The Best Ways to Unclog a Slow-Draining Sink

A slow-draining sink can be a frustrating problem, often caused by hair, soap scum, grease, or food debris accumulating in the pipes. If left untreated, the clog can worsen, leading to standing water, unpleasant odors, and even complete blockages.

At Plombier Candiac, we specialize in drain cleaning and plumbing repairs, ensuring your sink drains properly and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or utility sink, here are the best ways to unclog it—and when to call a professional plumber.

1. Use Boiling Water (Best for Grease & Soap Scum Clogs)

Boiling water can break down grease, soap, and residue buildup, making it one of the easiest ways to clear minor sink clogs.

🔧 How to Do It:
✔️ Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
✔️ Carefully pour the hot water directly down the drain in two or three stages.
✔️ Wait a few minutes, then run warm water to check if the clog has cleared.

🚨 Warning: Do NOT use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as extreme heat can damage or loosen pipe joints.

2. Try a Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture (Natural Drain Cleaner)

This chemical-free method creates a bubbling reaction that helps break up minor clogs caused by soap, grease, or organic matter.

🔧 How to Do It:
✔️ Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
✔️ Add 1 cup of white vinegar and let the mixture fizz for 10-15 minutes.
✔️ Flush the drain with hot water to clear any loosened debris.

🚰 Need professional drain cleaning? Contact Plombier Candiac for expert plumbing services.

3. Use a Plunger (Best for Partial Blockages)

A plunger is one of the most effective tools for clearing moderate sink clogs caused by food particles, hair, or small objects stuck in the pipes.

🔧 How to Do It:
✔️ Fill the sink with a few inches of water to create suction.
✔️ Place the plunger over the drain, ensuring a tight seal.
✔️ Pump up and down rapidly for 20-30 seconds.
✔️ Remove the plunger and check if the water drains faster.

🚨 Tip: If you have a double-basin kitchen sink, seal the other drain with a wet cloth to improve suction.

4. Remove & Clean the P-Trap (For Stubborn Clogs)

The P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink) often collects hair, grease, food debris, and small objects, leading to slow drainage.

🔧 How to Clean the P-Trap:
✔️ Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch water and debris.
✔️ Unscrew the pipe fittings by hand or with pliers.
✔️ Remove any buildup inside the trap and rinse it thoroughly.
✔️ Reattach the trap and run water to check if the clog is gone.

🚰 Still clogged? Contact Plombier Candiac for expert drain cleaning.

5. Use a Drain Snake (Best for Deep Clogs)

A drain snake (or plumber’s auger) is a flexible tool that can reach deep into pipes to remove hair, gunk, and debris causing slow drainage.

🔧 How to Use a Drain Snake:
✔️ Insert the snake cable into the drain and slowly push it down.
✔️ Rotate the handle while feeding it further into the pipe.
✔️ If you feel resistance, twist and pull back to grab the clog.
✔️ Repeat until the blockage is removed, then flush with hot water.

🚨 Tip: If you don’t have a drain snake, a straightened wire hanger can work for shallow clogs.

6. Use a Commercial Drain Cleaner (As a Last Resort)

Chemical drain cleaners can dissolve grease and debris, but they should only be used as a last resort since they can damage pipes over time.

🚨 Why Use with Caution?
❌ Can corrode metal and PVC pipes.
❌ Dangerous if mixed with other cleaners.
❌ Can harm septic systems and the environment.

✔️ Safer Alternative: Look for enzyme-based drain cleaners, which break down organic matter without harming pipes.

🚰 If a chemical cleaner doesn’t work, call Plombier Candiac for professional drain unclogging.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If your sink is still draining slowly after trying these methods, it may indicate a serious plumbing issue, such as:

📞 Call a plumber if:
✔️ The clog keeps coming back after DIY fixes.
✔️ Water backs up into other drains when using the sink.
✔️ You hear gurgling sounds from the drain.
✔️ The sink has a foul smell, possibly from sewer line problems.
✔️ You suspect a major blockage or pipe damage.

🚰 For fast, professional drain cleaning, contact Plombier Candiac today!

Final Thoughts

A slow-draining sink is usually caused by hair, soap scum, food grease, or debris buildup. While simple DIY methods like boiling water, baking soda & vinegar, plunging, or cleaning the P-trap can resolve minor clogs, persistent drainage issues require professional plumbing assistance.

If your sink won’t drain properly, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Plombier Cowansville for expert drain cleaning and plumbing services today! 🚰🔧