You should be checking your recreational vehicle sink after a few days to ensure that the drain is not clogged. But during your regular checkup, you notice that the RV sink is clogged. Where do you start?
First, you should know that the leading cause of clogging in RV sinks is dirt, food remains, and hair residue. They will make water not flow through the drain, thus producing a foul smell.
That won’t be comfortable as the interior space of your RV is relatively small. When you notice such a scenario, don’t panic or think of finding a plumber (best if you are not well-versed with unclogging sinks), as you can clear the sink by yourself.
All you need is necessary items, and you will unblock your RV sink as a pro.
So, in this guide, you will get to know more about unclogging your RV sink.
Let’s start!
Table of Contents
What are the Causes of RV Sinks Blocking?
As we told you earlier, food remains, dirt, and hair can cause your sink’s blockage. Furthermore, it would be best if you understood that RVs are not like ordinary houses. They have storage tanks for the waste from the sinks.
These storage tanks for RV sinks are called galley tanks. When the galley tank is full, the chances of water not draining is 100%. You will notice that water remains on your sink.
Yes! It might be blockage but have you checked the status of your waste tanks. If they are full, please empty them. In case the problem persists now, it’s due to clogging.
Therefore, use the following steps to unclog your RV sink.
5 Methods of Unclogging an RV Sink:
Clogs will give you a hard time during your travel as they will be creating a bad smell in your RV. But you can take a stop and use the following steps to ensure your recreational vehicle has a good ambiance by unblocking your sink.
Requirements
There are various things you can use to clear your sink. They include;
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Baking soda and salt
- Hot Water
- Sink plungers
- Drain snakes
Ensure that you have all these necessities with you, as you may require to use different methods to clear the sink.
Note: You might use more than one step to unclog your RV sink.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Since the yesteryears, the mixture of baking soda and vinegar has been very useful in unblocking RV sink and other sink types. All you require is one-third cup of baking soda and vinegar.
When the mixture begins to fizz, start pouring it into your sink’s drain. This fizzing mixture gets rid of dirt, food particles, and hair on your recreational sink vehicle.
Before you begin this process, ensure you have a jug of hot water ready. It will be vital in flushing the sink.
Don’t pour the hot water first. Wait for an hour, then pour the hot water to clean the sink.
Now pour water on your sink and see if the drain is clear. Suppose water isn’t flowing. Use the next method.
Method 2: Hot Water
The use of hot water makes grime and other factors leading to blockage shrinking and getting out of the drain.
What you require is to boil two or three pots of water. Let it boil accordingly.
Go to your sink and detach the drain grates, caps, or strainers.
After that, pour the hot water.
You can perform this process when you are sure that you aren’t going to use the sink. Probably at night. In the morning, boil a pot of water and pour it into the sink.
Then open your tap and see if the drain is clear.
Method 3: Sink Plunger
A sink plunger is a common way many people use to unblock their sinks. You require a sink plunger.
Note: Be very careful when buying a sink plunger as there is a difference between a sink and a toilet plunger. Research about a sink plunger before buying.
Place the sink plunger on the sink’s drain and push it down. This is to remove air from its cup and generate suction.
Wait for 30-45 seconds before removing the plunger. Pour water on your sink and check if it is draining the water as it should.
Method 4: Baking Soda, Salt, and Hot Water
If the above methods didn’t work, don’t panic. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and salt before flushing it with hot water.
All you require is to mix a half cup of baking soda and salt in a bowl. After that, pour the mixture into your sink’s drain.
Wait for 15-20 minutes for the mixture to make the clogging materials smooth.
Pour a pot of hot water into the drain.
Method 5: Drain Snakes
The final method of unclogging your RV sink is by using a drain snake. It is also known as a drain auger. The drain snake is spiral and 0.25 inches thick. This makes it fit in the drain without any challenges.
Shove the snake in the drain until where you will notice a high chunk of blockage. Push the obstruction out of the draining pipe. When you see there is no clog, remove the auger.
Pour water on the sink at high pressure for about five minutes. This is to ensure the drain is fully unblocked.
Preventing RV Sink Blockage
Even though sink blockage occurs once in a while, but it can be repetitive. Thus, it would be best if you found ways of preventing sink clogging.
- Before washing your utensils, make sure there is no food particle. You can use a paper tissue to remove the food particle from a dustbin before washing the utensil.
- Insert a sink strainer on the drain. This fixture prevents solid particles from entering your sink drainage system.
- Frequently empty and clean your galley tank.
When you do all these, you will successfully prevent your RV sink from clogging.
Conclusion
Unclogging your RV sink is a simple process. All you require are the necessities. However, you should avoid using harsh chemicals on your drainage system frequently as it may damage the drain and need you to replace it.
