How to Clear a Clogged Kitchen Sink

July 23, 2014 sarah Uncategorized

Oftentimes, clearing a clogged kitchen sink may require a number of different methods and attempts. But a few simple household items and tools, you would be able to remove the blockage in your drain. Here are some ways to solve the problem:

1. Break Up A Greasy Clog

If the blockage is close to your drain and made up of grease, you may be able to clear it with dish soap and boiling water. Start by getting rid of any liquid from your sink. Pour 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap down the drain. Then follow it with 10 cups of boiled water. Allow the mixture to set until the water has completely cooled. The water should be gone at this point and the drain will be clear. Otherwise, try the next method.

2. Plunge the Blockage through your Drain

Position a plunger over your sink’s drain and push down. Make sure you do this with gentleness so you won’t break your pipes. If you have double sinks, you will notice that the water merely moves from one sink to the other as you use the plunger. So, it’s best to cover the other drain with a rag or a towel to create a vacuum. Oftentimes, the blockage will pass in just a few tries. But if after working with your plunger for 3 minutes and you see little or no improvement, try this next method.

3. Remove the Drain Trap

This is a simple procedure but it can be a bit messy. Before anything else, place a bucket underneath the S-shaped pipe in your sink’s drain. Then with a large pair of pliers, gently start turning the nut on the pipe. Once you’ve loosened the nut, complete the process with your hand only. Note that water may begin to leak out as you unscrew the nut. After removing the S-shaped pipe, check it for blockages. Use an object to push through it. If it isn’t blocked, assemble your drain pipe and try this next approach. In this situation, the block settles further down your drain pipe and requires a different method.

4. Snake Your Pipes Clean

A “snake” is a long flexible wire or tube that could be run down through pipes to push a blockage out. Push this tool deep into your drain until you feel some sort of resistance. Once you feel it, keep on pushing the snake gently to pass the cause of the blockage.

After doing all of these steps and your sink does not show improvement, you may have to call a professional plumber. Contact Scott at Guardian Plumbing and Gas to get the job done right, or follow this link.

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