Struggling With a Clogged Kitchen Sink? Here Are 7 Fast and Easy Ways to Fix It
A clogged kitchen sink is one of the most common plumbing problems that occur in American households. If you are facing a similar issue, you need not worry because kitchen sinks are one of the easiest home repairs and can be fixed without professional help. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of tried and tested DIY methods you must try before scheduling a visit to a plumber in Norwalk.
Use Boiling Water and Dish Wash
This is the simplest and least expensive way to fix a clogged kitchen sink. Boil 2 liters of water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Pour the mixture down the drain and wait for the grease that’s stuck on the interiors of the drain pipe to melt and get removed from the kitchen drain pipe. You may have to repeat the process a few times, but it will surely work if grease is the main cause of your kitchen sink’s blockage.
Note: Hot water can cause damage to plastic pipes. So avoid using this method if your kitchen has plastic drain pipes.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is one of the most effective ways of fixing a clogged kitchen sink problem. Prepare a mix of â…“ cup of vinegar and baking soda each and pour it down the kitchen sink. You will notice a fizzing action that occurs when the mixture reacts with the grease and grime stuck inside the pipe. Wait for an hour before you pour hot water down the drain to flush the residuals completely and fix the issue.
Use Baking Soda and Salt
If you are experiencing a foul drain odor issue in addition to the kitchen sink blockage, use a mixture of baking soda and salt. Combine ½ cup of baking soda and salt, and pour the mixture down the sink, just like the previous method. Let the mixture sit for a few hours, and then pour hot water down the kitchen drain pipe to clean up the most stubborn blockage.
Use a Plunger
Always keep a plunger handy to fix blockage-related issues. Remember, there are two types of plungers – a flange plunger used in toilets and a cup plunger used for sinks, showers, and tubs. Before you drill the plunger into the drain line, remove the sink stopper and fill your sink with water. Make sure there’s enough water so that it covers the plunger’s suction cup. Plunge it up and down a few times, and the blockage will get removed because of the abrupt pressure changes caused by the plunger movement.
Use Your Coat's Hanger
Sounds strange. Right? A coat hanger can be very useful in clearing a kitchen sink blockage. It’s more like a drain snake that professionals use to clear blockages. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire, leaving the hook as it is. Tape the end of the hook with duct tape to avoid scratching the drain pipe. Insert the hanger into the pipe and try to extract the things, such as hair and food particles, that might be blocking your drain pipe.
Remove the P-Trap and Clean It
A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that connects your kitchen sink to your home’s waste tank. You can locate it in the cabinet right below the kitchen sink. Before you remove the P-trap, place a bucket underneath the kitchen sink to prevent any water or debris from falling out on the floor. Then open the P-trap and clean it properly to remove whatever’s dislodged in it. Once done, place the P-trap back in its position and pour hot water into the kitchen sink to ensure the blockage is clear.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common chemical cleaners used by professionals for drain cleaning in La Mirada. You can add baking soda to it to increase its effectiveness. Just mix a spoon of baking soda in a cup of hydrogen peroxide and pour it down your kitchen sink to see the magic. If you see any fizzing, it means the mixture is working. Give it some time, and your drain will be clear.
These were some of the ways to fix a clogged kitchen sink. If you have tried all of them and nothing worked for you, contact us at Power Pro Plumbing. We have a team of highly experienced and licensed plumbing contractors to help you with all types of plumbing and sewer line repair issues in Norwalk, Cerritos, La Mirada, and nearby areas. Call us at (833) 212-2124 or send us an email to schedule your drain cleaning appointment with us.
