Five Sink Plumbing Basics
- To unclog a sink, use a sink plunger rather than a toilet plunger. The flat-bottom suction cup design forms a tighter seal around sink drains.
- You can open some clogs by removing and cleaning the drain stopper and P-trap. See Unclog a Sink, Tub or Shower for instructions. Some P-traps may even have a clean-out plug that allows you to insert a drain stick without removing the trap.
- If a plunger or a drain stick won’t work, a chemical drain cleaner can clear severely clogged sinks. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions on all products. Read the Drain Cleaner and Opener Buying Guide.
- Stop sink sprayer hoses from tangling under your sink by wrapping them with tubular foam pipe insulation.
- If you can’t repair a dripping faucet right away but want to stop the noise, turn off the water supply under your sink, or tie a string around the end of the faucet to allow water to run down quietly. Read How Do I Shut Off My Water?