On average, the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your house. Any time your kitchen sink is acting up it can be a major headache. With so much use, it is common for food particles, grease or other items to be flushed down your drain. As these items accumulate, your kitchen sink will start to drain slowly and will eventually become backed up if left untreated.
Should a kitchen clog get the better of you, know that you can turn to the Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating. Give us a call at 469-518-2809.
Before you go searching for the “best plumbers near me,” there are a number of steps that you can take to remedy a kitchen sink clogged.
DIY Solutions to a Clogged Kitchen Sink
When it comes to DIY projects, unclogging a kitchen sink can range anywhere from incredibly easy to expert level. Sometimes you are better off working with a professional plumber that has specialized equipment to handle the job. If all else fails you can call for camera pipe inspection.
To help you save some money, work through the following DIY suggestions before reaching out to a professional.
1. Check Connected Lines or Appliances
Before you start removing pipes and beginning the arduous process of finding where the clog has occurred, check any appliances that are attached to the drain on your kitchen sink. Garbage disposals and dishwashers push dirty water that can often be gunked up with food particles.
Typically, the hoses that connect these appliances are smaller in diameter than your main drain, making them a great starting point as you troubleshoot. Even better, most are semi-transparent which makes it easier to detect blockages.
Simply shine a flashlight along the length of the tubes that connect to your kitchen sink and look for any large spots of discoloration. If any are noticed, most appliances are easy to disconnect from the main line to be cleaned.
2. Boiling Water
You might be surprised to learn that one of the more simple DIY processes is to simply pour boiling water down your drain. This can be particularly helpful if the clog is grease related, as the hot water will help melt the grease and clear the drain. Follow these simple steps:
- Put a large pot of water on to boil.
- If you have a double sink, place a stopper on one side.
- Pour water in a slow steady stream into the middle of the drain.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times.
Once completed, if the drain is working properly you will know that your solution has worked. If the sink is still draining slowly or was unaffected, continue down the list.
3. Natural Drain Cleaner
If water by itself didn’t do the trick and you are still searching for a solution, turn to a tried and true natural drain cleaner, such as baking soda and vinegar. Remember the volcano science experiments that we had so much fun with as kids? The very same process can help with that pesky drainage problem.
- Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain and let it stand for 15 minutes.
- If equipped with a double sink, place a stopper on one side.
- Pour one cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar down the clogged drain.
- Place a stopper over the clogged drain so that the reaction is forced in the direction of the clog.
As the acid from the vinegar reacts it will help dissolve grease or minor food particles that might be behind the clog. Avoid using any unnatural products as they can eat away at your pipes and cause leaks if used regularly, creating the need for professional plumbing repair.
4. Plunger
Despite the fact that your plunger might live next to your toilet, it is a great tool to use on your kitchen sink as well. It could be argued that it is the most reliable tool when it comes to removing clogs.
- Remove all but one inch of standing water in the basin.
- Place a plunger with a single flat rim directly over the drain so that a good seal is created.
- Move the plunger rapidly in an up and down motion.
- Periodically check on water movement.
- Repeat 3-4 times for more stubborn clogs.
Similar to previously mentioned methods, make sure that additional sink basins are closed with a stopper. Failure to do this will result in water being projected out of the other side of the sink. When covered, it will allow the plunger to get the proper suction to force out any clogs.
5. Add Pressure
When good old fashioned elbow grease simply won’t cut it, you may need to turn to tools that will help increase the pressure. Clogs that are farther away from the sink drain are likely to be more stubborn. Using a wet-dry vacuum can be a great alternative when your plunger comes up short.
The key to using a wet-dry vacuum is creating a seal so that there is plenty of suction throughout the line. Rather than just sticking the end of the hose over the drain wrap it with a damp cloth. Make sure the other side of a double-basin sink is stopped. Again you are aiming to get maximum suction power. Switch your vacuum to wet mode and let it run for 30 seconds or more. Repeat the process 2-3 times.
6. Opt for Specialized Equipment
When the going gets tough, you might need to think about using specialized equipment such as an auger, or drain snake. With inexpensive options available at most home improvement stores, having one of these tools can make all the difference when trying to unclog a drain.
Augers work by rotating a flexible wire that extends 25 or more feet down your plumbing line. Homes that are not equipped with a garbage disposal will be able to go directly through the drain. This only works if the wire of the auger is small enough to pass through properly. If you are working around a garbage disposal, you will need to work under the sink when using an auger.
Start by disconnecting the p-trap that is directly under the sink. Make sure that you have a small bucket or towels handy to catch any water that is in the pipe or from the basin above. Once removed, insert the wire tip of the auger into the pipe and begin rotating clockwise. As the wire moves through the pipe, it will break up or pull out any clogs once the wire is retrieved.
7. Call a Professional Plumber
When all else fails, call for kitchen plumbing services as the final step is to rely on a trained professional. The truth is that not every kitchen sink clogged with debris will be resolved with a DIY method. Licensed plumbers will have the knowledge and equipment to make short work of any clogs so that you can get back to your normal daily life.
Finding the “Best Plumber Near Me” Duncanville, TX
Should the above DIY solutions fail, do not get discouraged. Take pride that you exhausted all measures before turning to a professional team. When the time comes, turn to a trusted local source for all of your plumbing needs.
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is ready to take on all of your plumbing needs. Our team of professional plumbers is equipped with the knowledge and tools to take down any stubborn plumbing repair.
Call us today at 972-291-2809 or visit dial1plumbing.com to schedule an appointment with an expert.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.