Help My Kitchen Sink Is Clogged
Oh no. The dreaded kitchen problem has happened; the kitchen sink is clogged. The good news is you don’t need to panic. Here are 7 simple tips for clearing up your clogged kitchen sink.
1) Check Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal has not been used in several days, check for items that may be clogging the drain. If nothing happens once you flip the switch, it may be jammed due to something stuck inside the blades.
2) Check For Larger Clogs
If you determine the clog isn’t caused by the garbage disposal, the next step is to check for a larger clog. If your drain is still not flowing smoothly, take off the U-shaped piece of pipe under your sink (this is called your P-trap). If there are any large objects in it, remove them.
Don’t use any tools that could damage your pipes! This includes pliers, spoons, and even hairpins! It’s always best to contact a rooter professional at Art Rooter, Sewer, & Drain Cleaning.
3) Use Boiling Water
You can try to use boiling water to loosen the clog. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil on your stovetop. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat and carefully pour it down the drain.
4) Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using chemical drain cleaners for a clogged kitchen sink is never a good idea. Instead, it’s best to use the homemade cleaner of baking soda and vinegar. The fizzy reaction can clear some clogs. Simply put a cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow with a cup of vinegar. Be patient and wait about 10 minutes for it to fizz up. Then, flush with hot water.
And just to be extra clear: don’t use chemical drain cleaners or mix any household chemicals together.
5) Snake Out The Drain
If you’re dealing with a sink that’s completely clogged, use a plumbing snake. To do so, first, make sure everything is turned off. Then, insert the end of your plumbing snake into the drain opening and push it down as far as possible. When you feel resistance, pull up while cranking in order to break up particles that may be blocking your sink.
6) Plunge The Sink
Plunging the sink works by creating a vacuum that pulls the clog down through the drain pipe. If the clog is on one side of the sink, seal up the other side with a stopper.
Put some water in the sink so that it covers as much of your plunger as possible. Then place your plunger over the drain opening and press down firmly until you create a tight seal. The tighter this seal is formed, the better results you’ll have with your plunge attempt. Be sure to purchase a separate plunger for the sink! A standard cup-type plunger works best with a kitchen sink clogged up.
7) Try a Wet-Dry Vacuum
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, set up your wet-dry vac for wet use. Turn on the vacuum and place it into the drain. Suck out clogs with the vacuum. Like the plunger method, seal up the other side of the sink first.
Trust The Experts When You Have A Kitchen Sink Clogged Up
Art Rooter, Sewer, & Drain Cleaning is South Florida’s premier residential, commercial, and multi-family drain cleaning and plumbing experts. We service Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties—including after-hours plumbing emergencies.
Don’t let a clogged kitchen sink stop you from getting things done in your home! Call Art Rooter, Sewer, & Drain Cleaning at 1-833-470-2880 today to keep things flowing in your kitchen and beyond.
