What is the best way to unclog a sink drain?

Question

I have a bathroom sink in my house that drains slowly. I was told not to use Drano because my house has a septic system.

Answer 1

A toilet plunger works well. you can also run hot water as long as you can without flooding anything and then pour orange citrus cleaner in the drain and let it soak in. This works good for breaking down soap scum and garbage that builds up. Draino works ok. I don't know of it hurting the drain field , if anything it will help it.

Answer 2

The previous answer using a snake drain clearer is a good idea, but some models come with a twisting handle enabling you to twist the drain cleaner as it winds itself down the drain & around bends etc. Some plumbers use a compressed air gun that they apply to the drain, hoping to blow out any blockage. Works sometimes, but not always! Quite often sink drains block because of hot fat poured down the sink & as it cools upon meeting water it forms a complete blockage. When tipping hot fat down a sink, always run a hot tap to help fat go right down. But it's not advisable because it can block the main sewer. Best solution is to tip the fat or oil into an old plastic bag & throw away in the rubbish bin! Once you learn to do this then you shouldn't have to worry about blocked drains again!! Cheers!!

Answer 3

if you have an overflow in the sink a small hole usually right on the inside of the sink.put a rag in that so you won't loose pressure and then just plunge at it till it brakes loose.if you can take the stopper out to cause that will help let any thing come up. good luck

Answer 4

The best reply was mentioned earlier - remove the trap , clean trap , replace washers and refit.
Toothpaste and soap are your main culprits followed then by loose hair or an object that has jambed in the elbow.

Answer 5

Go under your sink, and take the trap off, and clean it out ,Its parably full of hair, Its not a big job replace the washers with new ones, Put it back together the way you took it off. DONE

Answer 6

Try pouring baking soda into the drain followed by white vinegar. This is non-toxic and won't harm your drains. I have found it works well and it freshens the drain too. It is also cheap. Good Luck!!

Answer 7

the best way is to remove the trap.but it can get messy. a small long wire, or whats called a plumbers snake.depending where the clog is you just might have to remove the trap and go from there.