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What to Do When the Water Won’t Drain
Is water pooling in your sink or shower, but the drain is open? Don’t panic. Water pooling can result from a blockage from many possible things, including a clogged drain. This is when water is not draining properly. You can contact a plumber to take a look and find out what the problem is; or if you’re the DIY type and the water doesn’t drain, here is what you can do.
Remove the Clog
Many things can cause a clogged drain. The usual suspect is hair. Clean out the drain with a snake, if you have one available. If not, use a plunger instead. Fill the sink to about an inch high with water and plunge vigorously for about five minutes or until the water starts draining.
Unclog the Drain Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
If using a snake does not work, prepare some baking soda and vinegar solution. Pour some baking soda into the blocked drains, then gradually pour in some white vinegar while stirring it with a spoon or any other utensil that can fit inside the drain. Please leave it to work overnight, then flush the solution away with water mixed with dishwashing liquid the next morning.
Check the P-Trap
The p-trap is a curved device under your sink to stop sewer gases from entering your home. Over time, gunk can accumulate inside the p-trap. It’s probably best to call a plumber if this happens, but you can try opening it up and cleaning the gunk out. You’ll need to shut off your water supply first, then unscrew the nut that holds the p-trap in place. Pull it out gently (noting how it’s placed in the drain) and clean it. Carefully place everything back and turn on your water supply.
Try Another Drain Rod
If the clog is beyond the reach of your plunger, try another drain rod to remove the clog. A sink auger is an ideal drain rod with a cable attached to its end. If you don’t have one available, use a piece of wire (about 1/4 inch thick) with some duct tape around the end. Make sure that the wire is thin enough to fit inside your drain.
Plastic pipes are a great innovation, but they can also be a pain to work with. The above tips are great first steps to try and fix the problem, and in most cases will be all you need to get things up and running again. However, if the problem persists you shouldn’t be afraid to contact a professional as the problem is obviously much more complicated than you might have expected.
