I'm sure I'm not the only one to experience the inconvenience of clogged drains. Clogged kitchen sinks are among the most common drainage issues to plague homeowners, largely because food debris and soap residue are nightmares for smooth draining. Thankfully, clogged drains are also one of the easiest home repairs to make on your own. However, before you roll up your sleeves and get into the do-it-yourself spirit, make sure you're aware of the plumbing myths that could lead you astray.
When it comes to the kitchen sink, for instance, don't think Drano and other chemical-based drain cleaners are the easy, go-to fix. The chemicals can sometimes cause more damage to your system, even if the clog seems fixed initially. Plus, backsplash from stubborn blockages could seriously harm your skin and eyes. You can avoid these catastrophes with other clog repair methods, some using common household items and others requiring some straightforward plunger or plumber's snake action.
Don't call the plumber yet! There's a good chance you can fix the problem yourself with one of these six methods to unclog a kitchen sink:
Attack with boiling water
When hair, grease, soap residue and other debris get stuck in your drain, boiling water may be all your pipes needs to loosen the blockage. It's the simplest fix, which means it should be your first move when trying to unclog a sink.
Easy as 1-2-3, here are the steps to follow:
Bring half a litre of water to a boil on your stove or use a kettle to heat the water.
Pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening.
Turn on the faucet to see if the water drains in a steady fashion. If it's still draining slowly or standing still in the sink, repeat the process.
Important note:
Don't try this method if your drain is attached to PVC pipes, as the boiling water could melt or damage the plastic.
If the boiling water fails to dislodge the clog after the second try, it's time to move on to another method. Unfortunately, you have yourself a sink clog that's too stubborn for the simple boiling water approach.
Plunge away the blockage
Once you establish that the disposal isn't the problem, it's time to bring out the plunger. But keep in mind: While you can use the toilet plunger if it's all you have on hand, Dengarden suggested using a flat-bottomed one for the job. With your plunger at the ready, follow these steps:
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.
If the sink still isn't draining properly after multiple plunging attempts, you know the drill. Time to try a different method.
Break it down with baking soda and vinegar
This approach is a natural alternative to using chemical drain cleaners on clogged drains. Much to your convenience, baking soda and vinegar are also common household items that you're likely to already have in your kitchen. Follow these steps to let the mixture work its magic:
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.
As with any unclogging method, this natural alternative doesn't have a 100% success rate. However, if it seems like you're making progress on the clog after completing the steps, repeat the process to double down on the blockage.
If you've made it to this point and your sink still isn't draining, there could be a larger issue at play. It's time to give in and schedule an appointment with a plumber for a professional fix.
How to prevent future clogs
Now that your kitchen sink is draining properly again, make sure you're taking measures to prevent clogs from coming back. The most important preventative measure is refraining from disposing of harmful items down the drain. That includes:
Grease, fats and oils.
Meat.
Coffee grounds.
Egg shells.
Starchy foods, such as pasta, rice or bread.
Fruit peels, pits and stickers.
Gum.
Paint.
Paper products, such as paper towels or food wrappers.
Instead, pour cooking grease in an old can and dispose of the container once it's full. You can add certain waste, including coffee grounds, to mulch or compost piles.
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