Are you frustrated with standing over a kitchen sink that refuses to drain? If so, you’re in the right place! Dealing with a clogged sink can disrupt your day and quickly escalate into much more serious plumbing problems.
In this guide, we’ll cover common causes of kitchen sink clogs, effective solutions, and tips to prevent future blockages. Let’s dive in!
Common Causes of a Clogged Kitchen Sink
Clogs rarely happen without a common culprit. The most common causes of clogs include:
Grease and Oil: When poured down the drain, fats and oils solidify and create blockages.
Food Scraps: Even with a garbage disposal, items like rice, pasta, and fibrous vegetables can clog your pipes.
Coffee Grounds: These tiny granules can lump together and cause buildup.
Soap and Detergent Build-Up: Over time, soap residue can mix with grease to form clogs in the pipes.
Understanding what causes a clog can help prevent future blockages. Nevertheless, if you’re already dealing with a stubborn sink clog, continue reading for practical DIY solutions.
Simple DIY Fixes for a Clogged Kitchen Sink
1. Plunge the Sink
Sometimes, that trusty toilet plunger can be your first line of defense. Here’s how to do it right:
- Remove standing water from the sink.
- Place the plunger firmly over the drain and ensure a good seal.
- Plunge up and down rapidly to dislodge the clog.
Tip: If you have a dishwasher, make sure to clamp or cap the dishwasher line to prevent backflow.
2. Try Boiling Water
If that doesn’t work, the next line of defense is to try to heat up the clog and get it flowing. For minor clogs caused by grease or soap buildup, boiling water can work wonders:
- Bring a half-gallon of water to a rolling boil.
- Remove any standing water from the sink.
- Pour the boiling water directly into the drain in a steady flow.
Note: Avoid this method with PVC pipes, as extreme heat can cause damage. You’ll also want to avoid using any corrosive chemicals such as Draino or anything similar as they can damage pipes. I could write a whole blog on this one alone.
3. Check Your Garbage Disposal
Continuing down the list, another important step is to check for a malfunctioning garbage disposal, which might be the source of the problem:
- Run the disposal to see if it clears the clog. If it doesn’t run, press the reset button found on the bottom of the unit.
4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural solution is very eco-friendly. We recommend taking these steps:
- Pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of white vinegar down the drain.
- Cover the drain and wait 15 minutes.
- Flush with hot water to clear the clog.
5. Wet-Dry Vacuum
Another route to go would be using a wet-dry vacuum. This handy tool can create powerful suction to remove clogs. Here’s how to do it:
- Set the vacuum for wet use and attach the hose to the drain.
- Create a seal around the hose and turn the vacuum on high.
6. Use an Auger or Plumbing Snake
For challenging clogs deeper in the pipe:
- Insert the auger into the drain and turn the crank until you feel resistance.
- Once you break through the clog, retract the auger and flush the pipe with hot water.
If the clog persists after addressing the drain, inspect the pipes beneath the sink:
- Disconnect the P-trap and remove any blockages.
- Check the pipe leading to the wall and use the auger if necessary.
Preventing Future Clogs
Now that you’ve (hopefully) got your sink unclogged, the next step is prevention! Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Next, we suggest following these tips to keep your sink clog-free:
- Limit Food Waste: Only grind small amounts of food (no more than one cup at a time) in the garbage disposal.
- Avoid Fats, Oils, and Grease: Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in disposable containers.
- Use Vinegar and Ice Cubes: Freeze a mixture of water and vinegar into ice cubes and occasionally run a few through the disposal. This helps scrape away buildup and keeps things fresh.
- Run Hot Water: After using your sink, run hot water to help flush away any lingering residue.
When to Call the Professionals
In any case, oftentimes there are sink clogs that we can’t handle on our own and require more than DIY methods to resolve. Are you experiencing any of the following:
- Water is backing up into multiple drains in your home.
- You’ve tried DIY methods with no success.
- There’s a foul odor that won’t go away, indicating a deeper blockage.
…If so, these are signs it is time to bring in the experts. Remember, we’re always a fast and easy phone call away.
Need Help with a Stubborn Clog?
Don’t wait for a minor clog to turn into a serious plumbing issue. Call Five Star Home Services today to schedule a visit or request a quote. We’ll have your kitchen sink flowing smoothly in no time.
Contact us right away for professional plumbing services! We’re here to make your home life easier.
Call us today at (833) 405-8009.
