Knowing how to unclog a kitchen sink can save you and your family both time and money. There are times when a one-time clog can be solved with one or two simple steps. If your sink has been clogging on a gradual basis, there are steps you can try as well.
Generally, the most effective way to unclog a kitchen sink is by using either a plunger or a plumber’s snake. Use of a plunger is more thorough when there is enough water to “cover” the bell of the plunger. If successful, the plunger would be the only tool needed to solve the problem.
While a plumber’s snake has a better success rate to unclog a kitchen sink, it requires more work before using it. You need to disassemble the drainpipe and the P-trap which runs underneath your sink in order to expose the stub. It is from that point underneath that the snake is inserted and the attempt to break up the clog takes place.
The P-trap is at the curve of the drainpipe underneath the sink. If using a snake, best practice is to have a pan or bucket directly underneath the drainpipe to prevent a leak and/ordebr is from spreading.
There are times when you can unclog a kitchen sink by simply checking the garbage disposal. It could bet hat a reset or excess in the part which feeds the lower drain could be causing the problem.
Another simple strategy is to try pots of boiling water. While boiling, do your best to clear out liquid from the sink. The idea is to have only the hot water go down the drain to try and unclog a kitchen sink. When ready, pour the pot of boiling water down the drain and wait.
If you notice that the drain is unclogging, you can boil another pot of water and repeat the process until clear. However, if boiled water does not help at all, chances are the clog needs a stronger approach to be cleaned out.
There is one other possible solution for how to unclog a kitchen sink. You need to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed right away by a cup of vinegar. Either white or apple cider is acceptable. Once both are poured, put the stopper on the drain and wait 15 minutes. At that time, pour or run hot water (does not need to be boiling) down the drain. If there is some progress but still a clog, it is OK to repeat the full process.
Keep in mind that if you have a double sink and only one side is clogged, be sure to seal off the “good”side.
If you are unable to solve the problem using these simple methods, you can call Roto Rooter Plumbing and Drain Service at (208) 232-2458.
