Nov 9, 2023 | Blog
A clogged bathroom sink is one of the most frustrating household plumbing issues. You turn on the faucet, expecting water to flow freely, only to be met with a slow drip or no water. Basic tasks like brushing your teeth or washing your face become messy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the causes of clogged drains, preventative steps you can take, and a step-by-step process for clearing your bathroom sink drain using everyday household items.
What Causes Clogged Sink Drains?
Several common culprits can lead to clogged or slow-flowing sink drains:
Hair, Soap Scum, and Debris Buildup
Over time, strands of hair, soap residue, and other gunk passing through the drain can accumulate along the pipes. This sticky mass catches other debris flowing down the drain, eventually blocking water flow.
Toiletries
Thick shampoos, conditioners, and creams can congeal and clog drains. Avoid pouring excessive amounts down the sink.
Food Waste
Leftover bits of food, oils, and grease wash down the drain and coat pipes. Use sink strainers to catch food particles.
Mineral Deposits
Hard water containing high mineral content can leave behind calcium, lime, and rust deposits inside pipes over time.
Foreign Objects
Dropped rings, bobby pins, or other small items can get stuck in pipes. Be careful not to wash objects down the drain.
Tree Roots
Roots from shrubs or trees near external plumbing may grow into and block drain lines.
Prevention Is Key
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for clogged drains. Here are some simple habits to keep your bathroom sink pipes clear:
- Use drain catchers and screens to trap hair and debris before it enters the drain. Clean them regularly.
- Pour drain cleaners down your sink every month to dissolve buildups. Products with active ingredients like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid work best.
- Flush pipes with boiling water monthly to melt fatty deposits. Pour a full kettle down the drain, sit for 5-10 minutes, then flush with cold water.
- Use a zip-it drain cleaning tool regularly to pull out hair caught in pipes before it accumulates.
- Ensure the bathroom sink drains dry entirely after use by removing any standing water with a paper towel.
Unclogging a Bathroom Sink: Step-by-Step
If your bathroom sink is moving slowly or not draining at all, try these methods to clear the clog:
1. Try a Plunger
- The suction force created by a sink plunger can dislodge minor clogs near the drain opening.
- Submerge the plunger into the water and position it directly over the drain hole to form a tight seal.
- Plunge up and down vigorously 10-15 times to dislodge the clog through pressure.
- If the plunger starts to pull up the sink stopper, you may need to hold it down lightly with your other hand.
- Drain the sink and run water to check if the clog cleared.
2. Use a Snake/Auger
- A slender drain snake or auger is required for deeper clogs a plunger can’t reach. The metal coil at the end grabs and pulls out the blockage.
- Start by detaching the curved section of piping underneath the sink, known as the P-trap. Place a bucket beneath it to catch water.
- Feed the drain snake into the sink drain until you feel resistance, then crank the handle to work through the clog.
- Once the clog is dislodged, remove any debris from the snake before carefully withdrawing it from the pipes.
- Reattach the cleaned P-trap once draining is restored.
3. Try a Chemical Drain Cleaner
- Liquid drain cleaners use harsh chemicals like lye or sulfuric acid to dissolve gunk, hair, and oils. They come premixed or as two separate solutions before being poured down the drain.
- Wear gloves, goggles, and old clothes for safety when handling chemicals.
- Remove sink drain stoppers before pouring cleaner down the drain.
- Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes before running hot water to flush residue.
- Repeat treatments may be needed for tough clogs.
4. Remove and Clean Pipes Manually
- The nuclear option for stubborn clogs that persist is to detach pipes under the sink and clean them manually. This ensures you can thoroughly inspect and rinse out pipes.
- Place a bucket under the trap, unscrew the slip nuts, and connect it to the drain lines. Set parts aside carefully.
- Check inside pipes and remove any debris by hand or with tongs. Scrub with a bottle brush.
- Thoroughly rinse pipes and reassemble them. Test water flow before replacing cabinets.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While many bathroom sink clogs can be cleared with essential tools, know when to bring in a pro:
- You’ve tried multiple home remedies without success
- The sink backs up with bubbling water, indicating a deeper main line issue
- You need pipes or plumbing disassembled to access clogs
- Drain issues recur frequently
Our Licensed Plumbers at Tap Tech have over 25 years of plumbing expertise. Our high-powered hydro jetting tools can scour tough drain clogs that regular augers can’t.
Call 343-305-1172 for same-day emergency service and all your plumbing and drain problems!
Nov 9, 2023 | Blog, Drain Cleaning
The buildup of debris, gunk, grime and tree roots are just a few examples of the things that clog sewer lines, and most homeowners will likely experience this problem from time to time. It is a must that you remove these substances from the sewer lines, and this process will require energy and time. You need to follow the right steps to prevent damage and cannot rely on store-bought or chemical cleaners because these are ineffective and may damage your drainage.
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to clean the drain, hydro jetting is one of the most effective ways to clean the drain, and many professional plumbers use this method to clean big blockages because it works. It is a reliable method that will provide you with results, and you can count on hydro-jet drain cleaning services.
What Is Hydro-Jet Cleaning and How Does It Work?
This method involves the use of a hose and pressurized water to break down the sewer line blockage. The pressurized water will add some force to the process, and it will also direct the resulting debris down the sewer line to the municipality sewer pipe.
The hydro-jet machine contains a nozzle that directs the hose to the pipe to break down the debris and wash it away, and this nozzle comes with several jets, including one that is facing forward and one that is rear-facing. The forward-facing jet creates a hole in the debris, while the rear-facing one propels the nozzle and washes away the debris. The nozzle is also available in different sizes, and the plumber will switch it out depending on the size of the clog.
You will get to enjoy several benefits when you select hydro jet cleaning services because this method is far superior to other methods of drain cleaning. Some of these benefits include:
Environmentally Friendly
Hydro-jet cleaning is environmentally friendly because only water is used to unclog the drain. You’ll never have to worry about chemicals damaging your pipes or ending up in the environment, and you can rest assured you are not causing harm in any way.
Effective Drain Cleaning
Some drain cleaning methods work while others don’t, and when you rely on hydro jet cleaning services, you will never have to play this guessing game because it is effective and is known to work every time. The force from the pressurized water will clear the clog right away, and this will clean your pipes at the same time, which means you will get to enjoy two benefits at the same time.
Your drain will receive a much-needed deep clean, and this method will remove all of the hair and grime and any other buildup that would have otherwise taken years to clean. If you are looking for an effective way to unclog your drain, hydro-jet is the answer, and you’ll be happy to know this method can help solve many plumbing issues and not just clogged pipes.
Long Lasting Solution
In addition to being an effective method, hydro-jet is also long-lasting, and you will get to enjoy the results for a very long time. When hydro jet is used to clean your drain, it will remain clean for a much longer period compared to other methods, and you will enjoy a blockage-free plumbing system.
Problems That Can Be Solved with Hydro Jet Cleaning
Hydro-jet drain cleaning services can be used for different types of clogs, including debris, gunk, grime, hair and more. Hiring hydro jet drain cleaning services once a year is ideal to prevent the buildup of substances from your drainage, and maintaining this schedule will help you keep your plumbing system clean.
Clogged Pipes
It is frustrating to deal with a drainage system that is completely clogged, and if you continue experiencing blockage that snaking cannot solve, hydro-jet cleaning may be the perfect solution for clogged pipes.
Noisy Plumbing
If you hear hissing, gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from your plumbing system, it means there is something interfering with the water flow, and you should contact a professional plumber to discuss the use of hydro jetting. They will check the nature of the clog and will provide you with their professional opinion.
Slow Drains
Slow drains can be just as frustrating as blocked pipes because it will take a lot of time for water to drain- this is a sign that a clog is developing, and you need to apply hydro jet cleaning before the issue becomes worse.
Bad Odours
Food remains, mold and other substances cannot go through the drains when they are clogged, and this will result in bad odours. Hydro jet cleaning will break down these blockages, which will allow all substances to pass, and you will no longer have to deal with bad smells.
When Should You Get Your Drains Cleaned with a Hydro-Jet Machine?
Other unclogging tools like a snake, for example, may remove minor clogs, but you will need something more effective for severe clogs and hiring a professional who has experience with a hydro jet machine is highly recommended.
If you are experiencing a drainage system that keeps blocking from time to time or your sewer lines are too dirty, it’s time to contact a professional plumber, and the same is true if your pipes are not draining fast enough or if you can hear hissing or gurgling noises from your plumbing.
Conclusion
Ready to enjoy all the benefits of hydro-jet cleaning? Tap Tech is ready to provide you with excellent service! Hydro jet drain cleaning is considered the most effective way of unclogging drains, and we will provide you with more information regarding this method.
If you find that your drains are clogging too often or think the buildup is so bad that your drains require a powerful method to clean, we can help! Our hydro jetting service will clear blockages and make your plumbing system work well again, and you can contact us at any time to learn more about hydro-jet cleaning and why it may be right for you!
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Jun 2, 2023 | Blog, Plumbing services
Attempting to fix your plumbing issues may seem like a good idea, but it could cost you more in the long run. An emergency plumber is trained to provide permanent solutions to prevent your problems from returning.
It’s not very often that you have a plumbing issue, but when you do, it needs to be taken care of immediately. A reputable emergency plumber is available 7 days a week, including holidays, to handle your problem promptly.
Available 7 Days a Week and on Most Holidays
If you experience a plumbing problem that can’t wait for the next business day, you should look for an emergency plumber specialist. They are available to help with all sorts of issues, including broken pipes, flooding, and clogged toilets. You can find these specialists online and ask friends and family for recommendations.
An emergency plumber is on-call 7 days a week, on weekends, and on most holidays to help customers in need. They are well-versed in many plumbing concerns, with the tools and expertise to rectify the issue quickly. When you call an emergency plumber near you, we’ll be available to visit your home to assess quickly—and address—the problem.
A faulty water heater or leaking tank should be fixed right away. They can cause extensive damage if left unattended. In addition, they can cause serious health issues for you and your family. It is also essential to check whether the plumber you hire has a good reputation and charges reasonable rates. Add their number to your contact list to quickly call them in an emergency.
Looking for an emergency plumber near you? Call Tap Tech today at 343-305-1172.
Tools in the Cargo Van: Not at the Shop
An emergency plumber is usually on call night and day, even on holidays. This makes it easy to get help in a pinch. In addition, most emergency plumbers like Tap Tech charge a Flat rate; they can tell you the cost based on their experience and a menu they carry with them on the truck invoice dedicated to labour costs.
Some plumbing emergencies are more severe than others, but all are dangerous if left untreated.
Emergency plumbers can thaw the pipe and perform repair work to restore water flow. We can also diagnose issues with the water heater and perform repairs—with all the necessary tools and equipment at their disposal to rectify the concern.
Invests in Repair Material and Pipe Valves
A plumber is usually licensed and trained to handle minor plumbing problems, such as toilets that overflow or clogged drains. They can also help install or replace appliances like water heaters and faucets. They may also be called in as consultants during a home remodel or renovation project to ensure that the new construction or change in plumbing is up to code.
An emergency plumbing specialist has additional expertise, tools, and equipment to handle more complicated plumbing tasks, such as repairing water supply lines or drainage systems. For example, they are often needed to clean sewer and drain lines with multiple-sized drain and sewer Power Augers. They also have Jetting equipment to power wash the inside of your pipes and Camera equipment to look inside your pipes and traps to see what is causing the problem to make an accurate diagnosis.
Some plumbing issues are more severe than others and require the services of an emergency plumber. For example, a burst pipe that causes significant flooding is considered a plumbing emergency that cannot be ignored. Similarly, a sewer backup that stops drains throughout the home is another issue that requires immediate attention. If left unattended, sewage can cause toxic mould growth and even compromise the structural integrity of a building. Call our emergency plumber if you have these concerns within your home, and we’ll help resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Emergency Plumbing Work is Often Messy
When something goes wrong in your plumbing system, it is often messy. The emergency plumber must remove and replace parts of your plumbing to repair it. This can be messy, but the plumber will take all necessary precautions to protect your home from damage with the right equipment to eliminate the mess.
There are many ways to prevent plumbing emergencies. One of the most important things you can avoid is cleaning your drains and pipes regularly. This will help to prevent clogs and keep wastewater flowing correctly. In addition, it is essential to avoid flushing items that do not belong in your plumbing system, like diapers and wipes. These can block your plumbing systems and lead to wastewater backing into your home.
Plumbing problems can happen anytime, but you must call an emergency plumber near you immediately. This will ensure that the problem is fixed quickly and minimize residual/collateral damage.
The Right Cleaning Equipment: Minimize the Mess
The sound of a gushing toilet or the sight of a flooded home is every homeowner’s nightmare. These situations and sewage back-up into your drains are considered plumbing emergencies and must be dealt with immediately to prevent severe water damage or mould.
Your plumber will be able to quickly locate the source of the issue and provide an immediate solution with the necessary cleaning equipment to remove any excess water and sewage that may have been spilled.
If you have a clogged toilet or a leaky pipe or are experiencing a problem with your sewer system, it is important to find a local emergency plumber near you, available around the clock. You can call Tap Tech at 343-305-1172 for professional help. Take the time to research your options and find a reputable emergency plumber like our qualified team dedicated to quality work.
Make sure to add our number to your contact list, so you’re ready when needed.
Regardless of whether you have low water pressure or a burst pipe, an emergency plumber will find the problem’s source and perform repairs immediately. They are also trained to find any issues that could lead to further problems down the road, such as a blocked toilet or overflowing sewer pipes.
It’s important to find the best plumber for your home or business. Look for one who offers a comprehensive assessment, clear communication, and quality work.
An Emergency Plumber Takes a Third of the Time
Plumbing emergencies are expensive and often have disastrous consequences if not dealt with immediately. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to call a professional emergency plumber to get the job done right and save you from even more costly repairs down the road.
When choosing a plumber, be prepared to provide details about the issue over the phone, so they can give you an estimate for the repair work (though an in-person visit may be necessary)
You should also remember that an emergency plumber will likely have to pay for materials when working on your home—you don’t want them cutting corners with lower-quality materials just to save a few dollars.
Efficient & Quality Repairs That Stand the Test of Time
When a plumbing repair needs to be made, don’t call just anyone: trust Tap Tech’s experts, your go-to emergency plumbing specialists. It may also be wise to take preventative measures, like asking your trusted plumbing professional to clear your drains regularly, which will help avoid emergencies altogether.
If you need a professional, reputable, and thorough plumber near you, call today at 343-305-1172.
