How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
In any household, there are always some small problems that crop up. While these may not seem like a big deal, they can cause huge disruption to daily life if left untreated. This is especially true in the kitchen sink. If you've ever tried to unclog a kitchen sink, you know that the task can be frustrating and time-consuming. Fortunately, though, there are many ways to help drain the excess water and prevent future clogs. To help you with those little issues, we have compiled a list of what to do when your kitchen sink is clogged and how to fix it.
Unclogging a Kitchen Sink
Unclogging a kitchen sink is actually quite easy. Don't call the plumber yet! There's a good chance you can fix the problem yourself with one of these methods to unclog a kitchen sink. Follow these simple steps and your sink will be as good as new:
Step-1: Using boiling water to attack
If hair, grease, soap residue, and other debris become stuck in your drain, boiling water may be the only thing you need to loosen it. Whenever you're trying to unclog a sink, it's best to start with the simplest fix.
Step-2: Inspect the garbage disposal
The garbage disposal in your sink may be the cause of your drainage problems. If the clog is in the disposal, turning it on will usually clear it. It is possible for overheated or malfunctioning disposals to not even turn on, but you can activate the reset switch on the side or bottom of the unit for an easy restart. To clear the clog, turn on the disposal again after resetting it.
Step-3: Remove the blockage by plunging
Once you determine the disposal isn't the problem, it's time to pull out the plunger. You can use the toilet plunger if that's all you have on hand, but Dengarden recommends using a flat-bottomed one instead.
Step-4: Soda and vinegar break it down
It is a natural alternative to using chemical drain cleaners on clogged drains. Baking soda and vinegar are also common household items that are likely already in your kitchen.
Step-5: Use a plumber's snake
Clogs that resist removal will require the use of a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction. The tool consists of a coiled spiral snake that reaches deep into the drain. If the snake hits an obstruction, you can crank the handle to dislodge the debris and remove it from the drain. Electric snakes have even greater power to clear clogs.
Step-6: Clean the P-trap
In case the water is still not draining properly, there could be a blockage in the P-trap, also known as the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. You may notice that food, grease, and other debris have accumulated in the pipe. This causes your sink to drain slowly or not at all as a result of hitting a snag on its way down.
In order to correct the blockage, the pipe must be disassembled in order to remove the gunk. Please note that this process can get a tiny bit messy, so you may want to prepare yourself with gloves, goggles, and towels before beginning.
Conclusion
The kitchen sink is one of the most common plumbing problems, and it's often difficult to get rid of the buildup. If you have a clogged kitchen sink, you might be tempted to try some solutions that can cause more damage than good. Instead, consider hiring a plumber to clear your drain so you don't have to deal with this problem anymore.












