About Sink Drains

Sinks are available in single-, double- and even triple-bowl designs that are made from a variety of durable materials, including stainless steel, enamel and porcelain. No matter how fancy or utilitarian the sink bowl is, however, it will all mean nothing if the sink's drain doesn't remain in working condition.

Function

The sink drain has a very specific function, which is to facilitate the flow of water from the basin, or bowl, into what is called the p-trap. The p-trap of a sink drain exists to seal the pipe with water, to keep out the gases that bypass the vent. The sink drain can be made of the same material as the faucet, and usually comes with either a pull stopper or a push stopper, although some sinks are available with basket strainers.

Features

A sink drain is the most likely culprit when you begin noticing unpleasant odors emanating from the vicinity. The best way to ensure that your sink drain remains free of odors is to run very hot tap water through it each and every time you use the drain. Once a week, toss a few tablespoons of baking soda into the drain and run the hot water through it again. Another method of avoiding odors is to let a cup of vinegar stand in the drain for 30 minutes before running hot water through it.

Prevention/Solution

At some point, everyone will suffer the effects of a clogged sink drain. The inescapable truth is that it is far simpler to avoid clogging a drain than to clear one out. The best way to avoid clogging the drain is to avoid emptying grease into the sink at all times. Any kind of food that sinks down into the drain is likely to cause clogging, so diligently scrape off plates, pots and pans before putting them into the basin.

Considerations

If prevention is not the cure and the drain does get clogged, there are some steps you can take before turning to Drano or Liquid Plumr. Commercial drain de-cloggers are caustic and actually poisonous, so they should ideally be used as a last resort. The first thing to do with a clogged drain is try out the old plumber's helper. If this does not completely unclog the drain, but allows some water to flow, then try one of the drain-cleaning products.

Effects

Even if you do not have a plunger, it is still possible to unclog a sink drain without resorting to commercial cleansers. Cup your palms over the sink hole (after bailing all of the water out of the basin) and push up and down, as if you were performing CPR. This will create a vacuum effect, similar to what happens with you use a plunger.

Warning

Many a sink drain has been the surprising recipient of gifts from its gods. Everything from spoons to diamond rings have had to be retrieved from a drain. The easiest way to retrieve something metal that has accidentally fallen into a drain is to attach a magnet to a piece of string and lower it into the hole in the center of the basin until you feel the lost item attract to the magnet. Failing this, it will mean opening the p-trap beneath the cabinet.

Prevention/Solution

The opposite of a clogged sink drain can be just as annoying. If you fill up the basin with water, only to notice that the water level is slowly getting lower, the problem is most likely associated with the strainer or stopper. Rather than repairing these items, your best bet is to simply to replace them if they are damaged. If the strainer or stopper is not damaged, the problem may be that soap or sticky food or just plain gunk has become attached and is keeping it from being properly sealed. Clean off the strainer or stopper once a week to ensure proper sealing.