How to Unclog a Sink Drain in Singapore by Lifong Handyman?

Almost 100% of households and businesses worldwide face clogged sink problems at some point. Especially in Singapore, this issue often appears as a clogged sink drain. It occurs due to several reasons, including food scraps, grease, hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits. But do you know how to unclog a sink drain in Singapore?

You need some practical solutions to tackle these problems. For instance, you can use boiled water to loosen the grease buildup in the drain. Other DIY methods include using a sink plunger and applying a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. However, severe clogged drain requires professional touchups.

In this guide, you will learn to clean the clogged drain of a sink. If you need expert help, we suggest you call Li Fong Handyman – a one-stop plumbing service in Singapore. We deal with your problems to give you a healthy, hygienic atmosphere. 

Causes of Clogged Sinks in Singapore

Can’t you figure out why your sink drain is clogged? Well, according to experts, clogs primarily occur due to the accumulation of various substances in the drainage system.

1. Food Scraps and Grease Buildup

The leftovers and oily residues you leave through a kitchen sink cause a clogged drain. For instance, when you wash dishes, tiny particles of food and grease can accumulate in the pipes. As a result, these materials harden, creating significant obstructions inside the pipes. 

2. Hair Accumulation

You may consider hair accumulation inside the pipes as another reason for clogged sinks. Every day, we take showers and often use shampoo, and during the wash, our hair falls and tends to gather in the drain over time. It may combine with soap scum and other residues. Together, they form dense mats that trap additional debris. Therefore, we may need faster drainage or complete blockage. 

3. Soap Scum

The reaction between soap (it can be cloth-washing soap, too) and minerals present in water causes soap scum. It creates a sticky residue that clings to pipe walls. Over time, it restricts the regular water flow. 

4. Mineral Deposits

Hard water may cause mineral deposits. It also contributes to clogs by gathering within the pipes and forming blockages. 

5. Foreign Objects

Often, we accidentally drop foreign objects like jewelry, cotton swabs, small toys, utensils, bottle caps, and even toothpaste in the bathroom. And when they fall into the sink, they lodge in the drain. Instantly, the sink drain gets clogged and traps other materials that flow through the pipes. 

Some notable signs of a clogged sink drain are slow-draining water, gurgling sounds, and unpleasant odors. You must be careful about them. 

How to Unclog a Sink Drain (DIY Solutions for Minor Clogs)

You don’t need to call professionals, as some DIY methods are available for unclogging minor clogs. You can try them at home:

Boiling Water Method

We think this is one of the easiest and most accessible methods. It works well for grease and organic matter clogs. 

Simply boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain. The heat from the water melts the grease. It also dissolves the thick layer of clogs. You may apply the water in two to three stages, but take a break for a couple of minutes during the stages. It allows the hot water to work well. 

However, it would help if you were cautious not to burn your hands during application. 

Plunger Method

In most houses, plungers are available. This versatile tool can be highly effective in dislodging clogs from sink drains. To use a plunger effectively, cover the drain with the plunger’s cup, ensuring a tight seal. Ensure enough water is in the sink to cover the plunger’s cup. 

Place the plunger over the drain, push down firmly, then pull up sharply. Repeat this motion several times to create suction and pressure to break up the clog. It will allow water to flow freely again. 

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Let’s talk about the natural method – baking soda and vinegar mix. They create chemical reactions to break down the clogs. 

Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Then, Cover the drain openings to contain the fizzing reaction within the pipes. After letting the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, flush the drain with warm water. 

In particular, this method is effective for fat deposits. Plus, you will get smelling a fresh sink after applying this method.

Li Fong Handyman’s Professional Clogged Sink Solutions (For Tough Clogs or When DIY Fails)

What if the above DIY methods fail to recover clogged sink drains? Or if the severity of the clog requires professional assistance? Don’t worry; you don’t need to get upset, as Li Fong Handyman is just beside you. We have a great team of experts and experienced plumbers. And we are HDB-approved and licensed plumbers. 

We are popular in Singapore for our quality, reliability, and deep understanding of the value of trust. You can get a full service to complete all your home projects, including tackling the most stubborn sink clogs.

Benefits You Can Get from Li Fong Handyman

• We follow a unique and strict procedure for every task. At first, we conduct visual inspection, then employ manual methods. Following them, we apply mechanical removal techniques using advanced tools.
• We may also apply chemical treatments, carefully selecting products based on the nature of the clog. 
• We use modern-day tools and techniques, such as drain snakes and hydro-jetting, to clear blockages that DIY methods cannot tackle. 
• You get competitive rates and upfront pricing without any hidden charges. So, you pay for what you get. 
• All our services are available 24/7. So you get reliable assistance whenever you need it. 
• Li Fong experts guarantee you for their solutions. So, you will surely get the job done in the right way. 
• We are beyond just unclogging sink drains. We can handle various plumbing issues, from repairs and renovations to emergency services. 

Prevention Tips to Avoid Clogged Sinks in Singapore

Preventing clogged sinks can save you time and hassle. Here are some practical tips to keep your sinks in Singapore running smoothly:

Tips 1: Dispose of Cooking Oils Properly

You should never pour cooking oils and grease down the drain. They can solidify within the pipes, leading to stubborn blockages. Instead, collect used cooking oil in a separate container and dispose of it properly. Some areas in Singapore even offer recycling programs for cooking oil for environmental sustainability.

Tips 2: Use Sink or Drain Strainers

Installing sink strainers over your drains can catch food scraps, hair, and other debris before entering the plumbing system. This simple device acts as a first line of defense against clogs. This way, you can maintain clear and free-flowing drains easily. 

Tips 3: Scrape Plates Before Washing

Before washing dishes or loading them into the dishwasher, scrape off food remnants into the trash. This practice minimizes the number of debris entering the drain, reducing the likelihood of clogs. Even tiny particles can accumulate over time, leading to blockages.

Tips 4: Run Hot Water Regularly

You can pour hot water through your sinks after each use. It can flush away minor gatherings of grease and debris. In boiling water, you should be careful not to damage pipes. Alternatively, you can flow hot tap water to prevent buildups. 

Tips 5: Avoid Hard Items Down the Drain

Items such as popcorn kernels, fruit pits, coffee grounds, and other complex substances can cause damage to your garbage disposal and lead to blockages. So, always dispose of these items in the trash instead of the sink.

Tips 6: Regularly Clean Drain Stoppers

Make it a habit to clean your drain stoppers regularly. Hair, soap scum, and other residues can accumulate on stoppers, leading to blockages. Removing and cleaning them can help maintain clear drains.

Tips 7: Use Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

Enzymatic drain cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic materials in your pipes. Regularly using these cleaners can help prevent buildup and clear your drains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Obviously, maintaining a clear and functional sink is essential for a smooth household. However, knowing how to unclog a sink drain in Singapore is necessary.

This discussion conferred the causes of clogged sink drains, ways to deal with them, and reasons for calling professionals like Li Fong Handyman. We have also shown you some DIY methods for minor clogs. Of course, you can try them often. 

Li Fong Handyman’s expertise and advanced tools make us a trusted choice for tackling stubborn clogs. Our competitive rates, 24/7 availability, and guaranteed solutions are the core reasons why people love our services. 

Contact us soon for more information. Thanks for reading this blog.