Kitchen Sink Unclogging: Basic Steps to Clear Your Drain

A clogged kitchen sink is widespread among household plumbing problems.  Kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, and dishwashers are often used with little attention to what is put into them.  Clearing a choke, or a blockage in this case, in the kitchen sink is relatively easy if one has the correct procedure to follow.  This will help you fix the problem quickly using essential items you already have at home.  

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Identify the Clog Source

The obvious solid wastes are the kitchen sink clogged owing to leftover food, grease deposits, and even small objects that fell in and went down the sink.  They can, however, be more challenging to eliminate as some food particles are often clumped with soft soap.  Knowing the type of blockage is essential as it will determine the type of equipment or method you elect to use.  If it’s a green jelly-type blockage that has built-in the drain, then basic cleaning supplies like hot water or sodium carbonate might suffice. 

Use Hot Water 

Hot water helps to clear the kitchen sinks’ minor clogs quickly.  Boil a whole water kettle and carefully pour it into the drain.  This can help melt fats and separate some food particles.  If it suffices to take a few steps backward, this is the extent of the water expelled down the sink.  Repeat a few times if necessary. Click here to book your service by professionals like Plumbersingapore. 

Use a Plunger

It must be placed directly over the kitchen sink’s drain and then firmly pumped down to ensure a valid seal.  Then, push and pull the plunger in and out for about thirty seconds.  This helps in making air and water through the tube.  In its turn, it may help remove some of the obstruction.  In the end, after plunging, hot water is turned on to determine whether some blockage remains. 

Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

In the case of unclogging the kitchen sink, there is a remedy that does not use chemicals.  First, you must regress half a cup of baking soda inside the drain and half a cup of white vinegar in the second turn.  Wait for the next 15 minutes before flushing.  The last is ideal for grease or soap clogs in the water.

Remove the Drain Trap

If all the other methods fail, try removing the drain trap.  The trap is the hooked portion of the plumbing beneath the basin.  This section is prone to the accumulation of grease that causes clogging.  Before proceeding with removing the trap, ensure a bucket is placed beneath to collect water.  First, untighten the nuts, secure them, and gently remove that trap.  Remove any waste with a dry cloth and wash the trap under water. 

Use a Drain Snake

If the clog is particularly well set, it might be time to use a drain snake or plumber’s auger.  This device is a slender and agile wire, and you can use it to break the blockage inside the drains.  Start maintaining an axial push on the snake as you insert it into the drain and twirl it, trying to scrape the blockage or destroy its inner matrix.  As soon as you sense interference, proceed to withdraw the snake carefully whilst letting go of any congested substances. 

Use Chemical Drain Cleaners 

When no manual techniques sort the problem, you may opt for a chemical drain cleaner as a last resort.  These products are made to remove blockages from the pipes caused by organic substances like grease, hair, food, etc.  Instructions provided with the drain cleaner should be strictly followed since the substances may be dangerous if used carelessly.  Use gloves and avoid inhaling the vapors.  After using the cleaner, water should be poured into the drain to wash out the chemicals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, unclogging a kitchen sink can be a simple task if approached systematically. Start by removing debris from the drain and using a plunger to create suction. If that doesn’t work, try pouring boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar to dissolve the clog. For tougher blockages, use a plumber’s snake. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent future clogs, ensuring smooth water flow.