A stubborn odor can quickly turn any drain into a nuisance.It's a good idea to clean the drain regularly to get rid of odors and organic waste.You can use a do-it-yourself fix to get your sink working again if you find water no longer draining properly.You can prevent odors from forming in the first place.
Step 1: The drain should be treated with hot water, baking soda, and white vinegar.
This can help remove odors from your drain.It can help prevent a future problem.Next, pour 12 of a cup of baking soda down your drain.Put the mixture in the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes.Next, pour the boiling water down the drain from the kettle or saucepan.There are stains and mineral deposits around the outside of your drain that can be cleaned with a solution of baking soda and vinegar.
Step 2: A biological cleaner can be used to clean dirty drains.
It is possible to keep your drain smelling nice, get rid of potentially harmfulbacteria and mold, and prevent future clogs with regular preventative treatments.It's relatively safe to use biological or enzymatic drain cleaners.They are safer than most chemical cleaners.To treat a drain, follow the packaging directions.
Step 3: Get rid of the stinky disposal with ice, salt, and lemon peels.
If the garbage disposal runs well but the smell is bad, this means that the grinder has started to build up.The disposal should be filled with a few cups of ice cubes, salt, and lemon peels.It will not hurt its steel grinder if it grinds this mixture for a bit.
Step 4: A plunger can be used to clear a clog.
The best way to clear toilets is with a pryr, but they also work well on sinks and tubs.The sink or tub should be filled with enough water to cover the drain and bottom.To create a tight seal, press the plunger down over the drain.The best type of plungers to use are bellows-style.If you have a double-bowl sink, you may need to close one of the drainpipes with a plug or a cloth in order to create a seal.It's a good idea to keep a separate plunger for the toilet.
Step 5: A barbed plastic drain cleaning tool can be used.
The Zip-It Bath and Sink Hair Snare are Barbed drain cleaners.Pull the tool out of the drain.The barbs pull out hair and other materials from the drain.
Step 6: You can use a gas- or water-powered cleaner.
The drain can be blasted with compressed air or gas.Water bladders use pressurized water.If you choose a gas-powered drain cleaner, you need to make sure it fits over your drain.It may be necessary to use an accessory.The blast could be directed back at you if you don't create a good seal.Water-based drain cleaning devices are usually attached to a garden hose, but you may be able to get an accessory that will allow you to attach it to an indoor faucet.
Step 7: You can use a heating pad to melt grease.
Wrap the trap pipe with a heating pad.To warm up the pipe, turn the heating pad on and run hot water through the drain.Grease can be dissolved with a little dish detergent.
Step 8: Treat it biologically.
It is a good idea to use a drain cleaner periodically.The package has directions.While biological cleaners are slower to work and less effective than chemical cleaners, they are safer for you, your plumbing, and the environment.Repeated treatments may be required to be effective.
Step 9: You can call a plumbing professional.
If you don't feel confident that you can handle the problem yourself, call in a professional to clear your drain.If you live in a rental property, you should contact your landlord or property manager.
Step 10: You can buy a cable snake.
Augers can be used to clear deep clogs that can't be reached by other means.You can rent one from a hardware store if you don't want to buy one.A 25-foot cable is plenty for most household needs.If you have recently used harsh drain cleaning products, you should get rubber gloves with a good gripping surface and wear protective goggles.
Step 11: If necessary, remove the trap.
You may have to use a built-in strainer in order to get to the problem.There is a j-shaped pipe under the sink.If it's not possible to remove sink traps by hand, you can use a wrench or channel lock pliers.You should have a bucket close by to catch any water that comes out of the pipe.
Step 12: Slowly push the cable into the pipe.
Push the coil firmly into the pipe once it is in a few inches.The auger will slowly drive deeper into the pipe.If your pipe has sharp bends, you may need to turn the crank a little more firmly to get it through.
Step 13: Continue cranking until you meet resistance.
The wire will resist turning if it encounters a large clog.If you want to loosen up the obstruction, wiggle the handle a bit and crank it a few more times.
Step 14: The other way is to turn the crank.
The wire should come out of the obstruction if you successfully lodged the auger.Remove the debris from the end of the auger.
Step 15: If necessary, repeat the drain test.
Check the drain of your sink or tub by running a small amount of water in it.Try running the auger through your pipes a second time, and repeat as necessary until your drain is clear.
Step 16: There are drain screens that can be used to prevent clogs.
While keeping out hair, soap scum, and big particles of food, drain screens let water and small particles flow through your drain.While washing dishes, use drain screens in your tub and kitchen sink.
Step 17: Grease and fat can build up in your drain.
Grease can build up in your plumbing and cause issues outside of your home, like sewer clogs.Do not pour cooking grease down the drain.To wash greasy dishes, use plenty of hot water and dish detergent, and wipe them down with a paper towel.
Step 18: Maintenance cleaning on drains.
It's a good idea to pour a few gallons of boiling water down the sink drain once a week.It's a good idea to regularly clean built-in sink stoppers.