If water is standing in your sink and it is no longer draining properly, you likely have hair and other things stuck in the pipe below the drain.
You will have to solve it and the experts at the German DIY Academy have many good tips to help you tackle this problem.
First, they say, don’t use chemical drain cleaners because they can actually make the problem worse. They cause a chemical reaction that generates a lot of heat, which can cause soap, grease, and hair deposits to form an even more serious blockage.
Instead, some manual work is required. “The best way is to remove the trap under the sink and clear the blockage manually,” says Robert Raschke-Kremer of the DIY Academy.
To do this, first clean the sink drain with a long brush. Then it’s time to dismantle the siphon, the U-shaped part of the pipe under your sink.
Using a pipe wrench (also known as an adjustable wrench), first loosen the two retaining rings on the curved part of the trap. The trap elbow can then be removed. It is important to remember to place a bucket underneath to catch any runoff and trapped debris.
If you have trouble loosening the pipe connections, you can use penetrating oil to tackle the problem. It is usually sold in aerosol cans and you can apply it precisely using the flexible tube provided. If you let the penetrating oil work for a while, the stuck screws can usually be loosened without any problems.
You can now remove the stuck-on hair and soap scum from the pipe by hand – you’ll probably want to wear rubber gloves for this job. Use a long brush to tackle any other remaining deposits.
When reassembling the pipes and connectors it is a good idea to replace the rubber seals on the retaining rings. Then screw the pipe back on – job done.
For drainage problems in the bathroom or shower, where the pipes are more difficult to reach, you can use a drain unblocking elbow.
First, tape off the overflow or close it with a cloth, then pour some warm soapy water into the drain and press the plunger firmly. By moving the handle up and down evenly, you create a vacuum that will loosen the blockage.
If you want to prevent the problem from occurring, the DIY Academy recommends placing a silicone or stainless steel strainer over your drain. This will catch hair, soap bits and other pesky particles before they cause a clog.
