How To Unclog A Sink And Garbage Disposal

A clogged sink or garbage disposal can be a major inconvenience. Not only can it make it difficult to clean dishes or dispose of food waste, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors and even water damage. If you're dealing with a clogged sink or garbage disposal, there are a few things you can do to try to unclog it yourself before calling a plumber.

For a clogged sink:

Check the drain stopper. The drain stopper may be clogged with hair, soap scum, or other debris. Remove the stopper and clean it thoroughly.
Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The boiling water will help to dissolve grease and soap scum that may be clogging the drain.
Use a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously up and down. The suction created by the plunger will help to dislodge any clogs.
Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to remove clogs. Insert the drain snake into the drain and turn the handle to feed the snake into the drain. Once the snake reaches the clog, use the handle to turn the snake and dislodge the clog.
Call a plumber. If you're unable to unclog the sink yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and effectively unclog your sink.

For a clogged garbage disposal:

Reset the garbage disposal. Most garbage disposals have a reset button located on the bottom of the unit. Press the reset button and wait for the disposal to restart.
Use ice cubes and salt. Fill the garbage disposal with ice cubes and salt. Turn on the disposal and allow the ice cubes and salt to grind for a few seconds. The ice cubes will help to break up the clog, while the salt will help to scour the blades.
Use baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda down the garbage disposal, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then turn on the disposal and allow it to run for a few seconds. The baking soda and vinegar will help to dissolve grease and soap scum that may be clogging the disposal.
Use a garbage disposal cleaner. There are a number of commercial garbage disposal cleaners available that can help to unclog a clogged disposal. Follow the directions on the product label.
Call a plumber. If you're unable to unclog the garbage disposal yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and effectively unclog your garbage disposal.

By following these tips, you can often unclog a clogged sink or garbage disposal yourself. However, if you're unable to unclog the clog yourself, it's best to call a plumber to avoid causing further damage.