5 Easy Methods to Unclog a Clogged Sink

When it comes to clogged sinks, the first instinct that most people have is to run to the store and buy something that they think will fix their problem. However, if you have ever had a sink clog before, you know that these products are not always effective and many times even harmful to the pipes and your skin. So before you go out to buy anything, you should try these five easy methods that you can use to unclog your sink right now as suggested by our drain cleaning Pickering experts.

Plunger

A plunger is one of your most basic and inexpensive options for getting rid of clogs. To use it, simply plunge (push and pump) up and down over your drain several times until you clear out whatever is blocking it. Plungers are especially effective when there is hair or other stringy substance in a clogged drain because they create pressure that helps break up these materials.

Drano

Known for having strong fumes, it is not advised to use Drano when the drain is clogged. It’s also not recommended if you have metal pipes, as they may deteriorate or rust with continued use of Drano. You may find that using natural products such as baking soda or vinegar will work better in certain cases.

Using a Plumber’s Snake

This is usually used by professional emergency plumber Pickering professionals and comes in handy when there are big blockages that need clearing out.

Boiling Water

This method is one of the favorites and requires nothing more than hot water. If you can’t find an auger or drain snake, try pouring boiling water down your clogged sink. The hot water will help break up and dissolve any gunk you’re dealing with. You might want to use a funnel in order to direct some of that heat energy where it needs to go (up your drain).

Drain Snake

A drain snake is one of those handy devices that looks like a big, long garden hose. You’re able to insert it down into your clogged sink and twist it around along with some muscle to help clear out whatever’s causing your drain trouble. If you’ve ever used one of these before, you know what an incredible feat of strength (and power) it can be.

Soft Solvent

Any kitchen or bathroom has a good supply of soft solvent around, which is why it’s often the first thing that comes to mind when someone says how do I unclog my sink? To use it effectively, pour some in your sink, let it sit for 5 minutes and then slowly run warm water into it. A bowl of warm water can also help soften any bits stuck in your drain.

If nothing seems to work out, please call a plumber Pickering expert and get your sink unclogged.

Common Plumbing Problems and How to Fix Them

 

Plumbing problems can be frustrating because they often crop up when you least expect them. No matter where you live, your plumbing will occasionally have problems. Even if you’ve well-maintained plumbing systems, there are still many common problems that could arise from time to time that can be easily fixed before it escalates into a major plumbing repair. We, plumber Scarborough, listed some of the most common plumbing problems and solutions to help you make informed decisions!

Water Pressure Problems

It is normal for a home’s water pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. What many homeowners don’t realize is that these fluctuations can cause severe problems with water heaters and faucets, in addition to being unsanitary. If you see water draining from your pipes or if you have low pressure in one area of your home, check for a clog in your mainline.

Running Toilets

A running toilet may seem like an insignificant problem, but if it’s left unattended, it can cost you plenty. A running toilet wastes 6-10 gallons of water a day, costing an average of $30 per month.

Stinky Drains

This can happen when grease or other food particles get stuck in your drain. To clear it out, pour hot water down it while running the garbage disposal. If nothing works out, a professional drain cleaning Scarborough would be your best bet.

Leaky Taps

One of the most common plumbing problems is a leaky tap. Leaky taps can waste up to 100 litres of water per day, which adds up quickly if you have several leaking taps in your home. Often, these leaks are hidden behind walls or underneath furniture and can be difficult to locate. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes for many leaking taps that you can try at home. If you can’t fix, please call your  emergency plumber Scarborough.

Leaky Faucets

The little drip coming from your faucet may seem like nothing, but when you multiply that drip by 100 gallons a day, you’re wasting more than $100 a year. That’s why it’s important to fix leaky faucets before they become an expensive habit.

Drains That Flood Bathrooms

There are a couple of common causes for drains that flood bathrooms. First, there may be a clog just inside your drain pipes which should clear with a plunger. If not, you will need to snake them with a plumbing auger or similar equipment. Second, if you have outside drains coming from your house into another pipe on your property (or going directly into ground) you may want to consider installing an exterior sump pump for those lines.

Addressing plumbing problems at the earlier stage is the key to extending the life of plumbing fixtures.

A Guide to Dealing with Frozen Pipes

While most homeowners focus on insulation and using space heaters, extreme winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze. In the worst case, frozen pipes are dangerous as they can burst any time and flood the area. Water tends to expand when it freezes, creating significant pressure on pipes until they can no longer hold the ice.

If you are fortunate enough to find the frozen pipe, you stand a chance at identifying frozen pipes that’s early enough to thaw them. But, if don’t notice or overlook the warning signs, it can result in burst pipes. Don’t worry, if you happen to encounter frozen pipe, 24 hour plumber Pickering is just a call away and help fix the pipes. However, it’s important to know the signs and how to prevent frozen pipe bursts.

What are the Warning Signs of Frozen Pipes?

Before a frozen pipe bursts, there are some warning signs which you need to watch for.

·         No Running Water

If you turn on your faucet or turn on the shower and no water comes out, or it’s dripping, you have a serious problem.

·         Coldwater

If you turn on the hot water and only cold water comes out, it’s obvious that the pipes are frozen. If the pipe isn’t frozen, then the problem is with your water heater.

·         The Pipes are Frosty

It’s a tell-tale sign of frozen pipe. There are pipes running in a different direction, so it might be hard to inspect them all. However, keeping an eye on pipes in visible areas can help prevent burst pipes. If you could notice frost on pipes, please call your plumber right way.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes?

·         First, locate the area of the water pipe that’s frozen. The most common places are pipes running against exterior walls or where the water service enters your home.

·         Keep the tap open so that you’ll identify whether the frozen area begins to melt or not. Besides, running water through the pipe will help melt more ice on the pipe.

·         Apply heat on the frozen area using an electric hair dryer, electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe or even wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Never use kerosene, a blowtorch, or any other open flame devices, as they can make water inside the frozen pipe to boil and the pipe explode.

·         Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored.

A frozen water pipe can cause severe damages to your plumbing Pickering system. It’s important to prevent frozen pipes by taking necessary preventive measures. If you can’t locate the frozen pipe in your system, call a licensed plumber Pickering.