A Detailed Guide on How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
So, if you have a clogged kitchen sink drain, you're not alone. Many people deal with this issue, and it's not always easy to fix. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to unclog your kitchen sink before calling in a professional plumber like Tony's Drain & Sewer Cleaning located in Oswego, Illinois.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to clear a clogged kitchen sink using some simple tools and materials you probably already have at home.
A clogged kitchen sink drain can be frustrating and unpleasant. Whether it is a slow drain or a fully clogged backup, it can cause problems that require professional attention.
Option 1 – DIY Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners can be expensive and harmful to the environment. An effective alternative is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Follow these steps:
Remove the kitchen sink stopper or drain cover.
Pour ½ cup of baking soda in the drain.
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar in the drain.
Wait for 10 minutes and chase it with boiling water.
Consider flushing the cleared drain with Pipe Shield or another pipe cleaner to prevent future clogs.
Often, the ensuing chemical reaction from this mixture is enough to dissolve the slow drain and repair your clogged drain.
Option 2 – Using a Sink Plunger
This method is best for standing water clogs. Always use a kitchen plunger to avoid spreading germs.
Follow the steps below:
If you have a double sink, plug up the sink drain on the opposite side of the sink with a wet rag to apply pressure directly to the clog.
Fill the clogged side of the sink with a small amount of water for the plunger.
Begin plunging away (remember, it's all about the up motion, not pushing down)
If plunging fails to fix the problem, consider the following options.
Option 3 – Wire Coat Hanger
Turn a wire coat hanger into an impromptu pipe cleaner:
Bend a small hook onto the end using pliers. Insert the coat hanger and wiggle it up and down to try to dislodge any food that may be caught in the pipe.
This may succeed where the plunger failed. (Caution: Do not stick equipment or appendages into a garbage disposal without first cutting the fuse.)
Option 4 – Drain Snake
If the clog is farther down the drain, none of the above methods may work.
Follow these steps:
Run a drain snake down the kitchen drain. These can be purchased at your local hardware store. If that still doesn't work, you may have to take the trap beneath the sink apart and snake the drain more directly. This requires a bit of hands-on effort, so you may want to wear rubber gloves. Be sure to place a bucket beneath the trap to catch any dirty water. Finally, you can begin snaking the drain.
Option 5 – Shop-Vac
Wet and dry vacuums are powerful appliances with a lot of suction. Set a wet vacuum to "liquids" and cover the vent. Remember to create a very tight seal around the drain and cover the overflow tube with a finger or rag.
The power of a wet vacuum can often be enough to draw the clogged material up and unclog the drain. Check the bag for hair and grease to identify the source of the clog. A wet vacuum can also work well when trying to recover jewelry from a drain.
When all the above methods fail, it is time to call a licensed plumber. Contact your local Tony's Drain and Sewer Cleaning, and they will unclog your drain in no time.
At Tony's Drain and Sewer Cleaning, we understand that clogged sinks are a frustrating problem that can disrupt your daily routine. That's why we offer expert plumbing services to help you tackle these issues quickly and effectively.
Whether you need a simple drain cleaning or a full pipe replacement, our team is here to help. CALL NOW! (630) 596-7712
A Detailed Guide on How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Written by Tony's Drain & Sewer Cleaning
In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to clear a clogged kitchen sink using some simple tools and materials you probably already have at home.
A clogged kitchen sink drain can be frustrating and unpleasant. Whether it is a slow drain or a fully clogged backup, it can cause problems that require professional attention.
Option 1 – DIY Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners can be expensive and harmful to the environment. An effective alternative is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Follow these steps:
Remove the kitchen sink stopper or drain cover.
Pour ½ cup of baking soda in the drain.
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar in the drain.
Wait for 10 minutes and chase it with boiling water.
Consider flushing the cleared drain with Pipe Shield or another pipe cleaner to prevent future clogs.
Often, the ensuing chemical reaction from this mixture is enough to dissolve the slow drain and repair your clogged drain.
Option 2 – Using a Sink Plunger
This method is best for standing water clogs. Always use a kitchen plunger to avoid spreading germs.
Follow the steps below:
If you have a double sink, plug up the sink drain on the opposite side of the sink with a wet rag to apply pressure directly to the clog.
Fill the clogged side of the sink with a small amount of water for the plunger.
Begin plunging away (remember, it's all about the up motion, not pushing down)
If plunging fails to fix the problem, consider the following options.
Option 3 – Wire Coat Hanger
Turn a wire coat hanger into an impromptu pipe cleaner:
Bend a small hook onto the end using pliers. Insert the coat hanger and wiggle it up and down to try to dislodge any food that may be caught in the pipe.
This may succeed where the plunger failed. (Caution: Do not stick equipment or appendages into a garbage disposal without first cutting the fuse.)
Option 4 – Drain Snake
If the clog is farther down the drain, none of the above methods may work.
Follow these steps:
Run a drain snake down the kitchen drain. These can be purchased at your local hardware store. If that still doesn't work, you may have to take the trap beneath the sink apart and snake the drain more directly. This requires a bit of hands-on effort, so you may want to wear rubber gloves. Be sure to place a bucket beneath the trap to catch any dirty water. Finally, you can begin snaking the drain.
Option 5 – Shop-Vac
Wet and dry vacuums are powerful appliances with a lot of suction. Set a wet vacuum to "liquids" and cover the vent. Remember to create a very tight seal around the drain and cover the overflow tube with a finger or rag.
The power of a wet vacuum can often be enough to draw the clogged material up and unclog the drain. Check the bag for hair and grease to identify the source of the clog. A wet vacuum can also work well when trying to recover jewelry from a drain.
When all the above methods fail, it is time to call a licensed plumber. Contact your local Tony's Drain and Sewer Cleaning, and they will unclog your drain in no time.
At Tony's Drain and Sewer Cleaning, we understand that clogged sinks are a frustrating problem that can disrupt your daily routine. That's why we offer expert plumbing services to help you tackle these issues quickly and effectively.
Whether you need a simple drain cleaning or a full pipe replacement, our team is here to help. CALL NOW! (630) 596-7712
A Detailed Guide on How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Written by Tony's Drain & Sewer Cleaning