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How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink?

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Have you ever gone to wash your hands and noticed clogged sink drain? In the kitchen, maybe? If not, congratulations on not being a regular clog victim. It’s hard to keep your kitchen sink drain from clogging up. That’s because water in the sink attracts particles and grease that can block the drain. Plus, grease buildup around the sink can lead to buildup of grease in the garbage disposal and food particles that go down the drain instead of disposal into garbage. If a clog does form in your kitchen sink drain, you need to get it unclogged as soon as possible. Luckily, getting a clogged kitchen sink drain unclogged isn’t an overly complicated task that requires running to the store for special tools or anything of the sort—all you need is water, baking soda, and elbow grease. Let’s dive into the steps of how to unclog a kitchen sink with this handy guide!

Unclogging Kitchen Sinks – Step by Step Guide

Plunge the Sink

Uncloming a kitchen sink with standing water can be a challenge. To unclog the drain, use a plunger to force water out of the sink and into the disposal or garbage disposal. When using a plunger, ensure that the sink contains enough water to submerge the plunger head. If there is a garbage disposal connected to the kitchen sink, block it off or direct water into the dishwasher instead. Additionally, covering the drain not in use with a sink stopper or rubber stopper can help improve suction during plunging. By taking these steps, you can unclog your kitchen sink quickly and easily.

Boiling Water to Dislodge Clog

Boiling water is a reliable way to unclog a sink. You can use boiling water by first plugging the sink drain with a rag and then pouring boiling water into the sink drain. After waiting for approximately five minutes, use a plunger to push the boiling water down into the clog and unblock the sink drain. Pushing the plunger up and down about five to 10 times will help create a seal to force the boiling water down into the clog.

If boiling water does not work after two attempts, move on to another method, such as using chemical drain cleaner or an auger-style snake. You can also seek assistance from a professional plumber. If none of these methods work, it may be time to replace your plumbing pipes or faucet.

Inspect the Garbage Disposal

When unclogging a sink with a garbage disposal, it’s important to first ensure the disposal isn’t the cause of the clog. If the disposal turns on but no water is running or the blades are not spinning, there may be something blocking the drain pipe or P-trap. In such cases, disconnecting the garbage disposal piping and checking for any trapped debris may help. If the garbage disposal hums but the blades won’t spin, there is likely something jammed inside of the unit. Before taking any action to repair the garbage disposal, remember to disconnect the power to avoid shocks and never stick your hand into the disposal to check for hidden objects. Also, don’t forget to run hot water on kitchen sink drain before attempting any plumbing repairs.

Dissolve Clog with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common and effective way to unclog sink drain pipes. It is a natural way to help dissolve clogs in sink drain pipes. To unclog a sink, mix one cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar and then cover the drain opening. Alternatively, you can mix baking soda and salt in a 1:1 ratio and let it sit for several hours before flushing with boiling water. After plumbing disposal any of these methods, running hot water will help push any debris out of the plumbing system. You can also use a chemical drain cleaner to safely and effectively unclog your sink drain pipe. These chemical drain cleaners are generally safe but must be used carefully to prevent damage to your pipes.

Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum

To unclog a kitchen sink with a wet-dry vacuum, use a hose to create a tight seal over the drain and turn the vacuum to its highest setting. Before beginning, it is important to protect the floors and have a bucket nearby in case of water splashing. If the clog is on one side of a double sink, make sure to seal up the opposite side. Once the clog is cleared, run hot water down the drain to clear out any remaining pieces. After the clog is removed, it’s important to run hot water down the drain to clean out any remaining particles or residue. This will help ensure that kitchen sink drains remain clean and clear.

Use an Auger on Upper Pipe

If you are experiencing a clog in your kitchen sink, an auger, also known as a plumbing snake, can help you clear the blockage. To use the auger, insert the cable from the auger into the drain opening until reaching resistance. Pull an additional foot of cable and lock the length. Next, plug the sink that is not clogged with a rag to create a seal. Wet-dry vacuum cleaners are another effective way to clear clogs in kitchen sinks. These devices create a strong seal and clear blockages quickly and easily. After removing the blockage, run hot water down the drain to wash away any residual debris.

Prevent Future Clogs

To prevent future clog in your kitchen sink, run hot water down the drain after each use. Use mesh screens to catch debris before it enters the pipes. If you need to clean the sink, avoid pouring boiling water down the drain as this can damage PVC pipes. Also, never put grease, coffee grounds, or oils into the sink or garbage disposal. Instead, clean the garbage disposal regularly and feed items into it slowly. By following these steps and maintaining a clean kitchen sink, you can prevent clog and save money on plumbing costs.

Conclusion

Although it is not a difficult task to unclog kitchen sink, you must follow the above-mentioned steps carefully. If you don’t, you might end up clogging the garbage disposal or drain pipe of the kitchen sink. Remember that kitchen sink plumbing is a vital thing and requires expert help in case of any clogage. You can call plumber-24×7 for any plumbing-related queries and get solutions by following the above-mentioned tips.