Kitchen Sink Back Up

Tim Carter, of http://AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates a few simple ways to unclog a household sink.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• kitchen
• sink
• back
• up
• clog
• clogged
• drain
• plumbing
• plunger
• house
• home
• tim
• carter
• ask
• builder

[AJACKSON888]

Tim I appreciate taking the time to show this -- but look at your responses and determine for yourself if it makes sense to do something that your peers completely disagree with. Providing information to people who do not have a thorough understanding of this line of work may put them in danger.

[AsktheBuilder]

@AJACKSON888 I would agree with you if there was a significant danger. The truth is some of the drain-cleaning chemicals work. I'm a master plumber and have seen the name brands clear clogs. I've seen straight chlorine bleach do the same thing. As for a pro getting harmed who might come out to free up a drain when the chemicals fail to work, well that sort of goes with the territory. Roofers can fall, bricklayers can slip a disc, etc. Every job has some inherent risk.

[1951jimmy]

Your videos are excellent. They deal with subject matter pertinent to all homeowners. A plumber advised me on a method to unclog drains similar to the one in your video. He suggested using bleach and a large pan of boiling water. This method seems to be very effective in unclogging drains.

[AsktheBuilder]

@1951jimmy Thanks for the kind words. Not all feel as you do. I try to show ways that have worked for me. Are there better ways? Possibly. Is there more than one right way to do something? You bet there is. Please spread the good word about the videos and my AsktheBuilder site. I need traffic to continue to offer all of this for free. Also, visit my AsktheBuilder Facebook fan page.

[plmbrgrl24]

Drano causes a health hazard.

[AsktheBuilder]

Thanks for your comment. You should have continued on as there was so much room. How about gasoline, motor oil, chlorine bleach, ammonia, paint thinner, latex paint, etc. These are all common liquids found around the average home.

[Deanzsyclone]

OH MY GOD, PLEASE DO NOT MIX different drain cleaners into a sink, it's possible with the right mix that it WILL/CAN explode back into your face, burning skin, or with the right mix, can create DEADLY fumes that can't be seen. Plumbers HAVE died from this in the past.

[Wunderdogg]

@AsktheBuilder The surest sign of a weak argument is when someone points out a negative and the only response you can offer is to point out other unrelated negatives.

Anti-environmentalist consistently use this argument as they have no other points to argue with

Not trying to criticize, but just because someone uses a dangerous chemical is not justification for all other hazardous chemicals no more than the fact that somebody eats something unhealthy is justification to eat all things unhealthy.

[kusters2]

combining these chemicals can be pretty dangerous, so just DONT. furthermore they are bad for the enviroment. Just try to get past the trap by removing it or removig the cap and use a metal declogger. You will get dirty, and it will stink, but it will work and is way more safe

[TheOldkid888]

Plungers are great for unplugging sink drains. If it does not work I personally would go with removing the trap found under the sink usually.One problem with drain cleaners is that if you use them and they do not work then you have a drain full of chemicals that is quite hazardous to you. Play it safe when it comes to plugged drains. I have worked in this trade for over 30 years and refuse to use chemicals. Be wise and sometimes you just have to get dirty to get the job done. Not bashing

[Jeroin]

Draino and all those products are no good, they rarely ever kid rid of the blockage and usually make the matter worse.

[mmedefarge]

Please don't use one after another of these clog openers, bleach is hazardous mixed with just about anything, even if it gets mixed with vinegar.