How to Unclog Greasy Sink Drains

Why Do Drain Clogs Happen?

There are essentially a few common substances that cause clogs to happen in your drains. Even though fat, oil, grease, and food particles are the main reason for clogs, they are not the only reasons. Other reasons can be but are not limited to hair clumps, soap scums, and dirt. When you wash down oils and grease from your pots and pans while doing the dishes, it may not seem like a problem. However, as the oil and grease start to dry, they form a thick coating against the walls of the pipes, causing a blockage. This leads to multiple calls to the plumber which could have been easily avoided.

Easy Ways to Unclog a Drain

• Wire Hanger – The easiest way to unclog a drainpipe in your sink is to make a DIY hook with your wire/coat hanger. Take a coat hanger from your closet and straighten it out. Then, curve one end of the coat hanger into a hook shape and proceed to start the task. Insert your hook down the drain and begin to make small "fishing" motions to remove the substances causing a clog.
• Dish Detergent – This method can be used for shower and toilet drains. Showers have a buildup of hair, dirt, and soap scum over time, while toilets can have women’s products, waste, or excess toilet paper. A simple way to break down these substances in your drain is to pour some dish detergent along with boiling water. You can allow the solution to slowly break down the blockage or help speed up the process by using a plunger or your hand.
• Baking Soda & Vinegar – This solution is an easy way to clear up mild clogs. Begin by pouring down boiling water down the drain and follow it with a few tablespoons of baking soda. Next, mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of hot water, and pour the mixture down the drain as well. Let this sit for an hour or longer to see optimal results.
• Plungers – Based on which drain you need to unclog, choose a plunger that has a size appropriate for the clogged drain. A toilet plunger won’t work for a shower drain, for example, so you’ll need to find a plunger that’s smaller in diameter. Place the plunger into the drain after you’ve unscrewed the seal and keep pumping until the clog has cleared.

If none of the methods have succeeded in unclogging your drain, it’s time to call a plumber from Sunshine Plumbers. Our drain cleaning services are known to unclog even the toughest blockages. Call or book an appointment to unclog your drain today.