plunging is the first course of action when you have a blocked drain.Lunging allows water to push through your plumbing and out of the way.It's unlikely that plunging will cause any damage to your plumbing system.You can get your drain moving again if you learn the right way to use a plunger.
Step 1: If you have a dishwasher, attach the hose to it.
If your sink is attached to a dishwasher, you may not be able to create enough pressure to loosen the clog.The hose goes from the sink drain to the dishwasher.If you can get it, place it close to the pipe.Don't worry if there is no dishwasher in your sink.
Step 2: Before you plunge the sink, you should remove any visible debris.
Food waste and other debris in the sink may cause a problem.Before you start plunging, remove the waste and throw it away.If the water is dirty or has been standing for a while, you might want to put on a pair of rubber gloves.
Step 3: The sink should be filled with 3 to 4 in of water.
Water above the level of the drain is needed to create a tight seal.If the water isn't already 3 to 4 in above the drain, turn on the tap and fill up the sink.The water doesn't matter if it's hot or cold.It's possible that hot water can loosen a grease problem.Pour drain chemicals into a sink.The chemicals won't help the problem.They can be dangerous if they sit in the water.Do not pour chemical drain cleaner into the sink.It could hurt you.
Step 4: You can put a dishcloth into the overflow hole in your sink.
You will need to block off the other side to create enough pressure if you are going to plunge a 2 drain sink.Get a rag or dishcloth and push it into the drain.If the sink has an overflow hole, put a wet rag or dishcloth in it.As you plunge, you may want to hold the cloth or rag over the drain or overflow hole.It will not pop out when you plunge.
Step 5: Put on protective eyewear, an old t-shirt, and rubber gloves.
Standing water can cause food waste and other remnants in the sink to get into the water.Put on goggles or glasses to prevent water from splashing into your eyes before you plunge.A pair of rubber gloves can be put on an old t-shirt.If you don't have time to change your shirt, you should wear an apron.
Step 6: The drain needs to be rolled over to get water in it.
Don't put the plunger over the drain.It is not ideal that this will trap air.Put the end against the edge of the drain.To get water inside of the plunger, you have to roll it around the drain.If you can see into the water, you should be able to see the edges of the drain.If you can't see into the water, you should try to plunge up and down a few times to see if there is contact with the drain area.If the plunger is positioned right, you will feel resistance when you plunge.There will be no resistance if it is not.Don't use the same one for your kitchen sink and toilet.
Step 7: Go straight up and down over the drain.
Hold the handle from the top with one or both hands.For about 20 seconds, press the plunger vigorously over the drain.Do not tilt the plunger while doing this.
Step 8: The extra pressure can be created by popping the plunger straight up and off the drain.
Pull the plunger up and off of the drain after 20 seconds.If you hear a pop as you do this, it's because of the pressure from the plunger.When you put the plunger on, don't roll it off the drain.
Step 9: If the water doesn't drain, check to see if it does.
You should watch to see if the water flows again after you have taken the drain's plunger off.The water should flow down the drain if the clog is loose.The water may trickle slowly if the clog is still in place.If the water is not flowing freely, repeat the process.If the clog doesn't come loose after the first few times, you may need to try something different, such as using a snake or cleaning out the p-trap.