Sink Not Draining? 3 Ways to Diagnose the Problem

Is your kitchen or bathroom sink not draining like it should? A clogged or slow drain is one of the most common issues homeowners face. While it may seem like a minor nuisance at first, a persistently clogged sink can lead to more serious plumbing problems if left unchecked. When you notice the signs of a drain issue, it's important to diagnose the cause so you can get your sink working properly again.

With a few simple steps and household items, you can get to the bottom of the clog and resolve the drainage problem.

Check for Visible Clogs

Start your diagnosis by removing the sink stopper and shining a flashlight down the drain. You may immediately spot the culprit, like wads of hair or globs of grease stuck in the pipe. Use gloves and fingers to feel inside the drain opening and loosen any debris.

Removing any visible gunk with your fingers or a pair of tongs can clear minor obstructions. Just be sure to grasp any slimy debris firmly so it doesn't slide farther down the pipe. This quick visual inspection can solve many basic clogging issues.

Use Caution with Chemical Drain Cleaners

You may be tempted to pour caustic chemical drain cleaner down the sink, but this actually does more harm than good in many cases. The chemicals can damage pipes and cause leaks over time. Call a professional plumber if you can't clear the clog manually.

Snake the Drain

If you don't see an obvious clog, use a plumber's snake to loosen the blockage. Feed the flexible metal cable down the drain and crank the handle to twist through the bend in the pipe. Slowly retrieve the snake to pull out hair, grease, and other debris.

Repeated snaking with hot water running can help clear tough clogs. Be patient and work the snake into the drain a few times. If DIY snaking doesn't solve the problem, call a professional plumber to inspect the drain pipes with a high-powered auger.

Avoid Harsh Drain Cleaners

Hardware store drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals like lye or acids. While they may seem to help briefly, over time the chemicals corrode pipes and plumbing fixtures. Professional hydrojetting is a safer solution for severe clogs.

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

For mild clogs, mix 1 cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and pour down the drain. The chemical reaction helps break up grease, hair, and soap scum. Let the mixture fizz for 5-10 minutes. Then pour 2 quarts boiling water to rinse the drain thoroughly.

Repeat the baking soda and vinegar treatment twice per week to help prevent future clogs. It's safe for the pipes and an effective homemade way to keep drains clear.

Prevent Clogs with Strainers

Stop debris from washing down the drain in the first place. Use sink strainers to catch food particles while washing dishes. Regularly empty and clean the strainer basket.

Identify the Culprit

Once you've cleared the clog, inspect what came out to identify the culprit. Hair, grease, and soap scum are some of the most common drain-cloggers. Knowing what caused the backup helps prevent future clogs.

Install sink stoppers that catch hair, avoid pouring fats down the drain, and use a homemade drain cleaner monthly. Adjust your sink habits to keep drains clear and water flowing freely.

When to Call a Plumber

If you've tried these diagnosing methods without success, it's time to call a professional plumber. They have high-powered tools to inspect deep sink drain blockages.

A plumber can also check your entire plumbing system for issues like pipe leaks, crushed drains, and problems with the main sewer line. Sometimes the clog runs deeper than your basic at-home diagnosis can detect.

Don't let a clogged sink go unchecked. Try visual inspection, snaking, and homemade treatments to diagnose and clear basic drain obstructions yourself. If you can't get to the root of the problem, call a plumber to thoroughly inspect your sink's plumbing and drainage system.

By accurately diagnosing issues early before they worsen, you can restore proper water flow and prevent water damage or unpleasant odors. Keep these drain diagnosing techniques handy so you can unclog and repair sinks right away.