A common problem that we get called to resolve is issues relating to drainage with sinks.  In a majority of the cases, the issues are small and can be resolved with just a little bit of knowledge. In this article, we discuss how to troubleshoot and address sink drainage issues.

Bathroom Sink Drainage Issues

A sink that gets a lot of use, may sometimes experience draining issues.  Bathroom sinks, for example, may have a slow drain due to hair, makeup, or toothpaste getting stuck in the drain and clogging it up.  To restore a normal drain, the debris that is clogging it will have to be removed.  Below are simple steps that can be taken to troubleshoot the problem.

Step One

Check and the clean is the pop-up. The pop-up is the part of the sink that when pushed down allows water to collect and when pulled up allows water to drain.  It is common for hair to get caught in the pop-up and prevent the draining of water.  By removing the hair from the pop-up, should clear up the blockage that was preventing the water from draining.  If the sink is still not draining properly, then go to the next step.

Step Two

Remove and clean the trap. The trap is the underpart of the sink that drops down into an u-shape or s-shape.  This is the area where larger items such as little toys, coins, or toothbrushes might collect.  By removing these items from the trap, the sink should drain properly.  If the sink is still not draining properly, then go to the next step.

Step Three

Check the trap arm. The trap arm is the part of the sink that goes into the wall.  By removing the trap arm, you should be able to see what is causing the drainage problem and remove it.  If the sink is still not draining properly, then go to the last step.

After removing the trap arm, you should be able to see the drain pipe. If you cannot access the blockage or do not see the blockage, use a snake to clear the drain pipe.  If the problem is still not resolved, contact a professional to come and assist.

Kitchen Sink Drainage Issues

The kitchen sink probably gets more use than the bathroom sink.  As such, it is just as prone, if not more prone to draining issues.  Below are simple steps that can be taken to troubleshoot drainage problems with a kitchen sink.

Step One

Attempt to plunge the sink. Do not use the same plunger that you use for the toilet.  Toilet plungers are designed differently than sink plungers and you would not want to mix potential feces material in the same area where you prep your food.

    • Position the plunger completely over the drain.
    • Make sure you have a tight seal by filling the sink with water that covers the rubber of the plunger.
    • Start pushing up and down on the plunger until the seal break. When the seal is broken, then that usually means the blockage has been dislodged and the sink should drain easily.

Step Two

If you do not have a sink plunger or it does not work, then you can use a drain cleaner. By putting boiling water down the drain, followed by a half cup of baking soda, and a half cup of white vinegar, you will create a chemical reaction that will not only clean the inside of the pipes but also dissolve whatever food is causing a blockage.

Do Not Ignore Problems

A small problem ignored today will become a big problem to deal with tomorrow.  If you notice anything unusual with your sink, no matter how small, then it is advisable to try and resolve the problem immediately.  Failure to do so can create standing water which is a breeding ground for mold and other dangerous pathogens.  If you are unsure or unable to fix a problem, call a professional.  The trained plumbers at Conyer’s Plumbing will be more than happy to investigate and resolve your plumbing issues.