If your sink is slow to drain or completely backed up, there are several things you can do to help free the clog before calling a plumbing service. Be careful, though. You could do more harm than good, making the clog worse or damaging your pipes. Know the do’s and don’ts of drain clogs before you get started.

Do:

Flush slow-draining sinks with hot water.

If your sink is draining slowly and you think a clog may be forming, trying running hot water down the drain. This won't solve any big problems, but may dislodge food and other particles that are sticking in the drain.

Try to plunge it.

Use a standard plunger to try to give light clogs the push they need. If it's the bathroom sink, before plunging, block the overflow drain with a rag. If it's the kitchen sink, block the drain on the other side of the sink with the stopper. If the sink contains more than just a couple inches of water, you’ll need to bail it. Then, place the suction of the plunger directly over the drain and firmly plunge up and down to free the clog.

Snake it.

If you know what you are doing, you can dislodge a clog with a drain snake. Snakes twist and bend with your pipes. You thread the snake through the pipe in hopes it'll catch onto the clog and pull it out, or push it on through. If you are not comfortable snaking the drain yourself, contact a plumbing service.

Don't:

Add water to a blocked drain.

If your sink isn't draining at all, don't add more water to the already standing water. This will only cause you to have to do more bailing before being able to plunge it.

Use hazardous chemicals.

Chemical cleaners are nearly useless on a stopped sink. And though these liquid drain cleaners might help a slow-draining sink, long-term use can do damage to your pipes. Also, if you've used chemicals in the sink, don't follow up with a plunger. You may splash chemicals onto your skin, causing irritation or burns.

Hesitate to call a plumber.

Unclogging a drain isn't always a simple job. To clear bad blockages and get your water flowing smoothly again, call a plumbing service. A pro will be able to clear your drain without causing any more damage to your system.

If your sink is clogged, turn to the professionals at GNG Plumbing and The Hardware Store. For over 30 years, this locally owned and operated business has offered business and residential plumbing services and supplies to clients throughout Orange Beach, AL, and surrounding areas. When you are in need of hardware products, garbage disposal installation, toilet repair, sewer line cleaning, or any other plumbing service, they'll be happy to assist you. Call (251) 974-5630 or visit their website to learn more about their array of services.