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Fixing a clogged sink


Kitchen sink not draining? Here are 6 ways to unclog it

There I was, minding my own business, washing the dishes after dinner like I always do. Just moments into scrubbing and rinsing the frying pan, I noticed that the water wasn't draining from the sink. I checked to see if anything was blocking the drain opening - nothing. I switched on the garbage disposal, but that was only a temporary fix. As I continued washing dishes, the drainage was only getting slower. With a clogged sink on my hands, my after-dinner cleanup was about to get more intense.

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:

1. 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:

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.

2. Check the garbage disposal

If your sink has a garbage disposal, it could be the culprit of your drainage issues. If the clog is in the disposal, turning it on will usually break up the blockage. Overheated or dysfunctional disposals may not even turn on, but you can activate the reset switch at the side or bottom of the unit for an easy reboot. After resetting the disposal, try turning it on again to clear the clog.

If you turn on the disposal and hear a low humming sound, the unit could be jammed or broken. Before doing anything to fix your disposal, remember to disconnect the power to the unit and never - and we mean never - stick your hand in the disposal. From there, you can try to break up the clog in the disposal by turning the blades manually. You can do that by inserting an Allen wrench into the hole on the bottom of the disposal, and twisting until you feel less resistance, meaning the blockage is beginning to break up. If that doesn't work, follow these tips to unclog your garbage disposal. Once unclogged, turn the power back on and test the disposal. If all looks and sounds good, turn the faucet to see if the sink drainage is back to normal.

Keep in mind that your garbage disposal inspection may not reveal any clogs or issues, in which case you can skip straight to a different unclogging method.

3. 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:

If the sink still isn't draining properly after multiple plunging attempts, you know the drill. Time to try a different method.

4. 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:

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.

5. Try the plumber's snake

The clogs that put up a fight will require the strength of a plumber's snake to battle the blockage. The tool has a coiled spiral snake that reaches down into the drain. Once the snake hits an obstruction, you can crank the handle to dislodge the debris and pull it out of the drain. Electric snakes pack even more power to tackle clogged drains.

If you don't have a plumber's snake, you can create a makeshift one with a wire coat hanger. Simply use a pair of needle-nose pliers to unwind the hanger into a long piece of wire. Keep the hooked end, as this is what you'll use to grab onto the debris. If necessary, you can use the pliers to adjust the angle of the hook so that it can easily fit through the drain opening.

No matter which tool you're using, simply feed it down the drain a few feet at a time. Try not to push too roughly, as you might accidentally push the clog further down the pipe. When you feel the tip of your tool hit an obstruction, hook it on and pull the debris up through the drain. Keep doing this until you feel confident that the blockage is gone. Run hot water down the drain to see if you're right.

6. Clean the P-trap

If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, aka the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.

The fix is disassembling the pipe to clean out the gunk that's causing the blockage. Warning: This task can get a little messy, so you might want to prepare yourself with gloves, goggles and towels. When you're ready, follow these steps to clean the P-trap:

If the drainage situation is still not up to par, the clog may be farther up the pipe. Back under the sink you go to find the source of the blockage. Here's what to do when you get there:

Before you celebrate your handiwork, check under the sink while the water's running to make sure there isn't any leaking from the pipes. If you do notice leaks, make sure all the connectors are tightened. Once you're free from the drips, dry any water spillage from under the sink or on the floor and you're good to go.

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:

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.

The Home Depot also advised homeowners not to overload the garbage disposal. Try not to grind more than one cup of food waste at a time, and, of course, avoid sending any of the above items to the disposal. Another pro maintenance tip: Create an equal solution of vinegar and water, and freeze the mixture in an ice cube tray. About once a month, grind a few of the cubes down your disposal to scrape away food-waste buildup and keep the unit fresh. Here are more garbage disposal do's and don'ts to keep your drains clean and clear.

Another good habit for your pipes sake is running hot water down the drain after each sink use to keep everything clear. You might also want to use a drain cover to catch debris before they cause damage in the pipes.

While clogged drains are an easy DIY fix, being prepared for serious plumbing troubles before they arise is always a good strategy. See how plans from HomeServe can help with the costs of covered repairs.

6 Steps Any Homeowner Can Take to Fix a Clogged Drain

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Nothing puts a damper on a great dinner like a clogged drain and backed-up kitchen sink afterward. And nothing ruins a morning shower like standing ankle-deep in soapy water. But with a few simple tools and expert tips from the Seider Heating, Plumbing & Electrical team, you can wash clogs (and worries) down the drain.

A Few Good Tools

Invest in these inexpensive, must-haves for homeowners to unclog toilets and drains:

6 Steps for Opening a Clogged Drain

Some drain issues require plumbing expertise, but others can be cleared up with these steps:

  1. Clear out standing water. Remove standing water ASAP, since it breeds mold, bacteria, and insects in no time. Removing it also makes room for the added water you’ll need to flush the drain later.
  2. Remove visible blockages and check garbage disposal. From unwanted hair to scraps of leftover food, it’s important to don your rubber gloves and get waste out of the way. (A low hum from your garbage disposal likely means it’s clogged. Shut it off, unplug the unit, and free the clog by manually turning the blades.)
  3. Try boiling water and salt, or vinegar and baking soda. Pour one-half cup table salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. Or try a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar—let it bubble, wait 15 minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. You can also try a cup of baking soda and a half-cup of salt; let it sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water. Repeat these steps if necessary, before calling in a plumber.
  4. Plunge it out. If the boiling water and above mixtures don’t work, try plunging. First, stuff a rag in the tub or basin overflow hole, or close the other side of a double sink with a cloth or stopper. This creates a tighter seal that delivers pressure directly to the clog. After plunging vigorously several times, flush drain with warm water.
  5. Clean the P-trap and snake it. The P-trap is at the curve of the drainpipe under the sink. Place a bucket or pail underneath to catch any water or debris. Loosen the slip nut on the trap arm and assembly, and gently wiggle it free. Remove any obstruction caught here and reinstall, but do not over-tighten the slip nuts—hand tighten plus a quarter turn with a wrench is secure enough.
  6. Snake the drain. If the clog is not visible after removing the P-trap, start snaking. Remove the P-trap to expose the pipe’s “stubout” and thread the snake’s tip into it. Tighten the setscrew and spin snake in a clockwise direction down the drain. Continue turning snake until you encounter resistance and feel the blockage release. Retract the snake, reassemble the P-trap, and rinse with plenty of warm water to flush the newly opened line.

Still Backed Up?

If these steps don’t work, you may need to schedule an appointment with a Seider plumbing professional. As Southeastern Wisconsin’s oldest and largest Carrier® dealer, we’ve also been providing comprehensive heating and air conditioning services to Greater Milwaukee area homes and businesses since 1912.

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What to do if the sink in the kitchen is clogged: how to clean the blockage with your own hands

All ways to remove the plug:

Ways to remove simple and complex blockages

Prevention

What to do with a blockage in the kitchen sink? We have collected all the existing ways to solve this problem. It happens that it is difficult to fix the problem with these methods. This suggests that the pipes are clogged with debris and grease due to mechanical damage or improper installation of plumbing. In such a situation, you will need the help of a specialist.

But in most cases, everything can be fixed on your own. When there is no strong congestion, and the water only lingers a little in the sink, improvised means or even simple boiling water from the tap are enough. This is the first thing you can do - turn on the hot tap for 10-20 minutes. The thin fatty layer on the walls should dissolve. If this does not work or is not possible, proceed to the next options.

For a plastic drain, the water temperature must not exceed 60°. In metal, you can pour boiling water from the kettle.

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In general, all methods can be divided into chemical and mechanical. First, we will talk about the first and start with folk advice. What if you need to act now, but there is no opportunity to buy a special tool? Use what is in almost every home.

Soda, salt, vinegar

They help to break through a very small cork and remove an unpleasant odor. There are three recipes.

Citric acid can be used instead of baking soda.

Remember that the plastic siphon should not be exposed to high temperatures.
What to do if the problem cannot be solved? We tell you how to clean the blockage in the sink in the kitchen in this case.

Household chemicals

There are a lot of products sold in stores to remove traffic jams. They are dry, gel and liquid. Select the appropriate solvent based on the characteristics of the material to be cleaned and the degree of contamination. Some of them cannot be poured into plastic. This information is indicated on the packaging.

The most popular brands are Krot (may require several treatments and two bottles), Bagi Potkhan, Sanoks Pure Stock. They are sold in different forms, but more often in liquid form. Other names: Tiret Turbo, Sanfor, Selena, Chirton. Good reviews about Deboucher. The liquid does not damage fragile materials, breaks down fat and softens solid waste, works within a few hours and is economically consumed.

With pothan granules, manufacturers advise to be especially careful and stay away when using them. They have a very pungent smell.

The algorithm is simple: the required amount of product is poured or poured into the drain for an hour or overnight. During this time, you can not use the sink. After that, they wash off what is left.

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When working with household chemicals, follow the rules

The following method is used alone or in addition to the two listed. But it's better to work together.

Plunger

Another item that is sure to be in every home. You should not rely on it if a tight plug has formed in the drain, but small contaminants can be cleaned without problems.

So, what to do with the plunger if the sink in the kitchen is clogged

A regular beaker can be used as a tool. True, this will only work for very minor contaminants.

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Overflow opening to be closed

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Vacuum cleaner

This method can be called experimental. There is no certainty that it will work. To make it work, you need a powerful vacuum cleaner with a blowing function. The pipe must be wrapped with a rag, placed in the drain hole and the device turned on. According to the plan, the cork should collapse from the created pressure.

Plumbing tools

A kitchen sink can become so clogged that none of the previous methods will work. In this case, you can not do without a more complex procedure.

How to use the cable

Open a window or window - the smell during work can be very unpleasant. After that, treat with household chemicals to wash off the fat.

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Structural Disassembly

Sometimes this is the best way to fix a problem. Debris can accumulate in the siphon, and it is cleaned only by separating it from the rest of the plumbing or after partial dismantling. The corrugated pipe also collects grease on its surface, making it difficult for the sewer to work properly.

It doesn't take any special skill to sort it all out. You will need a wrench, a bucket or basin, a rag, a screwdriver, a cork pusher, and a stain remover.

How to disassemble the structure

Sometimes the siphon cannot be partially removed. In this case, it is removed completely by unscrewing the upper and lower fasteners.

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The sink can get clogged every month if some preventive measures are not taken. The simplest of them is to skip boiling water from a kettle or hot water from a tap every week for 15-20 minutes. So you dissolve the fat adhering to the walls of the pipe. If the problem occurs on a regular basis, you can pour household chemicals or soda with vinegar along with boiling water.

A strainer that prevents food waste from seeping down the drain is a must-have kitchen attribute. The siphon also needs a mesh to filter drains. Do not shake crumbs, tea leaves into the sink, do not pour greasy food. Sometimes you can find advice about installing a grinder for leftover food. In fact, it does not eliminate the possibility of blockage, since small particles still stick to the surface.

Finally, a visual video instruction that tells what to do if the sink in the kitchen is clogged, how to clean the drain. This is the most efficient way out of all. Especially if the water is no longer leaving the sink.

Prepared by

Nelli Kirgintseva

How to clean a blockage in the sink - folk and professional remedies

A blockage in the sink is a common occurrence, even if the hostess maintains perfect cleanliness in the house / apartment and thoroughly flushes the sink from grease and dirt, and prevents food debris from entering the drain system. How to clear blockage without effort? It's simple - call a plumber and believe that he will come on time and do his job efficiently. But instead, you can do it on your own, especially since there are a lot of options. 

  Contents:  1. How to clear a blockage in the sink with a plunger 2. How to clear a blockage in the sink without a plunger 3. Special tools for cleaning blockages in the sink 4. Mechanical cleaning of blockage in the sink

How to unblock a sink with a plunger

A very popular, well-known plunger for a long time is a real lifesaver in moments of sink clogging. The principle of its operation is simple - under pressure, a water hammer is created in the drain pipes, which contributes to the passage of accumulated dirt.

The plunger must be attached with the rubber side to the hole in the sink so that it is completely closed. Then 3-4 sharp shocks are made, during which you can hear the characteristic gurgling sounds in the pipes. Then the plunger is removed and, as a rule, the water from the sink begins to actively drain. If the drainage of water goes badly, then you need to repeat the procedure with a plunger. If dirt / debris / food particles rise up, they must be removed immediately - if they enter the drain again, they will again create a blockage.

A plunger is the answer to the question of how to clean the sink in the bathroom, because this method is suitable for any drain systems, including toilets.

How to unblock a sink without a plunger

If there is no plunger in the household, then you can use folk remedies, the basis for the preparation of which is ordinary baking soda. It is this product that has the ability to dissolve fats, which causes the cleaning of the drain system in the sink. So, the blockage in the sink can be removed in the following ways:


These cleaners are great for even tough clogs, and baking soda works on both kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks. If the blockage happened in the kitchen, then most likely the cause of this will be fat accumulations - they are easiest to dissolve with vinegar, so in this case it is better to use the second recipe from the above for the cleaning procedure.

Sink blockage cleaner

There are a lot of such products on the market - they are aggressive, guarantee almost instant results. The task is to choose a cleaning agent that would not only quickly and efficiently remove blockages in the sink, but also be safe. We suggest using the products of the manufacturer "Nevskaya Cosmetics" - a means for cleaning pipes from blockages "Mr. Chister". It has excellent quality characteristics:

In addition, the Mr. Chister pipe cleaner is equipped with a special cap that prevents children from trying to taste the contents of the bright bottle. Before opening the bottle, you will need to press the cap and, holding it in this position, turn it - this is the only way the remedy will open.

See how quickly "Mr. Cleaner" dissolved the hair, and did not damage the spoon and plastic cup at all:

Removing a blockage in the sink is not difficult, but it is much more expedient to simply not let it happen. According to statistics, blockage occurs due to fat accumulations in the pipe, and they are taken just from the inner surface of the sink. This suggests that when cleaning the kitchen space, attention should be paid not only to tiled surfaces, but also to the sink - with special tools of the Mister Chister line from the manufacturer Nevskaya Cosmetics, even frozen fat can be removed and blockage can be prevented.

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