It happens with every homeowner overtime (maybe a week or two, your kitchen sink seems to be full and drains much slower till it stops draining at all. You have tried cleaning the drain but it doesn’t seem to work.
Well then, you are facing one of the most common problems when it comes to plumbing, a clogged kitchen sink. This usually happens due to food debris and soap residue that builds up over time causing the blockage.
The good news is that a clogged drain is one of the easiest things to resolve and requires minimal equipment so any DIYer can resolve it.
Busting Common Practices:
Before you begin lets check the efficiency of common practices:
- The DIY tool set:
One thing that makes a DIY project go wrong is the use of makeshift tools. If you’re stuck and have no real tools, refrain from using a random wire to poke the clogged drain. This can make the problem 10 times worse and more expensive. This potentially can scratch the PVC pipes and ultimately make the clog harder to clear, potentially pushing it down the drain further, requiring professional help.
- Finding the right Plunger:
When clearing a kitchen drain, the most important equipment you need is the plunger. Now Plungers come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one. A Classic plunger is the one with a wooden stick and the rubber flange, yeah, that is for your toilet. Get a cup-style flat plunger to get a proper seal for your sink.
- The Drain Cleaner:
Usually, every homeowner’s first response to a clogged drain is to put a drain cleaner and fix the clog. However, the chemicals in a drain cleaner can cause way more harm. For instance, they can damage delicate pipes. The Drain cleaner sometimes only makes a small hole in the clog and doesn’t fix the clog completely, causing bigger issues ahead. Breathing in the chemical cleaner while it’s at work is harmful for your respiratory system, and the fumes usually cause rashes and hurt the eyes.
Step-by-Step Unclogging a Sink
- Use boiling water:
Boiling water is the best for loosening blockages caused by stuck food particles, grease buildup, and soap residue. It is the easiest fix, but note that if your drain has PCV pipes, boiling water is not an option for you, as it damages the plastic, leading to the need to change the pipes altogether.
- Pour boiling water into the drain opening
- Wait for a minute, then turn on the faucet to check if the water drains properly. If it’s still standing, repeat the process.
- If this method doesn’t work, try another.
- Baking soda and Vinegar
The ultimate substitute to chemical drain cleaners is using Baking soda and Vinegar.
The following are the steps for this easy fix :
- Remove standing water from the sink with a cup or bowl.
- Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, using a spatula or spoon to push the powder down the drain if necessary.
- Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain opening.
- Place a stopper or cover on the drain to seal the opening.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cover and run hot tap water down the drain.
- Use boiling water to break up more intense clogs (only if you have metal pipes, of course).
- repeat the process if you think you are making progress.
- Check the garbage disposal System
One thing that can lead to a clog is your garbage disposal system. Run the garbage disposal system to see if the water starts draining. If not, then:
- Turn off the power to the disposal
- Use a flashlight to inspect for blockages
- Remove any visible debris (never use your hands directly)
- Reset the disposal if needed
- Run water and test
- Use a Plunger
it’s time to bring out the flat-bottomed plunger.
- Fill the sink with hot water until it’s about halfway full and creates a seal around the drain.
- Position the plunger over the drain and begin pumping up and down quickly several times.
- Remove the plunger and wait to see if the water drains.
- Repeat the process until the water drains freely.
- Use a Drain Snake
For tougher clogs deeper in the pipe, a drain snake also known as an auger is highly effective.
- Insert the snake into the drain
- Rotate the handle to push it deeper
- When you feel resistance, twist and pull to break up or remove the clog
- Run water to check if the blockage is cleared
- Clean the P Trap
The P-trap (the curved pipe under your sink) often collects debris.
- Place a bucket underneath the pipe
- Unscrew the P-trap carefully
- Remove and clean out any debris
- Reattach it securely, make sure it’s tight to not cause any leaks.
- Run water to test
Tips to prevent future clogs:
- Avoid pouring grease down the drain: Grease solidifies as it cools, sticking to pipe walls and trapping debris. Instead, dispose of it in a sealed container.
- Use a drain strainer: This simple tool catches food particles and prevents them from entering the drain.
- Run hot water regularly: Running hot water after washing dishes helps flush away soap residue and small debris.
- Clean your drain weekly: A quick rinse with hot water and mild natural cleaners can prevent buildup over time.
- Be mindful of what goes in: Coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, and fibrous foods like vegetable peels are common culprits for clogs.
- Maintain your garbage disposal: Always run water while using it and avoid overloading it with waste.
When to Call a Professional
Whereas most clogs in sinks can easily be solved by the DIY techniques, there may arise situations where it would be much better to seek help from a professional plumber. Failing to take notice of warning signs can mean developing more complicated plumbing problems.
- When the Clog Continues to Occur Again: If your sink is continuously developing a clog after attempting to unclog it, then it might actually mean that there is something more seriously wrong within the plumbing pipes. Professional services should be sought to clear out any underlying problems. Our emergency plumbing services in San Antonio and emergency plumbing services in Lubbock are available 24/7 to handle exactly this.
- When Several Drains are Clogged Simultaneously: When all the various drainpipes in your home become simultaneously blocked, this usually means that there is a bigger clog in the major sewer pipe. These kinds of clogs require professional attention to remedy the situation.
- When Water Begins to Backup: Backup of water into your sink, especially while operating other devices such as dishwashers or washing machines, is a good indicator that a clog exists. It will soon become a very untidy problem if left untreated.
- When Do-it-yourself Efforts Fail: If hot water, baking soda, vinegar, plunging, or even a plumber’s snake have proven ineffective in clearing the drain, you should immediately cease trying. Sometimes, the do-it-yourself efforts might exacerbate the problem and possibly harm the pipes.
- When Strange Odors Persist: If you’ve ever smelled an unpleasant odor from the drains, it might indicate that there is leftover food or grease. Our plumbing services in San Antonio team can diagnose and clear it properly.
Came across a problem midway? The good news is Leaky’s Plumbing is always at your service, from clogged sinks to tricky installations we are one call away. Schedule a visit today!