Sinks see a lot of action throughout the day. While we take these fixtures for granted, it can cause a real disruption to our lives when they are not working properly. Learning how to fix your sink can help to get your life back to normal much quicker. 

1. Fixing a clog

One of the most common problems that affect sinks is clogged drains. There are several ways to unclog a drain. 

Drains often get clogged as a result of the buildup of grease. You can unclog the drain by pouring boiling water down the drain. This will help to melt the grease and get the drain moving. You can also get rid of grease build up by dumping baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the sink and pour a cup of vinegar over it to wash it down the drain. Be sure to remove any standing water in the sink before trying either of the above methods. 

Another way to unclog your drain is by using a plunger. Ensure the sink has water to create a seal around the plunger. If you’re unclogging a double sink, put a stopper in the other sink. Work the plunger up and down repeatedly and vigorously to unclog the drain. 

If this fails, disassemble the drain pipe. Place a basin under the drain pipe to catch water. Inspect the drain pipe for clogs. Use an auger or coat hanger to remove clogs in the drain pipe beyond the wall. Reassemble the drain pipe and run hot water through it to ensure that it is clear. 

2. Fixing leaky drains 

Another common problem with sinks is leaky drains. There are various ways to repair leaky drains. Start by checking the pipe connections to see if there are any areas that are leaking. Fixing the connections may be as simple as tightening them using a wrench (for metal nuts) or by hand (for PVC nuts). You may need to replace nuts that rusty or worn out. Leaking pipes may be repaired by applying silicone tape, fiberglass wraps or epoxy to the leaking sections. 

If the sink is leaking at the strainer, you should try to tighten it up. Identify the type of strainer your sink has, i.e. bell washer, locknut with screws or locknut. If tightening the strainer doesn’t work and the leak is small, you can apply silicone around the connection to create a waterproof seal. If the strainer is still leaking, remove it by removing the housing that holds it in place. Use appropriate instructions for your particular model. Pop the strainer out by pressing upward on the strainer. Remove the plumber’s putty and replace it with new putty. Press the strainer down firmly on the putty and replace the housing. Tighten the housing firmly. Clear any excess putty away. Fill the sink with water and allow some time to observe for leaks. 

Use the tips above to repair the two most common issues experienced with sinks.