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kevinszabojrplumbing · 1 day

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Top 8 Essentials to Inspect Before Renting a Property

When embarking on the journey of finding a new rental property, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of envisioning your life in a new space. However, paying attention to a thorough inspection of the rental property is crucial amidst the excitement. This article will explore the significance of conducting a comprehensive inspection before renting a property and how it can save time and money.

1. Property Location

The old adage holds true—location is paramount when choosing a rental property. Assessing the neighborhood is the first step when renting a property. Take note of crime rates, community history, environment, employment opportunities, and amenities. Consider the proximity to your workplace and daily necessities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and schools. Access to transportation options, whether public transit routes or significant highways, should also be evaluated.

2. Exterior Condition

The exterior of a property serves as its first impression and can provide valuable insights into its overall condition. Inspecting the property's structural integrity and paying close attention to the condition of the walls, roof, and foundation is essential in making a rental decision. Look for any neglect or damage, such as cracks or water stains. Check for proper drainage to ensure water is directed away from the foundation, preventing potential flooding or moisture damage. Finally, curb appeal and outdoor space should be checked. Consider factors like lawn maintenance and garden areas.

3. Interior Condition

Once inside the property, focus on assessing the condition of the interior spaces. Ask questions about the spaces, rooms, and utilities. Check the walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint or sagging ceilings. Test the functionality and security of doors and windows, ensuring they open and close smoothly and are equipped with secure locks. Inspect the quality and freshness of paint and finishes throughout the property, noting any areas requiring touch-ups or repairs.

4. Plumbing System

A properly functioning plumbing system is essential for a comfortable living environment. Test the water pressure and temperature in various fixtures throughout the property to ensure consistency. Inspect drains and pipes for any signs of leaks or clogs, such as water stains or mold growth. Check under sinks and around toilets for evidence of water damage, which could indicate underlying plumbing issues. Finally, examine faucets and fixtures for any damage or malfunction, such as dripping faucets or loose handles.

5. Electrical System

Safety should always be a top priority for a rental property's electrical system. Test the outlets and switches throughout the property to ensure proper functionality. Inspect the circuit breaker panel for safety and capacity, ensuring it's properly labeled and free of any signs of damage. Look for any exposed wiring or outdated electrical fixtures that could pose a potential fire hazard. Finally, lighting fixtures should be checked for faulty wiring or bulbs that need replacing, ensuring adequate illumination in every room.

6. Heating and Cooling Systems

Maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors is essential for your overall well-being. Evaluate the functionality and efficiency of the HVAC system, ensuring it's capable of adequately heating and cooling the space. Test the thermostat to verify proper temperature regulation, and consider the cleanliness and replacement schedule of air filters for optimal indoor air quality. Check vents and ductwork for any signs of damage or obstruction that could affect the system's performance.

7. Appliances and Other Inclusions

Many rental properties come equipped with appliances for your convenience. Test the refrigerator for cooling performance and check the ice maker if applicable. Assess the stove/oven for even heating and functionality of controls, ensuring all burners and settings work as intended. If a dishwasher is included, run a cycle to test its operation and check for any leaks or drainage issues. Finally, inspect the washer and dryer (if included) for any signs of wear or malfunction, such as unusual noises or vibrations during operation.

8. Safety Features

Ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones should always be a priority. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're in working order and replace batteries if necessary. Inspect fire extinguishers for accessibility and check the inspection date to ensure they're up to code. Look for emergency exit signs and clear pathways to ensure easy access in an emergency. Finally, familiarize yourself with the property's emergency evacuation plan and procedures, which should be posted in common areas.

9. Pest Control

Nobody wants unwanted guests in their home, especially pests. When it comes to pest control, look for signs of infestation, such as droppings, nesting materials, or damage to the property. Identify common pest entry points, such as cracks in walls or gaps around windows and doors, and consider sealing potential access points to prevent future infestations. Additionally, inquire about the property's previous pest treatment history and establish a follow-up plan to address any existing issues.

10. Lease Agreement

Before committing to a rental property, review the lease agreement carefully to ensure clarity on all terms and conditions. Pay close attention to rent and deposit amounts, and understand your financial obligations before signing on the dotted line. Familiarize yourself with lease terms and renewal options and any rules and regulations the property management outlines. Before proceeding, ask questions or seek clarification about the lease agreement terms and conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conducting a thorough inspection before renting a property is essential for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free rental experience. By paying close attention to the ten essentials outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and avoid potential headaches. Remember, a little due diligence upfront can save you both time and money in the long run. Happy house hunting!

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morganbelarus · 6 years

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Silicon Valley’s ‘car people’ push homeless crisis to the brink

(Credit: Associated Press)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — In the same affluent, suburban city where Google built its headquarters, Tes Saldana lives in a crowded but tidy camper that she parks on the street.

She concedes it’s “not a very nice living situation,” but it also is not unusual. Until authorities told them to move, more than a dozen other RVs filled with people who can’t afford rent joined Saldana on a tree-lined street in Mountain View, parked between a Target and a luxury apartment complex.

Homeless advocates and city officials say it’s outrageous that in the shadow of a booming tech economy — where young millionaires dine on $15 wood-grilled avocado and think nothing of paying $1,000 for an iPhone X — thousands of families can’t afford a home. Many of the homeless work regular jobs, in some cases serving the very people whose sky-high net worth is the reason housing has become unaffordable for so many.

Across the street from Saldana’s camper, for example, two-bedroom units in the apartment complex start at $3,840, including concierge service. That’s more than she brings home, even in a good month.

Saldana and her three adult sons, who live with her, have looked for less rustic accommodations, but rents are $3,000 a month or more, and most of the available housing is distant. She said it makes more sense to stay in the camper near their jobs and try to save for a brighter future, even if a recent city crackdown chased them from their parking spot.

“We still need to eat,” said Saldana, 51. “I still want to bring my kids, once in a while, to a movie, to eat out.”

She cooks and serves food at two hotels in nearby Palo Alto, jobs that keep her going most days from 5 in the morning until 10 at night. Two of her sons, all in their 20s, work at a bakery and pay $700 toward the RV each month. They’re all very much aware of the economic disparity in Silicon Valley.

“How about for us people who are serving these tech people?” Saldana said. “We don’t get the same paycheck that they do.”

It’s all part of a growing crisis along the West Coast, where many cities and counties have seen a surge in the number of people living on the streets over the past two years. Counts taken earlier this year show 168,000 homeless people in California, Oregon and Washington — 20,000 more than were counted just two years ago.

The booming economy, fueled by the tech sector, and decades of under-building have led to a historic shortage of affordable housing. It has upended the stereotypical view of people out on the streets as unemployed: They are retail clerks, plumbers, janitors — even teachers — who go to work, sleep where they can and buy gym memberships for a place to shower.

The surge in homelessness has prompted at least 10 local governments along the West Coast to declare states of emergency, and cities from San Diego to Seattle are struggling to come up with immediate and long-range solutions.

San Francisco is well-known for homeless tent encampments. But the homeless problem has now spread throughout Silicon Valley, where the disparity between the rich and everyone else is glaring.

There is no firm estimate on the number of people who live in vehicles in Silicon Valley, but the problem is pervasive and apparent to anyone who sees RVs lining thoroughfares; not as visible are the cars tucked away at night in parking lots. Advocates for the homeless say it will only get worse unless more affordable housing is built.

The median rent in the San Jose metro area is $3,500 a month, yet the median wage is $12 an hour in food service and $19 an hour in health care support, an amount that won’t even cover housing costs. The minimum annual salary needed to live comfortably in San Jose is $87,000, according to a study by personal finance website GoBankingRates.

So dilapidated RVs line the eastern edge of Stanford University in Palo Alto, and officials in neighboring Mountain View have mapped out more than a dozen areas where campers tend to cluster, some of them about a mile from Google headquarters.

On a recent evening, Benito Hernandez returned to a crammed RV in Mountain View after laying flagstones for a home in Atherton, where Zillow pegs the median value of a house at $6.5 million. He rents the RV for $1,000 a month and lives there with his pregnant wife and children.

The family was evicted two years ago from an apartment where the rent kept going up, nearing $3,000 a month.

“After that, I lost everything,” said Hernandez, 33, who works as a landscaper and roofer.

He says his wife “is a little bit sad because she says, ‘You’re working very hard but don’t have credit to get an apartment.’ I tell her, ‘Just wait, maybe a half-year more, and I’ll get my credit back.'”

The plight of the Hernandez family points out one of the confounding problems of the homeless surge along the West Coast.

“This is not a crisis of unemployment that’s leading to poverty around here,” said Tom Myers, executive director of Community Services Agency, a nonprofit based in Mountain View. “People are working.”

Mountain View, a city of 80,000 which also is home to Mozilla and 23andMe, has committed more than $1 million over two years for homeless services, including money for an outreach case manager and a police officer to help people who live in vehicles. At last count, there were people living in more than 330 vehicles throughout the city.

Mayor Ken Rosenberg is proud of the city’s response to the crisis — focusing not on penalties but on providing services. Yet he’s also worried that the peace won’t last as RVs crowd into bike lanes and over-taxed streets.

Last week, Mountain View officials posted signs banning vehicles more than 6 feet high on some parts of the street where Saldana, Hernandez and others living in RVs were parked, saying they were creating a traffic hazard. The average RV is well over that height.

That follows similar moves over the summer by Palo Alto, which started cracking down on RVs and other vehicles that exceed the 72-hour limit on a busy stretch of El Camino Real.

In San Jose, officials recently approved an ordinance pushed by an interfaith group called the Winter Faith Collaborative to allow places of assembly — including gyms and churches — to shelter homeless people year-round.

Ellen Tara James-Penney, a 54-year-old lecturer at San Jose State University, parks her old Volvo at one of those safe-haven churches, Grace Baptist Church, and eats in its dining hall. She is paid $28,000 a year to teach four English classes and is carrying $143,000 in student debt after earning two degrees.

She grades papers and prepares lessons in the Volvo. At night, she leans back the driver’s seat and prepares for sleep, one of two dogs, Hank, by her side. Her husband, Jim, who is too tall for the car, sleeps outside in a tent cot with their other dog, Buddy.

The Bay Area native remembers the time a class was studying John Steinbeck, when another student said that she was sick of hearing about the homeless.

“And I said, ‘Watch your mouth. You’re looking at one.’ Then you could have heard a pin drop,” she said. “It’s quite easy to judge when you have a house to live in or you have meds when you’re depressed and health care.”

In response to growing wealth inequities, unions, civil rights groups and community organizations formed Silicon Valley Rising about three years ago. They demand better pay and benefits for the low-income earners who make the region run.

SEIU United Service Workers West, for example, organized roughly 3,000 security guards who work for companies that contract with Facebook, Google and Caltrain, the mass transit system that connects Silicon Valley with San Francisco.

One of those workers is Albert Brown III, a 46-year-old security officer who recently signed a lease for half of a $3,400 two-bedroom unit in Half Moon Bay, about 13 miles from his job.

He can barely afford the rent on his $16-an-hour salary, even with overtime, but the car that doubled as his home needed a pricey repair and he found a landlord willing to overlook his lousy credit. Still, Brown worries he won’t be able to keep up with his payments.

His feet have been hurting. What if a doctor tells him to rest for a few days or a week?

“I can’t miss a minute. If I miss a minute or a shift? No way, man. A week? Forget it, it’s over. It’s all downhill from there,” he said.

“It’s a sad choice. I have to decide whether to be homeless or penniless, right?”

This story originally appeared in the Associated Press.

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Silicon Valley's 'car people' push homeless crisis to the brink

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#16 MP Just news

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emergencyplumberschicago · 5 years

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getaplumbernow · 6 years

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ramialkarmi · 6 years

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Photos show what it's like for Silicon Valley's 'working homeless,' who live down the street from tech giants

In Silicon Valley — home to tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple — tree-lined streets are filling with tents, cots, and dilapidated RVs.

A photo series by the Associated Press shows what life is like for the area's retail clerks, plumbers, janitors — even teachers — who go to work and sleep where they can.

Silicon Valley has the highest median income in the nation. But a worsening wealth gap has caused homelessness to surge. More than 10,000 people were living without shelter across San Jose and Santa Clara Counties on any given night in 2016, though that figure is probably low.

These photos give us a glimpse of life on the streets in Silicon Valley.

SEE ALSO: Inside the last slice of old-school San Francisco where you can still buy a home for under $1 million

The area's tech-industry boom has created a new economic class: the working homeless.

In the same affluent, suburban cities where Google, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla built their headquarters, thousands of people work regular jobs and come home to cars and RVs.

Source: AP

"We still need to eat," said Tes Saldana, who works in the restaurants of two hotels in Palo Alto, California. She lives with her three adult sons in a camper she parks on the street.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

#Tech Insider #Arab #Entrepreneurship #sillicon alley insider

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tortuga-aak · 6 years

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Photos show what it's like for Silicon Valley's 'working homeless,' who live down the street from tech giants

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

In Silicon Valley — home to tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple — tree-lined streets are filling with tents, cots, and dilapidated RVs.

A photo series by the Associated Press shows what life is like for the area's retail clerks, plumbers, janitors — even teachers — who go to work and sleep where they can.

These photos give us a glimpse of life on the streets in Silicon Valley.

The area's tech-industry boom has created a new economic class: the working homeless.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

In the same affluent, suburban cities where Google, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla built their headquarters, thousands of people work regular jobs and come home to cars and RVs.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

Source: AP

"We still need to eat," said Tes Saldana, who works in the restaurants of two hotels in Palo Alto, California. She lives with her three adult sons in a camper she parks on the street.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP See the rest of the story at Business Insider from Feedburner http://ift.tt/2AzolGG

#Feedburner

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newstfionline · 6 years

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Silicon Valley’s great wealth bypasses its working homeless

Janie Har, Associated Press, November 6, 2017

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP)--In the same affluent, suburban city where Google built its headquarters, Tes Saldana lives in a crowded but tidy camper she parks on the street.

Homeless advocates and city officials say it’s outrageous that in the shadow of a booming tech economy--where young millionaires dine on $15 wood-grilled avocado and think nothing of paying $1,000 for an iPhone X--thousands of families can’t afford a home. Many of the homeless work regular jobs, in some cases serving the very people whose sky-high net worth is the reason housing has become unaffordable for so many.

“We still need to eat,” said Saldana, 51. “I still want to bring my kids, once in a while, to a movie, to eat out.”

“How about for us people who are serving these tech people?” Saldana said. “We don’t get the same paycheck that they do.”

It’s all part of a growing crisis along the West Coast, where many cities and counties have seen a surge in the number of people living on the streets over the past two years. Counts taken earlier this year show 168,000 homeless people in California, Oregon and Washington--20,000 more than were counted just two years ago.

The booming economy, fueled by the tech sector, and decades of under-building have led to an historic shortage of affordable housing. It has upended the stereotypical view of people out on the streets as unemployed: They are retail clerks, plumbers, janitors--even teachers--who go to work, sleep where they can and buy gym memberships for a place to shower.

San Francisco is well-known for homeless tent encampments. But the homeless problem has now spread throughout Silicon Valley, where the disparity between the rich and everyone else is glaring.

The family was evicted two years ago from an apartment where the rent kept going up, nearing $3,000 a month.

“After that, I lost everything,” said Hernandez, 33, who works as a landscaper and roofer.

The plight of the Hernandez family points out one of the confounding problems of the homeless surge along the West Coast.

Mayor Ken Rosenberg is proud of the city’s response to the crisis--focusing not on penalties but on providing services. Yet he’s also worried that the peace won’t last as RVs crowd into bike lanes and over-taxed streets.

In San Jose, officials recently approved an ordinance pushed by an interfaith group called the Winter Faith Collaborative to allow places of assembly--including gyms and churches--to shelter homeless people year-round.

Ellen Tara James-Penney, a 54-year-old lecturer at San Jose State University, parks her old Volvo at one of those safe haven churches, Grace Baptist Church, and eats in its dining hall. She is paid $28,000 a year to teach four English classes and is carrying $143,000 in student debt after earning two degrees.

The Bay Area native remembers the time a class was studying John Steinbeck, when another student said that she was sick of hearing about the homeless.

#Silicon Valley #Bay Area housing costs #working homeless

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kevinszabojrplumbing · 1 day

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Top 8 Essentials to Inspect Before Renting a Property

1. Property Location

2. Exterior Condition

3. Interior Condition

4. Plumbing System

5. Electrical System

6. Heating and Cooling Systems

7. Appliances and Other Inclusions

8. Safety Features

9. Pest Control

10. Lease Agreement

Conclusion

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kevinszabojrplumbing · 1 day

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Upgrade Your Space with Electrical Accessories: Tips For Homeowners

Your home is your haven. It's where you unwind, entertain, and create lasting memories. But sometimes, even the most beloved spaces can start to feel a little dated or uninspired. If you're looking for a way to refresh your home without breaking the bank, consider the power of electrical accessories.

There's a wide range of electrical accessories available that can elevate your home's functionality, aesthetics, and even safety. From dimmer switches to smart plugs, these little upgrades can make a big difference.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right electrical accessories for your home:

1. Light Up Your Life

Lighting is key to creating ambiance and setting the mood in any room. Think beyond your basic overhead lights. Invest in stylish pendant lights over your kitchen island or dining table. Add sconces on either side of your bathroom mirror for a spa-like feel.

Don't forget about recessed lighting—it can brighten up dark corners and make a room feel more spacious. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the light level, creating the perfect atmosphere for any activity.

2. Embrace Smart Technology

Smart home technology is no longer just for the tech-savvy. Smart plugs allow you to control lamps, appliances, and even holiday lights from your phone or with voice commands.

Smart thermostats let you adjust the temperature remotely, saving you money on your energy bills. Last but not least, smart lighting systems let you create custom lighting scenes and schedules, adding convenience and a touch of luxury to your home.

3. Boost Your Safety and Security

Safety should always be a top priority. Consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in your kitchen and bathroom. GFCIs can help prevent electrical shock in areas where water is present. Motion sensor lights around your exterior doors and walkways deter intruders and illuminate your path at night.

4. Make the Most of Outlets

Tired of bulky power strips cluttering up your floor space? Install additional outlets in areas where you need them most, like your kitchen counter or entertainment center. Consider USB outlets for easy charging of your devices.

5. Don't Forget the Outdoors!

Electrical accessories aren't just for inside your home. String lights add a touch of magic to your patio or deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Weatherproof outlets allow you to power landscape lighting and other outdoor appliances.

6. Think About Functionality

Electrical accessories shouldn't only look good but also serve a purpose. Consider installing a dimmer switch for your reading lamp to create the perfect light for a good book.

Then, add a USB charging port to your nightstand for convenient phone charging. And for those times when a built-in outlet isn't quite where you need it, a high-quality extension cord can be a safe and temporary solution.

7. Manage Those Cables

Even the most stylish electrical accessories can be overshadowed by a mess of wires. Cable management systems like cable ties and terminal blocks can help you organize and hide electrical cords, creating a cleaner and more streamlined look.

When tackling electrical projects, secure your connections with the appropriate electrical connectors, wire connectors, or terminal blocks. Not only will this keep your wires organized, but it'll also ensure a safe and secure connection.

8. Match Your Style

Electrical accessories come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to classic and traditional. Choose finishes and designs that complement your home's décor.

9. Prioritize Quality

When it comes to electrical accessories, quality matters. Invest in well-made products that are up to code and will last for years to come. Look for electrical boxes, receptacles, and other electrical components that are listed by a reputable testing organization like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

10. Safety First!

While some electrical installations are DIY-friendly, like replacing a light switch or installing a dimmer switch, others are best left to the professionals. If you're unsure about how to install an electrical accessory yourself, consult with a licensed electrician.

Their expertise can ensure your project is done safely and correctly. When working on electrical projects, always remember to turn off the power at the breaker box before starting any work. Use electrical testers to confirm that wires are de-energized before making contact.

11. Enjoy the Results!

With a few well-chosen electrical accessories, you can transform your home into a more stylish, functional, and safe space. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the results!

Final Thoughts

Electrical accessories offer a simple and affordable way to upgrade your home. From improved lighting and convenience to enhanced safety and security, these little touches can make a big difference. So, get creative, have fun, and let your home's personality shine through!

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kevinszabojrplumbing · 1 day

Text

Upgrade Your Space with Electrical Accessories: Tips For Homeowners

Here are some tips to help you choose the right electrical accessories for your home:

1. Light Up Your Life

2. Embrace Smart Technology

Smart home technology is no longer just for the tech-savvy. Smart plugs allow you to control lamps, appliances, and even holiday lights from your phone or with voice commands.

3. Boost Your Safety and Security

4. Make the Most of Outlets

5. Don't Forget the Outdoors!

6. Think About Functionality

Electrical accessories shouldn't only look good but also serve a purpose. Consider installing a dimmer switch for your reading lamp to create the perfect light for a good book.

7. Manage Those Cables

8. Match Your Style

Electrical accessories come in a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to classic and traditional. Choose finishes and designs that complement your home's décor.

9. Prioritize Quality

10. Safety First!

11. Enjoy the Results!

With a few well-chosen electrical accessories, you can transform your home into a more stylish, functional, and safe space. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the results!

Final Thoughts

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kevinszabojrplumbing · 3 days

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HOW TO FIX A CLOGGED SINK

Got a sink that’s stubbornly clogged and driving you nuts? Don’t panic. We’ve all been there.

Whether it’s a slow drain or a complete blockage, dealing with a clogged sink can be a real headache.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to get that sink flowing freely in no time.

Are you ready to say goodbye to standing water and hello to smooth draining?

Let’s get started.

WHAT CAUSES A CLOGGED SINK

Clogged drains and sinks are one of the most common plumbing problems. Pouring non-liquid things into the sink is the leading cause of clogged sinks.

Food scraps and grease waste are common items that cause kitchen sink clogs. If you dump food scraps into the sink instead of the bin, small scraps will wash away, and the larger ones will get deposited. With time, the scraps can build up and cause blockages.

Grease waste becomes solid at room temperature. Hence, this too can block your sink.

Hair, toothpaste, and soap buildup are the leading causes for the bathroom sink to get clogged.

Additionally, since the bathroom sink is heavily used, it’s more likely to undergo clogging.

STEPS TO FIX A CLOGGED KITCHEN SINK OR A BATHROOM SINK

If your sink is not draining, draining slowly, or releasing a bad odour it’s more likely clogged.

To unclog your sink, you must have basic knowledge of the sink parts and their functions. Now, don’t panic. I’ll explain everything you need to know. Just keep reading.

Kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks are almost similar, with some minor differences.

Kitchen sinks are connected to garbage disposals and dishwashers, while bathroom sinks involve faucets, drains, and stoppers. The stopper allows you to fill the sink with water.

Most sinks have a curved pipe under them known as the P-trap. The P-trap holds water and creates a block against sewer gases entering the kitchen or bathroom through the sink drain.

Now, let’s go through the steps to remove clogs from your sink.

CLEAN OUT THE STANDING WATER

Standing water supports the growth of bacteria, insects, and mould. Hence, if you find any standing water in the sink, remove it immediately. This also makes room for water that you will add later to flush out the drain.

If you see any food scraps or other debris, remove them by wearing rubber gloves.

Check out this article for tips and tricks to prevent pest infestations in your plumbing system.

INSPECT THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL

If your kitchen sink is clogged, the first thing you should do is inspect the garbage disposal to find out whether it’s blocked. Here’s how you do it:

Turn on the garbage disposal and run it. Clogs might break while the garbage disposal is running.

If it’s not running, check whether it’s overheated. Reset and turn on the disposal again for this.

If the clog is not cleared even after running the disposal, disconnect it from power and proceed to the next steps.

POUR BOILING WATER

Boiling water can dissolve soap and fat. Hence, it’s effective in removing clogs caused by oil and soap deposits.

First, remove any standing water in the sink. Then, pour a pot of boiling water into the sink drain in a steady stream.

The water will begin to drain. If not, allow the water to cool and remove it with a mug. Then, pour hot water again.

You’ll have to repeat this process several times to remove the drain blockage.

Warning: Boiling water can damage plastic pipes. Therefore, don’t use boiling water if your sink is attached to PVC pipes.

POUR A BAKING SODA MIXTURE/WHITE VINEGAR/CAUSTIC CLEANER

Baking soda and vinegar are useful ingredients to unclog the sink drain naturally. They’re gentler on the pipes than chemical drain openers.

When baking soda and vinegar are mixed, it causes a bubbling reaction that helps to remove the clogs.

Pour a cup of baking soda followed by one cup of white vinegar. If it’s your bathroom sink, remove the drain stopper before pouring.

Let the mixture stand for around 15 minutes. Wait till the bubbling stops, and then flush with hot water.

You can also use a cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt, and then flush it with hot water after 15 minutes. If the drain is still not cleared, try this process several times. Be careful not to overdo it.

Caustic cleaners can remove grease, hair, food, and other organic materials blocking your sink.

However, they are very strong and leave harsh chemicals in your pipe. So use them only as a last resort. When using caustic cleaners, make sure to wear gloves and use them in a well-ventilated area.

PLUNGE THE SINK

If boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar are not working, try plunging your sink. Plunging creates enough pressure to dislodge minor clogs.

Remove the stopper and cover the overflow opening with a wet cloth. Fill the sink with 2-3 inches of water. It should be enough to cover the head of the plunger without overflowing.

Place the plunger cup on the drain hole, press it firmly, and then move it up around 1 inch. Repeat this up-and-down movement for 15-30 seconds.

Check whether the water drains and flush with hot water to remove any remaining clogs.

Useful tip: Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly onto the rim of the plunger cup. This will create a tighter seal and make plunging more effective.

If your kitchen sink is connected to a dishwasher, close the dishwasher line using a clamp or a pair of vice grips on its hose.

If you’re worried about damaging the hose, disconnect it and cover the disposal inlet with a pipe cap. This prevents water from back-flowing into the dishwasher line while plunging.

Note: Keep a toilet plunger separately to use for bathroom sinks.

USE AN AUGER/DRAIN SNAKE ON THE UPPER PART OF THE PIPE

If solid material is stuck in the drain, you can unclog it with an auger, also called a drain snake.

Connect the drain snake to a drill. Insert it down the drain till it meets resistance. When the snake meets resistance, run the drill to unclog it. Then, move the snake further down and repeat the process.

Usually, you can connect the snakes to any standard drill or use it without a drill.

While using a hand snake, first feed the drain with it. Then, twist it around to get the proper angle.

Once you meet resistance, allow the barb to hook the clogged material. Then, pull out the snake along with the clog. Finally, flush out the sink drain with hot water to remove any remaining clogs.

You can buy a drain snake from a hardware store or make one at home using a coat hanger.

Let’s make a drain snake at home:

Take a metal coat hanger.

Unwind and twist it to make a long, thin wire.

Use needle nose pliers and bend the end to make a small hook.

There you have a DIY drain snake. Now, you can insert it into the drain and pull out or break down the clogs.

USE A WET-DRY VACUUM

Pressure from the wet-dry vacuum can unblock a clogged drain. Plug up the vacuum for wet use. If you don’t know how, refer to the user manual.

Place the end of the vacuum’s hose on the drain opening and tighten the seal around it. Then, turn on the vacuum at the highest setting.

If you have a double sink and only one side is clogged, cover the other side with a drain stopper before turning on the vacuum.

USE PLIERS TO REMOVE CLOGS

Hair collects under the stopper in the bathroom sink and blocks the drain. You can remove these efficiently using a nose needle plier.

Simply remove the stopper, pull out the clog with a plier, and put back the stopper.

INSPECT THE P-TRAP

If all the above-given methods are not working, it’s time to fix your clogged sink from beneath it.

There’s a curved pipe underneath your sink known as the P-trap. The P-trap holds water between the open drain and the home’s plumbing to prevent odours.

You must disassemble the P-trap and see if any materials are blocked in it. Before that, place a bucket underneath the kitchen sink so that water or debris can fall into it while removing it.

Loosen the slip nuts on the P-trap arm and wiggle it free. If there is any debris, remove it.

Reassemble the pipe and run water into the sink to check whether the clog is removed correctly. While reassembling, don’t tighten the slip nuts too much.

Note: You can use rubber gloves and a wrench to make the above process easy.

USE AN AUGER ON THE WALL PIPE

Suppose the water is not running through the sink drain after you inspect the P-trap; this means the clog is present farther up the pipe.

To remove it, disassemble the P-trap again and remove the horizontal pipe that connects the sink to the wall pipe.

Insert the auger into the wall pipe, twist and turn, and pull out any debris or run the drill to break it.

After removing the debris, fix the pipes back. Remember not to tighten the slip nuts too much. Hand tightening and a quarter turn with a wrench would be enough.

If you can’t remove the clog from your bathroom or kitchen sink, call a professional plumber or contact a drain cleaning service as soon as possible.

HOW TO PREVENT CLOGGING OF YOUR SINK

We all want our sinks to function smoothly. It isn’t very pleasant if you have to unclog your bathroom/kitchen sink frequently.

Follow the instructions below to keep your sink drain free of clogs.

Avoid disposing food scraps into the kitchen sink.

Don’t overload the garbage disposer. Grind a maximum of one cup of food waste at a time.

Collect waste materials such as oil, grease, and coffee grounds into a disposable bag and discard them. Don’t allow them to flow through the sink drain.

Flush out the sink with hot water after every use.

Freeze some ice cubes, pouring vinegar and water in equal proportions. Drop one or two ice cubes into the disposer to keep it fresh and support the unclogging of minor waste deposits.

Pick up any long hairs in the bathroom sink using an old toothbrush rather than flushing them out into drains.

SOME ESSENTIAL TOOLS REQUIRED TO UNCLOG A SINK

You don’t have to call a plumber to unclog a sink every time. Keep the simple tools below with you at home so you can do it yourself if it’s a simple issue:

Plunger.

Nose needle plier.

Gloves.

Adjustable wrench.

Drain snake.

Flashlight.

A bucket or pail that fits under your sink.

CAN YOU UNCLOG A SINK BY YOURSELF?

Your bathroom or kitchen sink can get clogged due to excess food scraps, hair, oil, and other organic waste.

If you have a sink blockage, first follow the easy methods, such as flushing it out with boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar. If it doesn’t get flushed for these, try unclogging it with a plunger, vacuum pump, or drain snake.

If the clog is stubborn, you’ll have to remove the P-trap and take the waste out. If any of the above are not working, call a licensed plumber. Check out the importance of hiring a licensed plumber here.

FAQS

1. WHAT’S THE QUICKEST WAY TO UNCLOG A SINK?

The quickest method to unclog a sink depends on the extent of the clog. So, start with the easy steps, like pouring hot water, and then move to the complex methods like removing the P-trap if any of the simple techniques don’t work.

2. WHAT’S THE BEST NATURAL DRAIN CLOG REMOVER?

Baking soda and white vinegar can unclog a sink naturally.

3. WHAT’S THE SAFEST WAY TO UNCLOG A SINK?

Start with simple techniques like pouring boiling water and adding baking soda and vinegar. If this doesn’t work try unclogging with a plunger or auger. Then try to remove the P-trap to unclog. If you’re not comfortable with any of the above, call a professional service to sort out the issue.

4. IS IT OK TO USE A CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANER TO UNCLOG THE SINK?

Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes. Hence, use it only as a last resort before calling a plumber.