Sink Stopped Up?
Here's How to Fix It
Fixing a stopped up sink yourself has two big advantages: You save time and you save money.
After all, who has the leisure - or the inclination - to wait all day for an expensive repair person to stop by?
When drains in the kitchen or bathroom back up, pouring liberal doses of very
hot water down the drain will often help by melting greasy clogs away.
If that doesn't work, place a plunger over the drain opening, and perform three or four swift pumps.
On tub and bathroom drains, you need to cover the overflow valve near
the rim.
As you gently push the plunger down, hold a slightly damp cloth
over the overflow valve.
Wait a moment to see if the drains. If it doesn't, try again.
As a last resort before calling that busy plumber, pour in a liquid drain opener.As
If the drain opener or several short sessions with the plunger won't dislodge the blockage - or if you've noticed that several of your home's other drains are also draining sluggishly - the problem is likely to be deep inside your main house drain and well out of your reach.
Unfortunately, it's now time to call the plumber.
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Backed Up Toilet? Here's How to Fix It
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Preventative Plumbing
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Lighten Up for Energy Savings
Inexpensive Ways to Warm Up Your Home
Refrigerator Maintenance
Essential Fireplace Maintenance
How To Save On Your Air-Conditioning Bill
From Sink: Return to Maintenance & Repair
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About the Author
Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.
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