Smooth drainage is crucial for daily use in the kitchen or bathroom. Over time, sinks or basins can become clogged due to accumulated debris, leading to slow drainage or even complete blockage.
In this guide, we will teach you step-by-step how to effectively unclog your sink, restore smooth drainage, and ensure your workspace is fully functional and convenient once again.
Step 1: Suction with hand pump
Place the plunger directly over the drain opening.
Pump vigorously up and down to create suction and dislodge the clog.
Step 2: Use a drain snake (Waste Pipe Cleaner)
Insert the end with the spiral head into the drain opening. Push and pull the drain cleaner back and forth to loosen the blockage in the pipe.
This method is particularly effective if the blockage is hair, as the hair will get tangled in the spiral head and can be easily pulled out for cleaning.
Step 3: Disassemble the hose for cleaning
Place a container (plastic bucket) under the sink to catch the draining water. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and avoid contact with the wastewater. Unscrew the U-trap / P-trap or bottle trap.
Unscrew the trap's bottom cup and clean the rubber washer in a bucket of hot, soapy water, using a toothbrush or drain brush for a thorough cleaning.
Reassemble the pipes, ensuring all rubber washers are correctly put back in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is usually due to a partial blockage caused by hair, grease, or debris accumulating in the drain.
There are chemical drain cleaners available on the market, but it is recommended to first try manual methods to resolve blockages to avoid impacting the natural environment. If manual methods do not work, you can try a mild powdered drain cleaner (which dissolves common hair and dander) once. If that still doesn't work, then you can upgrade to stronger drain cleaners. These professional chemical drain cleaners are designed for different situations (e.g., dissolving grease, towels, cement, and other blockages).
We recommend a simple monthly cleaning to prevent blockages and maintain smooth drainage. (Smart tip: After cooking dinner each night, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush out grease and keep it clear.)
If the silicone gasket of the air trap is lost or damaged, a complete new bottle-type air trap must be replaced and reinstalled, otherwise it may lead to water leakage. It is recommended to take photos during disassembly to help remember the position of each component.