How to Clear a Clogged Kitchen Sink

 

A clogged kitchen sink is frustrating, but there are ways to fix the problem without involving a plumber. You'll need a plunger, some boiling water and a little time and effort to clear the sink and get things running again.

1. Boiling Water

If hair, soap residue or other debris is the source of the clog, this is the simplest and most accessible way to remove it. Just pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and allow it to sit for a while. This will flush out any clogs in the pipes and remove any leftover food residue.

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2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another effective method is to combine a cup of baking soda with a cup of white distilled vinegar. This will create a fizzy reaction that loosens the clog and makes it easier to clear.

3. Plunger

If your clog is located beneath your garbage disposal, you can unclog it by using a plunger. To get this method started, plug your sink and put a bucket underneath the sink to catch any runoff as you plunge the drain. If you have a double sink, be sure to plug the other side of the drain first.

4. Wire Coat Hanger

If you're handy with plumbing tools, you can clean out the trap in your sink's drain by inserting a wire coat hanger through its opening. This helps dislodge any accumulated foods or sewer gases that may have made their way into the drain.

5. PVC Drain Snake

If the clog is deeper in the drain pipe, you'll need to use a plumbing snake to get it freed up. There are plenty of drain snakes on the market, or you can make a home version out of a coat hanger using needle-nose pliers.

6. Garbage disposal

The garbage disposal in your sink can also clog, especially if it's overheated and switched off automatically. If you've turned the disposal off and it won't stop running, you can try manually restarting it by pressing the base "on/off" switch.

7. PVC Drain Snake

The best snaking tool for deep kitchen sink clogs is a plumber's snake, which can be purchased in kit form or rented from a hardware store. You can also try a homemade wire snake by attaching a straightened coat hanger to the end of a pair of needle-nose pliers.

8. Natural Drain Cleaner

If you prefer to avoid toxic chemicals, a natural drain cleaner made from a combination of baking soda and white vinegar is a safe and effective way to clear a clogged kitchen sink. This is an especially effective treatment for light blockages, but it's not recommended for large clogs.

9. Chemical-Based Cleaners

Many household products, such as Liquid-Plumr and Drano, can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. They can eat through pipe seals, make your plumbing difficult to work with and could even lead to a dangerous backup of caustic sludge in your pipes.