How to Unclog a Sink with Standing Water

One of the most unsightly things to see in your house is a clogged sink with standing water. Apart from causing inconveniences, a clogged sink with stagnant water can cause a foul odor and unsanitary conditions in your house. The good news is that there are reliable approaches you could exploit to unclog a sink with standing water. Let’s look at some of the ways to unclog a sink with standing water.

Clear Out the Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water can help unclog a sink naturally. This method is a natural alternative to using chemical drain cleaners and can be a great option if you’re dealing with a minor clog.

Here’s how to use baking soda and vinegar to clear a clogged sink:

• Once you’ve removed the standing water, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain
• Then, pour 1 cup of vinegar and cover the drain’s opening to keep the reaction in the pipe
• Let the mixture settle for 10 minutes
• Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush the solution. Your drain should be clear now

Plunge Away the Blockage

If flushing the drain with baking soda and vinegar didn’t clear the clog, it’s time to reach for a cup plunger. A plunger clears drain clogs using air pressure. Follow these steps to plunge away the clog.

• Remove the stagnant water but leave enough water to cover the suction cup
• Position the plunger firmly over the drain and make sure to establish a tight seal
• Push the handle in and out quickly several times without breaking the tight seal
• Remove the plunger and see if the water drains. If the water drains freely, you’ve successfully unclogged the sink.

If the water doesn’t drain after several attempts, it’s time to try a different method.

Use a Drain Snake

A drain snake, also known as a plumbing snake, can help you unclog a blocked sink if the above methods do not work. This tool has a long, coiled spiral cable that reaches down into the drain and works to clear stubborn drain clogs. Here’s how to use a drain snake to unclog a sink with standing water:

• Insert the drain snake into your drain and turn the handle
• Continue pushing the tool into the drain until you feel resistance—this means you’ve likely reached the clog
• Rotate the snake against the blockage. There are chances the clog will attach to the cable or it will break up.
• Turn the crank counterclockwise and retract the cable. Chances are the clog will come out with the cable.
• Repeat the process until you no longer feel a blockage in the drain

NOTE: If you have a garbage disposal, you’ll need to remove the P-trap to be able to unclog your clogged sink.

If your sink does not unclog after trying the above methods, call a nearby plumber to help you with clogged drain cleaning. A professional plumber has the skills, experience, and advanced equipment to clear even the most stubborn drain clogs.

Call Neighborhood Plumbing for Clogged Drain Cleaning

If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that won’t clear after attempting various DIY methods, call the expert plumbers at Neighborhood Plumbing to help you out. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we take pride in offering efficient clogged drain cleaning services and many other plumbing services.