How does a plunger work on a sink drain?
How Drain Plungers Work. Plunging a drain uses the forces of suction and compression. When you pull up on a plunger, it pulls water in the drain upward, beginning the process of loosening the clog. When you push down on the plunger, water is forced downward, moving the clog in the other direction.
How do you use a plunger on a 3 compartment sink?
For a two- or three-compartment kitchen sink, block the drain openings of all but the basin where you will plunge. This is necessary to create suction and compression in the drain line; without it, the plunging will have a very little effect. Place the plunger cup over the drain opening so it covers the opening fully.
Can you use a toilet plunger on a sink?
A different type of tool, the toilet or closet plunger, has a tall dome and a flange that extends from the dome's bottom edge to seal inside the drain opening in the bottom of the toilet bowl. You can use a toilet plunger on a sink only if you tuck the flange up into the dome; otherwise, it won't seal to the sink basin.
Is it safe to use a plunger to unclog a drain?
Using a drain plunger is not an inherently dangerous project, but there is the chance that dirty, bacteria-infested drain water may be splashed onto your skin or into your face. Thus, it's always a good idea to wear eye protection and gloves when plunging a drain.
Can a plunger be used on a kitchen sink?
Plunge the Kitchen Sink Small clogs can often be dislodged with a cup plunger. A simple plunger with a flat rim, it creates a seal over the sink hole to apply the pressure needed to dislodge the clog. Make sure the sink contains enough water to submerge the head of the plunger and place the cup over the drain opening.
Can a plunger cause damage?
Forceful plunging can damage the drain line and cause leaks. Along with clogs that require extra force, avoid plunging obvious major obstructions.
What happens if you use a plunger on a sink?
Plunging a drain uses the forces of hydraulic suction and compression. When you pull up on a plunger, it pulls water in the drain upward, beginning the process of loosening the clog. When you push down on the plunger, water is forced downward, moving the clog in the other direction.
How do you clean a kitchen sink with a plunger?
0:361:44How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink with a Plunger - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you're getting a good seal. Place over the opening. 10 really good firm plunges. You mightMoreMake sure you're getting a good seal. Place over the opening. 10 really good firm plunges. You might have to repeat that a couple of times. Hopefully that dislodges.
How do you unblock a sink when the plunger doesn't work?
If the plunger method doesn't work, you can try using the baking soda and vinegar to clear the blockage. Just pour a small amount of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. As the baking soda and vinegar start to work, you will hear a fizzing noise.
Can you plunge too hard?
Plunging down too hard A hard thrust downward can break the wax seal between the toilet and the floor, causing a leak. And a really hard thrust could even crack the bowl. The proper toilet plunging technique: Place the plunger in the toilet bowl so that water is covering the lips of the plunger.
What is the difference between a sink plunger and a toilet plunger?
Drain Plunger vs Toilet Plunger Toilet plungers have a similar cup to the sink plunger. However, a toilet plunger also has a soft rubber flap called a flange that folds out from inside the cup. This flange fits well over the toilet drain, making it easy to form the necessary suction to clear a clog.
Why is water backing up in my kitchen sink?
The food, grease, dirt, and hair that accumulates in your sink pipes will eventually find their way to this main line. If the gunk builds up into the drain line, coating the inside of the pipe, the water flow can become restricted and backs up into your sink.
How does a plunger work?
How Drain Plungers Work. Plunging a drain uses the forces of suction and compression. When you pull up on a plunger, it pulls water in the drain upward, beginning the process of loosening the clog . When you push down on the plunger, water is forced downward, moving the clog in the other direction. After a few up-and-down strokes, this push-pull ...
What is a cup style plunger?
A standard cup-style plunger is a type designed for clearing sink clogs. This plunger has a shallow dome with a flat bottom rim that seals to the sink basin around the drain hole. By contrast, a toilet plunger has a tall dome and a flange, or collar, that extends from the dome's bottom edge. The flange helps seal around the hole in the toilet bowl.
Why block the overflow opening in a double sink?
Blocking the overflow opening will seal the drain so that the plunger can create the suction and compression necessary; without it, the plunging will have very little effect. On double-basin kitchen sinks, block the drain opening in one basin before plunging the other basin.
What to do if your drain isn't plunging?
If Plunging Doesn't Work. If the drain isn't clear after several attempts at plunging, the next step is to snake the drain, a process that will require you to disassemble the drain trap. But in most cases, you will have cleared your clogged drain without even getting your hands dirty. Show Full Article.
Where is the drain pipe located on a bathroom sink?
On bathrooms sinks, you must seal the drain pipe before plunging. Use a wet rag to block the overflow opening, located near the top of the sink rim. It may be near the back of the sink or the front, and some sinks may have two overflow openings.
How Standard Plungers Work
A standard plunger unclogs a kitchen sink better than its more modern counterparts because of the way it is designed to handle suction.
How to Make the Most of Them
Now that you know why the standard plunger is the best tool for the job, there a few tips for capitalizing on its improved suction for the kitchen sink. To get the best seal between the cup of the plunger and the sink base, use petroleum jelly to line the rim of the plunger cup.
