Simple sink repairs for beginners

Some sink repairs are easy to do and require minimal tools, even for beginners. Here are a few simple "do's" and "don'ts" for when you fix your own sink.

Working under the sink means squeezing into a tight spot so have all your tools within easy reach, and use rags and towels to make things as comfortable as possible.

• If water has backed up into the sink, bail out most of it, leaving just enough to cover the plunger cup.
• Stuff wet rags into the overflow drain.
• In a kitchen drain that's connected to a dishwasher, clamp off the dishwasher hose.
• Set the plunger cup directly over the drain.
• Pump vigorously straight up and down for at least a minute.
• If plunging doesn't work, try an auger or snake.
• If both of these methods fail, you may have to disassemble the trap.

Never use a chemical drain cleaner if your sink is completely stopped — only if you have a sluggish drain.

• Pour the recommended amount of cleaner into your drain.
• Never use a plunger after pouring it in: splashed chemicals can injure your skin.
• For a low-cost drain cleaner, pour 125 grams (half cup) of baking soda and 250 millilitres (a cup) of white vinegar down the drain, followed by four litres (one gallon) of boiling water.

Often before clearing a clog, you will have to open the trap.

• Place a bucket or can under the trap.
• To avoid scratching the chrome, wrap masking tape around the nuts on both ends of the trap.
• Loosen the nuts with pliers or a wrench, and remove the trap by pulling the pieces apart.
• Pour water from the trap into the bucket.
• Use coat-hanger wire to clear the blockage, or just pull the gunk out.
• Scrub out scum with a bottle brush and detergent.
• Reassemble the trap.

If a leak develops around the trap, you may be able to quickly fix it by tightening the coupling nuts above the trap.

• Place masking tape around the nut first to protect the finish.
• If the leak persists, remove the trap and take off the old washers.
• If the pipe threads are corroded, clean them with a wire brush and coat them with joint compound or Teflon tape.
• Put in new washers, and reassemble the trap.

Most bathroom sinks have a pop-up stopper. If your sink won't hold water, or if the stopper will not lift up high enough, you need to adjust it.

• A horizontal pivot rod is attached to a vertical flat rod with holes, called a clevis, which is attached to a vertical lift rod by a set screw.
• Adjust the stopper by loosening the set screw and sliding the clevis up (to lower the stopper) or down (to raise it).
• When you have found the right position, tighten the set screw.
• If the stopper doesn't seem to travel up and down far enough, reposition the pivot rod on the clevis.

While these repairs may be new to most beginners, they save you the trouble and money of calling a professional plumber or handy friend. Be sure to follow these simple steps to solve minor sink problems.