For homeowners, clogged or leaking sinks can be a real problem. However, you do not always need to call a plumber straight away. If you can follow a few simple steps on how to repair a sink drain, you can avoid costly plumbing fees.
There may be some instances in which you need to contact a plumber for drain repair, but first, you should try the methods discussed below.
How to Repair a Sink Drain:
Tips to Try before Calling a Plumber
How to Repair a Sink Drain: Fixing a Clogged Drain
In most cases, you can fix a clogged drain on your own. However, leaking drains may present more of a challenge. If you do not know how to repair leaking sink drain, you should enlist the help of a plumber. Following are some tips to help you fix a clogged drain.
- Use a plunger: In most cases, a plunger will work when fixing a clogged drain, especially for solid blockages. However, plungers are not effective to unblock grease or mineral deposits.
- Flush the drain using boiling (or hot) water: Along with plunging, this is one of the most effective ways to fix a clogged drain, mainly grease or food blockages. Keep in mind that boiling water should never be used on PVC pipes!
- Use a snake: This method is effective in that the coils on the plumber’s snake can chip away at the blockage. Make sure to use them properly or else they could damage your pipes.
- DIY Natural Cleaner: A natural cleaner (such as baking soda and white vinegar) is one of the safest and most effective ways to fix a clogged drain. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed with a cup of white vinegar. Cover it and allow the mixture to sit for thirty minutes before flushing it with hot water.
If none of these methods work to fix the clog, contact your plumber as soon as possible to prevent the pipes from bursting.
How to Repair a Sink Drain: Sink Stopper
If your drain is not clogged or your sink will not hold water when the stopper is in place, you may need to check the sink stopper using the following steps:
- Using a flashlight, locate the stopper handle under the sink at the back. It is connected to a metal vertical rod. When the handle is pulled or pushed, it operates the below horizontal pivot rod that keeps the drainage joint watertight.
- Now find the rear end of the pivot rod, attached to the vertical rod. Squeeze the bendable clip that holds this rod to the clevis.
- Slip the pivot rod out and move it down a spot or two on the clevis. Move it up to tighten it.
If this method does not work to fix the drain stopper, you might need to have it repaired or replaced. You should call your local plumbing service for assistance.
If you have any questions on how to repair a sink drain, contact Drain Com. Our professionally trained plumbers can assist you with any of your plumbing needs from leaking drains to blocked pipes to running toilets.
