Plunge a Sink

When you have a clogged or slow-running drain, plunging should be your first course of action. Plunging creates pressure that forces a clog to move, allowing water to push it through your plumbing and out of the way. Since plunging involves no caustic chemicals or direct contact with pipes, it's unlikely to cause any damage to your plumbing system. Here are some tips for using a plunger to clear a clogged sink.

Steps

1. Fill the sink with enough water to completely cover the rubber part of your plunger. If your sink already contains more water than you need to cover the plunger, there is no need to remove the excess water.
2. Remove the pop-up drain stopper, if your drain has one. Some drain stoppers can be removed by unscrewing them from the top. Others need to be disconnected from the pivot rod, which is located under the sink. Pull the pivot rod back to disconnect it from the drain stopper.
3. Block any extra openings. This will ensure that you are able to create enough pressure to remove the clog while plunging.
   • Stuff a wet rag partway into the overflow opening of bathroom or laundry tub sink.
   • Enlist the help of another person to hold a wet rag over the opening of 1 sink if you're working on a double-basin sink. If a double-basin sink has a garbage disposal, the rag should be blocking the sink that does not hold the disposal.
   • Apply duct tape to the dishwasher vent to close it off if you're working on a sink that is connected to a dishwasher.
4. Place the plunger directly over the drain to create a seal.
5. Plunge the sink. Grip the handle of the plunger firmly with both hands, one above the other. Press down as forcefully as possible, then quickly let the plunger come back up. Repeat the up and down motion as rapidly and forcefully as possible, about a dozen times.
6. Remove the plunger by quickly breaking the seal. Check to see whether water drains. If not, repeat the plunging process until the clog is removed.
7. Finished.

Tips

• If your drain is draining slowly but not completely clogged, you can loosen the clog before plunging. Push 1/2 cup (120 mL) of baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup (120 mL) white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for about 2 minutes. Pour 4 cups (950 mL) of boiling water down the drain. This sometimes helps loosen the clog, making plunging more productive.
• Wear rubber gloves to prevent contact with dirty water and improve your grip on the plunger.
• Use a plunger with a narrow bottom and broad-lipped top on a sink that has a garbage disposal. A traditional plunger shaped like a broad bell should be used for bathroom or laundry tub sinks.

Warnings

• Do not pour caustic drain cleaner down your drain prior to plunging. The substance can splash onto you and nearby surfaces, causing injury.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Duct tape
• Rubber gloves
• Plunger
• Baking soda (optional)
• White vinegar (optional)
• Boiling water (optional)

Sources and Citations

• http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,193799-3,00.html
• http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/1275196

See also

• Clean a Dishwasher Drain
• Unclog a Kitchen Sink
• Make a Basement French Drain
• Clear a Clogged Drain with Vinegar
• Unclog a Bathtub Drain
• Use a Plunger
• Unclog a Sink Naturally
• Make a Pop up Drain Stay Closed
• Restore Water Flow To a Clogged Kitchen Drain
• Unclog a Garbage Disposal

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