How to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water
Having a clogged drain isn’t an ideal situation in any home. It results in standing water, which tends to attract insects and makes life in the house a bit difficult. With a counter filled with dirty dishes waiting to be washed, and water backing up, the first thing people do is call a plumber for their repair services.
Before you call the plumber, though, make sure you have tried some of the do-it-yourself ways of unclogging a drain. Besides saving yourself some good cash, you might enjoy the challenge. The following are nine must-try tips for how to unclog a drain with standing water:
1. Use Boiling Water
Using boiling water is the least expensive and easiest way to unclog a drain with standing water. It’s best to try it first before you resort to other methods.
Boil a pot or kettle of water. While you wait for the water to heat, grab a pair of rubber gloves and try to get rid of debris clogging the drain. If this doesn’t fix the issue, empty the tub or sink, so no water remains, then pour the entire pot of water into the sink, and wait for a few minutes.
If the water still isn’t draining, wait for it to cool, then empty it from the sink or tub and try again. Repeat this process until the clog moves. It will eventually work on most types of stoppages.
2. Check the Disposal
In some cases, when you have a drain with standing water, the garbage disposal might be the source of the problem. Inspect the unit to ensure it’s running correctly. A clogged disposal can stop a kitchen sink drain. Run the disposal to see if the standing water clears.
If the unit has overheated, you will need to flip the switch, located on the bottom or side of it underneath the sink.
3. Inspect the P-Trap
In some cases, it’s necessary to clean the drain P-trap of a kitchen sink to clear a clog. The P-trap is found at the curve of the drain pipe underneath the sink. It’s usually inside a cabinet. Start by placing a bucket or pan directly under the drain where the trap is located to catch any debris or water that might fall out.
Next, unfasten the component from the drainpipe and clear any debris present. Finish by putting the P-trap back into its place, and run water through the drain.
4. Use a Plunger
A typical household plunger can unclog a drain with standing water. When using a plunger, make a tight seal around its bell for it to work efficiently. This is done by filling the clogged sink with enough water to fully cover the bell of the plunger.
If you have a double sink, start by sealing off the second side using a wet cloth or stopper. Next, place the plunger firmly over the clogged drain and plunge vigorously.
Once the suction clears the drain, remove the plunger to allow the water to drain out. Finally, flush the drain using hot water.
5. Salt and Boiling Water
If using boiled water doesn’t do the trick, try using a combination of salt and hot water instead. Salt particles help unclog a drain since they provide added abrasion. Start by removing standing water from the sink, then pour about a ½ cup of salt into the drain.
Let the salt particles sit in the drain for a few minutes, then flush the salt with hot water to rinse it away.
6. Vinegar and Baking Soda
With no standing water in the sink, pour a cup of baking soda and an equal amount of apple cider or white vinegar into the drain. Once the two come into contact, the solution will bubble, but it will eventually subside.
When this happens, put the stopper in, wait for at least 15 minutes and then flush hot water through the drain to see if the clog will clear. Repeat this process if needed.
7. Baking Soda and Salt
A baking soda and salt combination has been proven to work on sink clogs. You can try using this method to unclog a drain with standing water.
Combine a half-cup of salt with a cup of baking soda and pour the contents down the drain. Let the solution sit a while, then use boiling water to flush it.
The abrasion from the salt will take care of the gunk in the drain. If it isn’t successful the first time, repeat the process.
8. Use a Plumber’s Snake
This tool is also referred to as an auger. A plumber’s snake is a handy tool that can be used to clear a clog that’s stuck further down the system. Such parts include the “stub out” or “stub pipe” that usually travels behind the cabinet wall. Use this tool by simply inserting it into the pipe you’re trying to unclog until you feel resistance.
9. Coat Hanger
If you don’t own a plumber’s snake, use a straightened wire coat hanger instead. Of course, it won’t have the same reach as an auger, but in some cases, it may just be enough to reach some clogs. When using a coat hanger, be careful not to scratch the sink with the wire.
If these solutions don’t work for you, then it’s time to call in the professionals.