How To Clear A Clog In Your Garage Sink's Drain

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If the drain in your garage's sink is clogged and no longer draining, then you will be pleased to know there are many ways you can clear the clog. Since your garage sink's drain is likely clogged with a combination of old paint, grease, and sawdust, you may need to try multiple things before it flows freely again. When trying to unclog a drain, it's always best to start with the easiest solution and work your way up. To this end, here's how to unclog your garage sink's drain:

Use Hot Water

Sometimes a garage sink drain will not flow well because it simply has a lot of gunk sitting in the pipes. The dust and dirt sticks to grease and this mess accumulates inside of the plumbing. Before trying anything else, run the hot water into your sink for a few minutes. Put down a teaspoon or so of liquid dish soap to remove any grease. 

Use Simple Chemistry 

If soap and water don't clear the clog, then use a bit of chemistry to help you out. Place a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. The combination will foam up and introduce air bubbles into the clogged drain. The bubbles move and expand the clogged materials and this is often enough to release the clog from the pipe.

If the baking soda and vinegar combo don't clear the clog, then dump in a can of your favorite cola. The phosphoric acid in soda is strong enough to dissolve a clog. Let the soda sit for a few minutes and then flush the drain with hot water.

Use a Sink or Toilet Plunger

If chemistry won't clear the clog in your garage sink's drain, then try using your toilet plunger. Place a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the bottom rim of the plunger so you get a good seal against the sink. Build up the pressure in the drain by covering the overflow vent and rhythmically plunging the plunger up and down. Once you have built up the pressure, then pull up on the plunger to unclog the drain.

Call a Professional Plumber

Finally, if you have tried all of the above and your garage sink's drain is still not performing well, then you need to call in a professional plumbing service, like drainserv. The clog is likely down too far in the drain pipe for you to clear yourself with typical DIY plumbing tools.

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2 July 2017

DIY plumbing - can you do it yourself?

When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.