Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Regularly cleaning the drain
• Method 2 of 3: Remove a blockage from a washbasin
• Method 3 of 3: Keeping the drain in good condition
• Tips
• Warnings

When a large amount of toothpaste, hair, and other waste builds up in the sink tube, the sink starts to smell unpleasant. The drain tube can also become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can slow down or completely block water drainage. Regular cleaning will prevent this debris from clogging the drain. A blockage in the sink can be unclogged with baking soda and vinegar.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Regularly cleaning the drain

1. 1 Clean out debris weekly. To avoid blockages, remove the drain plug or drain grate from the sink and discard the debris they collect. Remember to flush them before reinstalling.
   • Most washbasins are equipped with a removable metal plug to block the drain hole. Pull it out of the drain hole.
   • If installing the plug is done by pushing and pulling the rod behind the mixer or otherwise, unscrew the nut on the back of the drain pipe, pull out the retaining rod, and then remove the plug.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Chris willatt

   
   
   Cleaning Professional Chris Willatt is the owner and founder of Alpine Maids, a Denver, Colorado-based cleaning service. Alpine Maids earned the Denver Best Cleaning Service Award in 2016 and has been rated A on the Angie’s List for more than five consecutive years. Chris received his BA from the University of Colorado in 2012.

   Chris willatt
   Cleaning professional

   Clean the drain once a week, whether the drain grate is removed or not. Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids, says: “Once a week, brush all hair out of the drain hole. If the grate or stopper is removable, you can put it in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning, then use a brush or magic eraser to scrape off any residue from the bottom. If the structure is not removable, brush it thoroughly. "

   
   
2. 2 Use a non-corrosive drain cleaner if necessary. Over time, bacteria accumulate in the washbasin, which contributes to the appearance of unpleasant odors and fungi in the drain pipe. Use a biodegradable, non-corrosive pipe cleaner once a month to kill bacteria. A good alternative to this is hydrogen peroxide, which can be poured directly down the drain.
   • It should be noted that many of the touted drain pipe cleaners are full of chemicals that are dangerous not only for the pipes, but also for your health.
   • Use natural store-bought clogging removers according to the instructions for use.
   • We do not recommend using bleaches or antibacterial agents. They are not only unnecessary, but can also damage the water supply system (especially if a septic tank is installed on the territory of the house).
3. 3 Clean the drain monthly with household products. Use salt, baking soda, vinegar, and / or lemon juice instead of a commercially available blockage remover to remove unpleasant odors and clean your sink. Prepare about a glass of the solution by mixing the ingredients and pour it down the drain. Wait about an hour before rinsing off any remaining solution with hot water.

Method 2 of 3: Remove a blockage from a washbasin

1. 1 Pour boiling water down the drain. To clear a more serious blockage, boil about two liters of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The boiling water will loosen and remove the blockage.
2. 2 Clean the drain with a plunger. Try to clear the blockage by pulling the handle 5-6 times and pressing the valve. This will not clear the blockage entirely, but will loosen it considerably. Use a plunger to create an airtight seal over the drain hole.
3. 3 Pour baking soda into the drain hole. Slowly pour about 1 cup (220 g) of baking soda into the drain hole. Wait a few minutes. The baking soda will not only eliminate unpleasant odors but also physically break down the blockage.
4. 4 Add vinegar. After a few minutes, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled white vinegar into the drain hole. The baking soda and vinegar will react with each other. Close the drain hole to allow the baking soda and vinegar mixture to enter the clogged part of the drain pipe and clear the blockage. Don't rinse off the mixture for about an hour or so.
   • Vinegar is also a natural deodorant. Together, this mixture will help eliminate any odor caused by waste.
   • You can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead of white vinegar.
   • When the mixture has settled, rinse it off with hot water.
   • If the unpleasant odor persists, repeat the entire process again.
5. 5 Clean the drain with a sewer cable. A more direct method may be required to remove a severe blockage. Purchase a plumbing cable from your local hardware store. it is a long, thin plastic tube with hooks on the sides. Try using it to push or pull out the waste blocking the drain. Continue pushing in and out of the cable until hair clumps or debris stop appearing at the end.
   • Alternatively, you can use a straightened metal hanger with a hook at the end. If the hanger gets stuck, remove it with pliers.
   • Treat the drain with baking soda and vinegar to remove unpleasant odors.

Method 3 of 3: Keeping the drain in good condition

1. 1 Do not throw waste into the sink drain. To keep the drain tube clean, it is imperative to monitor what goes into the drain. This is especially true for bathroom sinks, which inevitably accumulate organic detritus, such as hair. When you are not sure whether certain waste can be flushed down the drain, it is better to throw it away.
   • Do not wash the dishes in the sink or throw away waste.
   • Do not throw personal care products (cotton swabs, dental floss, or pieces of toilet paper) down the sink drain.
   • Make sure that the small round gasket that is under the cap of the personal care products does not fall into the drain.
2. 2 Use less soap and other personal care products. Regular use of things like soap, toothpaste, and shaving cream can help build up sewage deposits. Try to cut back on their use.
   • A small pea of ​​toothpaste and one dose of hand soap is enough to brush your teeth and wash your hands.
   • Leave the water running for a few seconds after using soap or toothpaste to completely rinse off.
3. 3 Do not use commercially available blockage cleaners. There are many reasons not to use these cleaners, the main one being the chemicals in them. They can corrode pipes, damage fasteners and damage the drainage system. These products are toxic and can seep into groundwater.

Tips

• If the drain tube is frequently clogged, try replacing the tubes with plastic ones. They have smooth walls, which will prevent the accumulation of bacteria and will allow you to forget about blockages for many years.

Warnings

• Dispose of medicines, paint and paint thinner properly. While these substances are unlikely to harm pipes, they are toxic and harmful to the water supply system.