Clogged sinks and drains: use these tips to avoid calling out a plumber

A clogged/blocked sink is common problem in the kitchen: not that it happens every day, but it can certainly happen occasionally, even when you are careful. The clogging is primarily caused by food debris that goes down the drain, but can also be due to oily substances and soap residue that adhere to the pipes, preventing the water from draining. And limescale build-up can also block sinks and pipes.

But a blocked sink does not necessarily mean you have to immediately call a plumber: some simple DIY actions are all you may need.

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To avoid having to deal with these problems too often, it is always good to try to scrape food residue into the trash before placing dirty dishes and pans in the sink. Further, the residue from soaked pots and pans - which may have food stuck to them - should first be removed from the water before opening the drain.

If we pour oil and fat down the drain, it is always best to follow this with vinegar or citric acid: these products will help dissolve the fats and stop them from adhering to the pipes. And we should always use a drain filter to catch dirt residue before it slips down the drain.

But when a blockage does happen, you can try the following: try to shift the blockage using a suction plunger and some very hot water. Sometimes plunging is all that is needed. Fill the sink with a little hot water, put the suction cup directly over the drain. Start plunging and do so without detaching the plunger for a number of strokes. Then, remove the plunger and check to see if the water flows away normally. Repeat this process in intervals until the problem is solved.

It is advisable to use very hot but not boiling water. Hot water helps to dissolve any lumps of grease/fat that might be clogging the pipes. Boiling water, however, can damage PVC pipe and/or any rubber joints.

We can also use some natural products to clear blockages: white vinegar and baking soda can dissolve dirt and limescale stuck in the pipes. Proceed as follows:

First pour very hot water into the drain and sink - then wait for it to drain away. Follow the hot water with a half cup of baking soda. Then immediately pour in a cup of white vinegar and wait for the frothy chemical reaction to finish. Then, flush away with hot water again. In the case of citric acid, a cup will be needed and should be left for 15 minutes before pouring in more water.

What's your favorite method for unclogging your drains?