Between the unpleasant odors in the drain and stagnant water, having a clogged sink or basin is a problem we could do without. Fortunately, this annoyance can often be resolved with very simple tricks. There is often no need to rush to call a professional. For next to nothing, you can get rid of the stagnant water and regain some peace of mind. Here is the ultimate guide to natural-based solutions for finally knowing how to unclog a sink. You will surely find a trick that will help you out.
If the blockage problem comes from the dishwasher, you will find all the steps to follow here.
1) How to prevent clogged pipes?
Prevention is important in cases of repeated problems! To avoid constantly unclogging your pipes, take preventive action by pouring salty boiling water into the sink every week. This will help maintain the pipes that tend to clog. Also remember to regularly clean the trap. Indeed, this is where all the waste accumulates and creates a bad smell. Once too full, it is easier for stagnant water to develop. So be sure to unscrew and empty the trap properly!
Is putting coffee grounds in the sink a good idea?
To recycle coffee grounds, it is often advised to put them in the sink to unclog and deodorize it. However, it actually has the opposite effect and can facilitate the formation of blockages just like your other food waste, especially if the pipe is already problematic. It is better to reserve it for other uses in the garden or in the house. If you really want to use it to deodorize everything, do not do it too often. Put very little and then rinse with very hot water, and never think of removing a blockage, as it will only make it worse!
2) Hot water to dissolve blockages
No need for chemical products based on caustic soda, bleach, or hydrochloric acid. You already have everything you need at home, namely water and a large pot! To unclog your sink, boil a liter of water. Then simply pour this boiling water into the sink’s drain hole. The heat will soften the blockage and flush out this agglomeration of grease and waste effortlessly.
3) Baking soda and vinegar to unclog the sink
The combination of baking soda and white vinegar creates a non-hazardous chemical reaction. During this reaction, these ecological cleaning products neutralize each other. But more importantly, they will also foam, helping to dislodge the blockage. You can pour a large cup of baking soda and then cover it with vinegar or decide to add some coarse salt to the mix for even more effectiveness. To create a very effective drain cleaner, mix 200g of baking soda, 200g of coarse salt, and 200ml of vinegar, then pour it into the pipe without waiting. Leave it overnight. The next day, rinse with boiling or very hot water and repeat if necessary.
4) Soda crystals to remove grease residues
Greasy blockages are among the most common, and soda crystals are up to the task of combating them. Indeed, this cleaning product is even more powerful than baking soda for removing dirt and limescale. It takes at least that to degrease and disinfect all the hard surfaces of the house, starting with the pipes. To do this, pour a cup of soda crystals into the pipe. Then cover with boiling water and let it work. This will be enough to dislodge the blockage. Good to know: You can also use this trick as a preventive measure against blockages twice a month.
