Drainage Problems in Sinks
- Though the interior regions of most drain pipes start as smooth surfaces, corrosion, rust and buildup create rough textures that attract further buildup and lead to drainage problems. Most often, oils, grease, fatty acids and other food residue lead to drainage problems in kitchen sinks.
In the bathroom, loose hairs, waxy toiletries and soap or toothpaste residue often collect in the sink's drain pipe to cause slow drainage. Of course, larger objects dropped down the drain -- such as paper towel scraps, tissues, cotton swabs or hair pins -- cause serious stoppage. - Try hot or boiling water -- with the optional addition of salt to remove heavy grease -- to remove light clogs. Straight white distilled vinegar also fights fatty acid buildup. Step it up by pouring baking soda into the drain and following it up with vinegar and then rinsing with hot water. Grocery stores stock the shelves with chemical unclogging remedies. Use caution when taking this route, as some of them are corrosive.
- Plungers remedy many common drainage problems in sinks. Simply remove the sink stopper -- if the sink has one -- and pump the plunger over the drain. For double-bowl sinks, stuff a wet rag in one drain as you plunge the other. Remove hair and solid objects from the drain with tweezers, long metal scissors or wire clothes hangers. Hand augers, cable augers or drain "snakes" help clear up serious drainage issues and plumbers serve as a last resort.
- Never allow solids to fall into sink drains. Trim your hair and toenails over the wastebasket, not the bathroom sink. Follow soap and toothpaste with a healthy rinse of hot water. During your normal housecleaning routine, fill each of your home's sink basins with hot water and then remove the drain plug; the force of the water helps keep drains clear of gunk. Once a month, slowly pour chlorine bleach into the sink drains and allow it to rest overnight before running water through the drains in the morning.