How to Repair a Kitchen Sink While Waiting for a Plumber – Pro Plumbing Thunder Bay
March 3, 2025
If your kitchen sink is clogged, leaking, or simply not draining, you don’t have to sit idly by while waiting for a professional plumber. As a seasoned plumber at Pro Plumbing Thunder Bay, I’ve seen homeowners panic when their sink suddenly stops working. The good news? There are a few things you can do to mitigate the issue before we arrive. Here’s how you can handle common sink problems safely and effectively.
1. Dealing with a Clogged Kitchen Sink
A clogged sink is one of the most common issues homeowners face. Here’s what you can do to get the water flowing again:
Try Boiling Water First
- Bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully pour it down the drain in stages.
- Wait a few minutes and see if the water starts draining.
- Repeat if necessary.
Use a Plunger
- If boiling water doesn’t work, grab a sink plunger (not the same one used for toilets!).
- Fill the sink with a few inches of water.
- Position the plunger over the drain and push down firmly, then pull up in a quick motion.
- Repeat several times until the clog loosens.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Method
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it with one cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture fizz for 10–15 minutes.
- Flush with hot water.
2. Fixing a Leaky Pipe Under the Sink
Leaks under the sink can cause water damage fast. Here’s how to stop the water temporarily:
Tighten Loose Connections
- Check where the leak is coming from.
- If it’s at a joint, try tightening the slip nuts with a wrench.
Use Plumber’s Tape or Pipe Putty
- If you find a small leak in a pipe joint, wrap plumber’s tape around the threads.
- For small cracks, apply pipe putty as a temporary fix.
Place a Bucket Under the Leak
- If tightening the connections doesn’t work, place a bucket under the pipe to catch the water until a plumber arrives.
3. Handling a Slow-Draining Sink
If your sink is draining slowly but not fully clogged, try these quick solutions:
Clean the P-Trap
- Place a bucket under the sink to catch water.
- Unscrew the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink).
- Remove debris and rinse it out before reattaching it.
Use a Drain Snake
- A simple drain snake or wire hanger can help remove debris stuck in the drain.
- Insert it into the drain, twist it, and pull out any gunk blocking the pipe.
4. What NOT to Do While Waiting for a Plumber
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners – These can damage your pipes and make the problem worse.
- Don’t Keep Running Water – If the sink is leaking or clogged, using it can lead to more damage.
- Don’t Ignore a Major Leak – If water is flooding, shut off the water supply immediately.
When to Call Pro Plumbing Thunder Bay
While these temporary fixes can help, some problems require professional repair. Call Pro Plumbing Thunder Bay if you experience:
✅ Persistent clogs that won’t clear.
✅ Water backing up into other drains.
✅ Visible pipe damage or major leaks.
✅ Foul odors coming from the sink.
Get Fast & Reliable Kitchen Sink Repair in Thunder Bay
If you need a plumber in
Thunder Bay,
Pro Plumbing is here to help. Call us or schedule an appointment online. We’ll have your kitchen sink working like new in no time!
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Plumbing emergencies rarely occur at convenient times. One moment, everything seems fine, and then suddenly, a pipe bursts, a toilet overflows, or water starts pooling where it shouldn’t. Taking quick and informed action during the initial moments of a plumbing emergency can significantly reduce damage and ease stress before a professional arrives. Below are ten typical plumbing emergencies along with practical steps homeowners can take to manage each situation. 1. Burst Pipe A broken pipe is one of the most serious plumbing issues because it can lead to significant water damage. When you notice water flowing or leaking heavily, your top priority should be turning off the main water supply to prevent further flooding. Once the water is shut off, opening nearby taps can help release any remaining pressure within the plumbing system. Use towels or buckets to collect water, and keep the area clear to avoid electrical hazards. 2. Overflowing Toilet An overflowing toilet can create panic, especially if water is spilling over the edge. Quickly take off the tank lid, press the flapper down to stop more water from entering the bowl, and lift the float to halt the refill process. Then, turn off the shut-off valve located behind or below the toilet. Avoid flushing again until the issue is properly addressed. 3. Water Heater Malfunction Whether there’s a leak, no hot water, or unusual noises, a malfunctioning water heater can be a serious concern. If a leak occurs, start by turning off the power supply—switch off the circuit breaker for electric units or close the gas valve for gas-powered ones. Then, shut the cold water inlet valve to prevent more water from entering the tank. Keep away from standing water near electrical components. 4. Leaking Faucet or Shower Head While not as dramatic as a burst pipe, a leaking faucet or shower head can waste a surprising amount of water and indicate a deeper issue. Turn off the water supply leading to the specific fixture and use a towel or container to collect any dripping water. Such leaks often indicate that washers, seals, or fittings may be worn and require repair. 5. Clogged Sink or Bathtub Standing water in a sink or tub usually means a clog in the drain. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, especially if water isn’t draining at all—they can worsen the blockage or damage pipes. Try clearing the clog with a plunger or a hand-operated drain snake. If the blockage remains, best to contact a licensed plumber for further assistance. 6. Sewer Backup A strong smell of sewage, bubbling toilets, or multiple clogged drains can signal a sewer backup. This is a serious health concern. Stop using all plumbing fixtures and avoid any contact with contaminated water. Ventilate the area by opening windows, if possible, and wait for professionals who are equipped to handle the situation safely. 7. Frozen Pipes In cold climates, frozen pipes are a seasonal hazard. If you open a tap and notice little to no water flow, it could be a sign that the pipe has frozen. Leave the faucet open to relieve pressure, and gently warm the pipe using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Avoid using open flames or pouring boiling water, as these methods can increase the risk of the pipe bursting. 8. Washing Machine Hose Leak A broken or loose hose on a washing machine can flood a laundry room in minutes. Check behind the machine for bulging or cracked hoses. Upon finding a leak, turn off the water supply valves and disconnect the appliance from its power source. Clean up excess water promptly to prevent damage to flooring and baseboards. Regular inspections of hoses can help prevent these incidents. 9. Malfunctioning Main Water Valve In some cases, the main shut-off valve itself may leak or fail to stop water flow. If this happens, try shutting off secondary valves to isolate the problem. Use towels, buckets, or even waterproof tape as temporary measures to control the leak until professional repairs can be made. Avoid using any plumbing fixtures in the home during this time. 10. Gas Leak from Plumbing-Connected Appliances Some plumbing systems—especially water heaters or combination boilers—may involve gas lines. If you smell gas (a rotten egg scent), evacuate the area immediately. Do not switch on lights, use phones, or ignite anything. After reaching a safe location, notify emergency responders and a certified professional. Gas leaks are highly dangerous and should be handled exclusively by qualified professionals. How to Be Better Prepared Quick action is essential when facing a plumbing emergency. Knowing the layout of your home's plumbing can help you remain composed and take appropriate steps to manage the situation. It's also wise to prepare an emergency plumbing kit that includes: ● A flashlight ● Adjustable wrench ● Plumber’s tape ● A toilet plunger ● Old towels or rags ● A bucket ● A list of emergency contact numbers Labelling your main shut-off valve and ensuring all adult household members know how to use it can also prevent serious damage. Final Thoughts Plumbing emergencies can occur without warning at any time. While professional help is essential in resolving the underlying problem, knowing what to do in the moments before they arrive can significantly reduce stress, water damage, and repair costs. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a blocked drain, or a malfunctioning fixture, staying calm and taking prompt action can make all the difference.
Low water pressure is one of the most common calls we get as plumbers Thunder Bay homeowners rely on.
There’s nothing more stressful than watching your toilet water rise past the bowl’s edge, threatening to spill over onto your bathroom floor. As a seasoned plumber at Pro Plumbing Thunder Bay, I’ve seen many homeowners panic in this situation. The good news? You can take a few immediate steps to minimize damage and prevent a major mess before we arrive. Here’s what you need to do.
