Unclogging a sink without chemicals

Start simple: hot water and plunger

Empty the sink, then slowly pour a kettle of very hot water (not boiling if your pipes are PVC): grease and soap clogs often melt on their own. Otherwise, block the overflow with a damp cloth, place the plunger flat over the drain with a little water, and pump firmly about ten times. Two or three rounds usually do it.

Avoid chemical drain openers: they attack seals, are dangerous for skin and eyes, and if the clog resists, a plumber will have to work in corrosive water.

Level 2: cleaning the trap

The trap is the U-shaped bend under the sink — most unscrew by hand. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the two rings, empty the trap and rinse it. Take the opportunity to remove hair and residue from the strainer. Screw back without forcing, run the water and check for leaks. Five minutes, zero tools, very satisfying.

When to call a worker

If water backs up in several drains at once (sink + shower + toilet), if the clog comes back every week, or if the blockage is beyond the trap, the problem is deeper in the plumbing — a job for an equipped worker (auger, camera). Post a request on AlloPro with a photo under the sink: it's exactly the kind of quick job our workers quote well.