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Kitchen Sink Clogged: Clearing Methods and Maintenance Tips

A clogged kitchen sink drain is an annoying household problem. A clogged kitchen sink can lead to problems like damage to your fixtures, backups into your dishwasher, damage to your garbage disposal, pipe damage, and water damage. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix a clogged kitchen sink.

Preventing a Kitchen Sink Clog

While it’s often easy to remove a kitchen sink clog, it’s even better to prevent these clogs in the first place. Here are some steps you can take to avoid a clogged kitchen sink.

  • Never put inorganic matter down the drain.
  • Don’t overload your disposal; it can only handle about a cup of food scraps at a time.
  • Do not pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain.
  • Periodically drop ice cubes into the garbage disposal to help scrape away buildup inside the disposal and pipes.
  • Flush your drain regularly with hot tap water.

The Kitchen Sink Clogged: Methods For Removal

If you do have a clogged kitchen sink, don’t worry! You may be able to dislodge it on your own. Try these methods in order, as they go from simplest to more difficult.

Plunger

Always try plunging a clogged kitchen sink first; it’s a simple method that usually works very well. Place a small cup plunger over the drain opening and make sure that it seals. Make sure that there’s enough water in the sink to cover the cup, and move the handle up and down. The suction often dislodges the clog.

Inspect The Garbage Disposal

Turn on the garbage disposal. If it’s clogged, this may break it up. If it won’t run, activate the reset switch on the bottom or side of the unit, then turn it on again to see if the clog clears.

Boiling Water

Let the clogged kitchen sink drain completely. Then, slowly pour a pot or kettle of boiling water down the drain. The heat can help dissolve the clog and let it drain away.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Let your sink drain completely and pour a mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda (at least ½ cup of each) into the drain. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, then flush with water to see if the clog is gone.

Use A Wet/Dry Vacuum

Place a wet/dry vacuum hose into the drain of your clogged kitchen sink. Create a tight seal around the drain, and if the clog is in a double sink, also seal the other drain. Turn the vacuum to the highest setting, and pulse the power to get the clog moving.

Use an Auger

An auger (or plumbing snake) can dislodge clogs. Start by trying to auger the upper pipe by going directly down the drain. If that doesn’t work, remove the trap and auger directly into the wall pipe. If the clog is in the trap, you will see it, and can remove it with a brush or straightened wire hanger.

My Sink Is Still Clogged

If you’ve tried everything but your kitchen sink is clogged, you likely need professional help. If that’s the case, you need the friendly pros at Intown Plumbing! Give us a call at 469-207-1400 or email us at [email protected] for all of your plumbing needs.

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