Unclogging a Double Sink

Drains are easily blocked by items such as hair and food debris. The blockage may not happen immediately and could develop over time. A pipeline can gradually get more and more debris filling until liquid can no longer pass through it at a normal rate. If the drain is clogged from a sink, the liquid can begin to overflow through the drain of the second from the drains normally going to a single tube. Unclog the drain itself to save money and use your double sink again normally.

Instructions

  1. Plug the drain and fill the sink with hot water mixed with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Remove the plug to allow hot soapy water to flow through the drain. The combination of water pressure, heat and soap can dislodge some obstructions. Do the same with the other sink to see if there is any leak as well.
  2. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour in three cups of boiling water. This activates the baking soda and can help clear a jam. Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain after that. It will react to sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and the reaction can also dislodge an obstruction.
  3. Fill the sink with water again and use a plunger in the drain to suck the pipe obstruction until the water comes out of the sink.
  4. Pour a commercial drain cleaner down the drain according to the package directions if there is still an obstruction. Many drain cleaners come with a given amount of time to leave it in the drain before adding water to it.
  5. Straighten a wire hook and insert it into the drain to remove the blockage if it still seems to be a nuisance. If this does not succeed, you will probably need to have a plumber come to eliminate the obstruction.