumbing system. It allows people to access the water in their homes. Having access to that water allows people to partake in basic cleanliness tasks like washing their hands, washing their faces, brushing their teeth, washing the dishes, and so on.

When trying to understand sink clogs, the most important sink component to know is the P-trap. Most sinks have a P-shaped curve to them, where the pipe dips down and comes back up. This is known as the P-trap. As water leaves the sink drain, a portion of that water is designed to sit in the trap to prevent sewer gases from entering through the sink and into the house. However, it is also a common location for sink clogs to take place.

How to Fix a Clogged Sink

Because of the shape of the P-trap, it is a common spot for sink clogs. That clog could be caused by a multitude of things. Hair, food particles, face washes, and cleansers that don’t dissolve in water, and other items can all cause a clog to form. They often get stuck at the bottom of the P-trap and don’t have enough pressure from the water to move through the pipes. In this case, homeowners can typically unscrew the P-trap to remove and clean it.

Just be sure to place a towel or Tupperware container below the pipe, as water will likely drip out of the pipe and onto the cabinet or floor below. Homeowners can use a small snake device or brush to clean out the pipe and get rid of any buildup that is sitting inside of it. Then simply re-attach the P-trap to the other pipes and tighten the nuts.

Preventing a Sink Clog

The best way to prevent a sink clog is to be mindful of what’s being washed down the drain. As mentioned, hair is a huge cause of sink clogs. Try to brush the hair away from the sink, and clean up any hair that falls into the sink when shaving or trimming facial hair. Some homeowners will use a hair trap to catch any hair that falls down the drain to prevent clogs. Throw floss in the trash and throw leftover food into the trash as well before washing dishes in the kitchen sink.

If homeowners start to notice their sink drain slowing down, it’s best to clear out the pipes before it completely stops draining. Homeowners can start by clearing out the P-trap under the sink, but if that fails to do the trick, it is best to call a professional since the clog may be further down the pipes in the house.

About Towers Plumbing

Towers Plumbing has proudly served Salt Lake City and the surrounding area for over 75 years. They provide excellent care from the moment they take a customer's call and pride themselves on going the extra mile to educate customers on all their options. Whether the plumbing job is large or small, the team at Towers Plumbing is dedicated to solving all residential or commercial problems with the solution best suited to meet their customers’ needs.