Clogged kitchen sinks are a common occurrence in most households. While a clogged sink may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can actually lead to major problems if left unchecked.
What Are The Causes Of Kitchen Sink Clogs?
There are several different things that can cause a kitchen sink to become clogged, and understanding these causes can help you prevent the issue from happening in the first place.
Grease: When hot grease cool off, it can harden and stick to the sides of your pipes. Over time, this build-up can restrict water flow and cause a clog.
Food: Another common culprit when it comes to kitchen sink clogs is food. Even if you have a garbage disposal, small pieces of food can still escape and end up causing a blockage.
Hair: Hair is another common cause of kitchen sink clogs, especially in homes with small children or pets. Even a small amount of hair can quickly build up and cause a blockage.
Soap Scum: This build-up occurs when soap mixes with hard water, creating a sticky residue that can adhere to your pipes and restrict water flow.
To avoid a clogged kitchen sink, it is important to be aware of the things that can cause one.
8 Ways to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
There are a few different ways that you can unclog a kitchen sink, and the best method will depend on the cause of the clog.
- Boiling Water
One of the simplest ways to unclog a kitchen sink is to pour boiling water down the drain. This method works best for small clogs that are caused by grease or hair.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda
If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, you can try a vinegar and baking soda solution. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda, and pour the mixture down the drain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before flushing with hot water.
- Plunger
For clogs that are caused by food or soap scum, a plunger may be all you need. Be sure to cover the overflow drain before plunging, and use firm, consistent strokes to break up the clog.
- Wire Hanger
If you don’t have a plunger on hand, a wire hanger can be used in a pinch. Simply straighten out the hanger and use the hook end to fish out the clog.
- Plumber’s Snake
For more stubborn clogs, a plumber’s snake may be necessary. This tool is a long, flexible piece of metal that can be inserted into the drain to break up the clog.
- Baking Soda and Salt
If you have a clog that just won’t seem to budge, you can try a baking soda and salt solution. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of salt, and pour the mixture down the drain. Allow it to sit for an hour before flushing with hot water.
- Clean the Kitchen Drain Tap
In some cases, the problem isn’t with the sink itself but with the kitchen drain trap. U-shaped pipe underneath the sink that clasps debris and stops it from clogging the main drain. If this pipe becomes clogged, it can cause water to backup into the sink. To clean it, simply remove the stopper and use a plunger to break up the clog.
- Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still can’t seem to get your sink unclogged, it may be time to call a plumber or schedule an emergency drain cleaning. They will have the tools and experience necessary to clear the clog quickly and efficiently.
Preventing Kitchen Sink Clogs
The best way to deal with a clogged sink is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you keep your kitchen sink flowing freely:
- Never pour grease down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
- Run hot water down the drain after each use to help prevent soap scum build-up.
- Install garbage disposal to make it easier to dispose of food waste.
- Be sure to clean the kitchen drain trap regularly to prevent clogs.
- Never pour coffee grounds or eggshells down the drain.
- Avoid flushing hair or other small debris down the drain.
- If you have small children or pets, use a drain cover to prevent hair or food from going down the drain.
- Regularly inspect plumbing under the sink for leaks or damage.
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case of a plumbing emergency.
By following these tips, you can help prevent clogged kitchen sinks and keep your plumbing flowing freely.
Curoso Plumbing Inc. is a trusted plumbing company serving Santa Rosa, CA, and surrounding areas. We provide 24/7 emergency service and are always here to help with your plumbing needs. Contact us today at 707-545-5017 for all your plumbing needs!
