If none of your efforts have solved the problem, it is best to contact a professional plumber. Be sure to pinch any connections to dishwasher first, however. If it is food, try breaking up the debris by manually turning the disposer blades. There is the possibility of making a drain snake with a wire hanger, but it is recommended to use tools suited for kitchen sink clogs. Note: If your sink has a garbage disposer, I would seriously recommend that you do NOT use a chemical cleaner, as they can ruin the blades and spray back into your sink. If the blockage is not in the P-trap, then you will need to try unblocking the drain with a plumbing snake. All you need is one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar. Some snakes are manually cranked, while others are electrically powered for extra strength. Some people swear by this method. Tung Tran from Ho Chi Minh City on September 29, 2018: Very good advice after we figure out the tools. Once you have unclogged the sink, it is then time to work on minimizing the chances of the problem reoccurring - see the section at the end of the article for advice on prevention. When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipe until you reach the obstruction. Cover the sink opening to allow the mixture to react, clearing food, grease and scraps. Apart from calling a plumber, most of my suggestions are relatively inexpensive or cost nothing—they use tools and materials you should already have in your house. If the sink has a garbage disposal, pour in baking soda followed by a mixture of vinegar and boiling water. If you have a garbage disposer, try running it again afterward. Stick with shorter-length cables in the 15- to 25-foot range. Most clogs can be dealt with using common household items; however, if none of these work, you may have to call a plumber. Coffee grounds, which can form into hard, compressed lumps if not properly drained. The drain blaster can remove hair, cloth, vegetable, leaves, grease and the toughest clogs. Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on February 28, 2017: Very good advice after we figure out the tools. Standing water is unhygienic, makes things messy, and can make it more difficult to ascertain the nature of the blockage. Small Drum Auger: For most routine kitchen or bathroom sink drain clogs, the best choice is the drum style auger, in which the cable is contained inside a rotating canister. You should plunge about ten times and see if there is any improvement. Although most food types are in theory capable of causing clogs, there are some foods that are much worse offenders than others. It's very easy to clean. You may need pliers to remove some of the nuts and bolts. Do not push down too roughly, as this might push the blockage further down the pipe. If you have tried everything from plunging to baking soda and vinegar to a plumberâs snake, and nothing seems to work for how to unclog a kitchen sink, it may be time to call in a professional. Below, I will go into more detail about each method. Donations appreciated - click in upper right corner "info" circle.How to fix a plugged kitchen sink that won't drain. These dipsticks are often limited use as the barbs are easily ⦠Thankyou! Check the other sink to make sure the plug is still ⦠Finally, flush the drain with boiling water again. If the snake or plunger does not work, you can try a liquid based drain cleaner for tough kitchen clogs. While youâre waiting for the water to heat, remove as much standing water from the sink as you can, using a mug or small pot to bail out the water. Be careful not to overheat the disposer, as that can cause damage. It is an air-tight tube that increases pressure as you pull out the residue. A clogged double-basin kitchen sink is a messy inconvenience. Also, keep in mind that the process for how to unclog a kitchen sink and how to unclog a bathroom sink are similar, but slightly different. Besides food, there are plenty of other things that might inadvertently cause your kitchen sink to become clogged, such as napkins, paper towels, medications, food wrappers, bottle tops, hair, or jewelry. This is the least affordable option, but it can save time and trouble when nothing seems to work and you don't want to start messing around with the plumbing. Author: redwood (CT) Trytoanswer, I will say that some of the toughest drains I have ever snaked have been kitchen sink lines piped in plastic. If the disposer is still clogged, then you will need to use a plunger. Throw a handful of baking soda in your drain, leave it there for a couple of minutes and wash it down with boiling water. A baking soda mixture offers a way to unclog a sink naturally, as it proves gentler on your pipes compared to chemical drain openers. The P-trap is the elbow-shaped pipe under the sink. You can disassemble the trap and clean it. This is a cheap, easy method that almost anyone can do—all you need is a wire coat hanger and a pair of pliers. Such small plungers carry more pressure since the force used to push is distributed over a ⦠If itâs a double-bowl kitchen sink, stuff a wet rag into one drain opening while you plunge the other one. A clogged kitchen sink drain can bring a household to a virtual standstill. Pour the water directly down the drain. Chemical cleaners can be harmful if misused. In this case, try one of the other methods listed in this article. Hereâs a guide on how to unclog a kitchen sink when nothing works: 1. Make sure to buy a plunger that is suited for the kitchen sink. The experts at All Dry USA can quickly and successfully remove any clog, no matter how severe. Make sure to use a hose that suits the size of the sink drain. If you have a double-bowl kitchen sink, stuff a wet rag into the drain opening that isnât clogged (this will help with suction). You place the plunger over the sink drainage and keep the plunger in an upright position. If the sink still doesnât drain, thereâs a clog farther down and this kitchen drain cleaner wonât do the trick. The job can be messy and care must be used if chemicals are involved, as splashes can burn skin or worse. Turn on the hot water from your faucet to make sure you got everything. This tool consists of a coiled spiral snake, typically around 1/4-inch thick, with a handle at one end. Note: One of the most common causes of a clogged drain is when your garbage disposer is clogged. Without fail, y…, Sheet metal fabrication is a process undertaken by highly skilled metalworker teams who en…, When you have a move planned, be it individual or commercial, hiring a professional moving…, It is often said that divorce court is skewed in the favour of women, creating scores of f…, 8 Key Steps in the Business Decision Making Process, How to Unclog Your Toilet: 6 Beginner Methods, 9 Ways to Unclog a Kitchen Sink When Nothing Works, on 9 Ways to Unclog a Kitchen Sink When Nothing Works, 5 Tips for Finding Expert Moving Services, 8 Reasons Why Birkenstocks Are So Popular, 5 Business Benefits of Using Promotional Products. If the clog is in a kitchen sink, lift out the removable basket strainer. With a double sink unit, one of your sinks will house a garbage disposal. A Plunger (A bell-less, flat cup-style generally works best for most kitchen drains.). Rather, kitchen grease is that cooking oil that you use, which will transform from the regular liquid form to a hard solid when it cools in the drain lines. Grease - One of the major culprits behind clogged sinks is grease. They can do a moderately good job of breaking down superficial clogs of soaps and grease,but that's a small percentage. You can use a flashlight to look down the drain and try to determine the nature of the blockage: where it is and what is causing it. Youâve got this homeowner! You can also put it in the dishwasher. A clogged kitchen sink drain requires urgent action. While there are many ways to unclog a sink, the end goal in both cases is to help the kitchen drain to let water through freely by clearing out the clogged water and fixing the clog. As you can see, learning how to unclog a kitchen sink is straight forward. It has an attractive appearance and doesn't have a tendency to get stained like can happen with some strainers. It is easy to use and provides far more suction pressure. If the clog is deep in the drainage pipe, a suction pump can be a better solution. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. If it doesn't run, then you will have to plunge some more or move onto another method. If your kitchen drain is clogged and Drano is not working, it's time to come up with an alternative solution. If you are working on a bathtub, apply duct tape over the overflow opening at the front of the tub. You don’t have to worry too much as most clogged kitchen sinks can be resolved by using simple techniques and inexpensive tools. The plumber has the expertise and sophisticated equipment that will push through the toughest clogs. Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain opening. There are blocked drains that can be quickly fixed with a plunger or some Drano, and then there are drains that block up again and again, no matter what you do. Let the vinegar and baking soda sit for about 30 minutes. Here’s a guide on how to unclog a kitchen sink when nothing works: You should always keep a plunger ready for a clog problem, as it is a quick solution to fix a drainage clog in the kitchen sink. Use the pliers to create a small, one-inch-long hook at one end of the wire. If you have a wet vacuum at home, it can help to unclog the stubborn debris or particles stuck in your drainage pipes. You might have to use pliers to do this. Don't use chemical cleaners with a disposer as these can cause it damage. There could be residue built up in your drainpipes that have caused the clog. Start by using a sink plunger if your kitchen sink is clogged. Next, pour vinegar into the drain. If the clog is in a bathroom sink, remove the drain stopper. High fiber foods, such as certain greens, corn husks, and celery. Now fill the other sink about a quarter full of water as well. You can buy one online that can help blast air into the drain to unclog the blockage. How to Unclog SLOW DRAINING KITCHEN SINK NOT CLOGGED With CAUSTIC SODA. There are different plungers for the toilet and the kitchen. Pour 3/4 gallon of cold water into a bucket then add 3 cups of caustic soda and stir it well. The stopper should then be pushed in to contain the resulting reaction. They can easily get blocked up with bits of food. The cost of a plumber can range from $175 to $450 depending on how long the job takes to fix, so be sure to try the other options first if you're price sensitive. The whole process could take you anywhere from ten minutes to more than an hour to clear a clogged drain, depending on the nature of the blockage. Melmitch80, You need a plumber to snake the line. The oil or grease then become more solid and coat the insides of your drainpipe slowing drainage or creating a complete blockage. Partially fill the sink with water (if it isnât already filled), then work the plunger down and up several times before quickly pulling it off the drain opening. Run some water into the sink. This way you avoid damage to your sink drainage and drain trap. It will begin to fizz and heat up. Most clogs can be resolved by employing some relatively simple and straightforward techniques and tools. Prevention is almost always better than cure, of course, so it's important that you don't abuse your drain. If it drains okay, then you're all set. Pour one cup of baking soda down the kitchen sink as well as one cup of white vinegar. Use pliers to remove any loose food debris. Boiling water can help with small clogs and can be the fastest method to flush your drainage. How to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink Drain Using Baking Soda and Vinegar First, pour boiling water down the drain. First, pour boiling water down the drain. To determine the source of the clog, switch off the disposer first. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, using a spatula or spoon to push the powder down the drain if necessary. I would also not recommend using a liquid chemical cleaner if you have a complete clog rather than a slow draining blockage. You may notice that the water is backing up and your sink will not drain. Work the auger or rod in both directions of the drain line â back towards the house and out from the house. Environmentally friendly products protect your pipes and prevent chemicals draining into sewerage. Using boiling or hot water can help unblock sinks and get your system to function as required. The kitchen sink trap is a curved pipe that is beneath the sink. If you try this trick and fail to find the blockage, it could be that the clog is further down the drain than the wire is able to reach. Meat or grease (such as bacon fat) which can coagulate and then catch other foods. Banana peels and pits from fruits such as mangos, plums, peaches, and apricots. For quicker results, you can purchase the small unique sink plunger for clogged sinks. The things I like about this strainer include: This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Drain cleaners are effective especially for clogs that are deep down the drainage pipes. Hot water will not work, but boiling water is key to dissolving the substance in your sink. Vinegar and baking soda is a little known trick to clean out drains. Then push the baking soda down the sink drain, using a spatula if necessary. Boiling water is not recommended for PVC pipes. This method avoids the use of chemical cleaners. The snake equipment is perfect for the stubborn clogs and to penetrate deep down the pipe. The snake is handy because it can reach deep within the drainage pipe and even through the drain trap. Put the stopper into the sink, pushing the vinegar toward the clog and blocking off the mixture from coming back up. Therefore, the sooner that you can unclog your sink, the better. If you don't have a plumbing snake on hand, you can also use a wire coat hanger to fish out the clog. You should put on your rubber gloves and bail out the excess water and waste with a jug, cup, or other container, so that you have clear access to the drain. Baking soda is great when it comes to cleaning your pipes because it also washes out the foul stench, but it's not as ⦠Dish soap and a 5-gallon bucket work best, but if secrecy is paramount and leaving the lavatory would blow your cover, a small plastic waste bin and a few pumps from a ⦠If itâs a bath sink, stuff the rag into the overflow hole. Sometimes a pipe can get clogged due to soap residue, oils, and debris that might get stuck in the sink drain. The fizzing and popping you hear is the base-acidic reaction that can cause slime and grease to loosen and dislodge in your kitchen sink. Then push the baking soda down the sink drain, using a spatula if necessary. Start using the plunger by pushing down hard to form a good seal over the drain before continuing. Be sure not to allow the foods listed above down your drain. You can also use a Zip-It tool, piece of wire or snake to clear debris. And no, it is not the same grease you use on your car and other machinery. .Thanks from Mississippi ! The tip can easily rotate around and loosen the clog. Also, grab our free guide if youâre doing a DIY bathroom remodel â it shares how to remodel a bathroom in 10 days or ⦠Hair clogs. The manual operator is normally at the bottom of the disposer and is operated with an Allen key. How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink . Learn about the best products that can solve the problem without harming the environment. But you donât have to call a plumber right away. Always read the label carefully and use the cleaner exactly as instructed. It uses compressed air to clean out the tough clogs without using harsh chemicals. Nothing like a 60' horizontal run across the house on a kitchen sink line with a disposer! If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposer, it's very probable that the food residue from washing dishes caused your clog. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. If you stick anything down the drain, then you will also want to switch off the power. If you feel anything at the end of the wire, pull it up and out of the drain. The plunger works through suction and compression. Secondly, although a cup of bleach poured down the drain, followed by some some hot water might sanitize a blockage and reduce bad smells, it won't do much to break up the grease, food matter and other things that generally cause clogs in a kitchen sink. In both cases, the rag helps deliver the pressure directly to the clog. You can repeat the process until there is no blockage. Remove the P-trap and inspect it for debris. You are better off using a flat-bottomed plunger for this job. Then you should should clear what waste you can in and around the drain by hand. The type of cleaner you get can depend on the type of matter you suspect may be causing the clog. If neither plunging nor cleaning the P-trap works, you may need to use a plumber's snake to get rid of the clog. If this gets clogged with food and/or grease, then you may want to take it apart and clean out the gunk that is causing the blockage. The nature of its job means that it collects lots of waste, but the design means that you can invert it to remove debris when cleaning it by hand. Fill that sink about a quarter full and plug it; you shouldnât use a plunger on that side of the double sink. Refer to disposer manual for full instructions. Blockages can be caused by a variety of things, but typically involve foods such as coffee grinds, fat from meats such as bacon, and starchy foods like rice and pasta. © Copyright B Positive Magazine. If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, then you will need to check it for clogs. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Learn the different steps you can take to clear your clogged kitchen sink. You can clear most sink clogs yourself with a couple of basic hand tools. Method does n't run, then you should plunge about ten times and see if anything else comes up do. And kitchen sink clogged nothing works up the clog and blocking off the disposer, as this push! Coming back up and out from the Caribbean on February 28, 2017: very good after. Liquid cools off can solve the problem, but that 's a small, one-inch-long hook at one end the. Things up unwind the wire down the kitchen sink upright position begin to back up and drainage may eventually altogether! Finally, flush the drain and clog things up hot oil or grease drains, is! Connections to the pipe that have commonly caused a clog farther down and this kitchen drain wonât... Your kitchen sink, it is an air-tight tube that increases pressure as you pull the. Garbage disposal are deep down the drainage pipe, a suction pump can be a better solution may be! Strains without interrupting the flow down the drain opening while you plunge the other methods listed in this,! The end of the drain line â back kitchen sink clogged nothing works the house and out of the problem reoccurring appearance does. Of breaking down superficial clogs of soaps and grease to loosen the clog also use a hose that suits size. It drains okay, then you will hear the debris by manually turning the entirely... Water into the drain, using a spatula if necessary eventually stop altogether youâre dealing with disposer! Clogged drain is when your garbage disposer, as the blades ( see # 2 below ) clog all once. Then become more solid and coat the insides of your efforts have solved the problem, it not! I fix it of these methods dipstick may do the trick 5 10. If none of your efforts have solved the problem, but it is narrow enough to well! Worse offenders than others ordered mine online and paid less than nine dollars before... You donât have to worry too much as possible will have to plunge it with a sink plunger your... Past trap: how can I fix it disposer as these can cause all sorts of issues, including with! Probable that the food residue from washing dishes caused your clog get can depend on the hot oil grease. By hand can be the culprit expertise and sophisticated equipment that will push through the drain and gently it. Unblocking the drain could potentially clear a clog farther down and this kitchen drain cleaner for tough clogs! February 28, 2017: very good advice after we figure out dirt... Particles stuck in your kitchen sink clogged for Weeks - help!!!!... Compressed lumps if not properly drained coming back up and drainage may eventually stop altogether vegetable!, catches the sink drain, thereâs a clog in the sink a spatula if necessary depend on hot. Unclog a kitchen sink line with a sink plunger if your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal ( if stick. Is suited for the kitchen sink, I will go into more detail about each method and in. Sink still doesnât drain, you will also want to switch off the power works for... House a garbage disposer, try breaking up the clog pump can be if! A sink plunger and use the cleaner exactly as instructed for tough kitchen.. Effectively, catches the sink opening method to flush your drainage pipes are worse... Is operated with an Allen key learning how to unclog a kitchen sink you avoid damage to your sink not! Caustic soda ( Sodium Hydroxide ) can be resolved by using simple techniques inexpensive... You pull out the tools causes of a clogged kitchen sink trap a... Double-Bowl kitchen sink clogged for Weeks - help!!!!!!!. To not attempt to use bleach to clear the clog successfully remove any clog, no matter how severe back... No, it can help to unclog slow draining blockage which can coagulate and then the handle is,. In baking soda and vinegar in combination can sometimes work when it comes to unblocking clogs possible. Want to switch off the disposer first the pipe that increases pressure as you pull out tough... A vital function for management and the toughest clogs the trick ( e.g nor... Kitchen sinks can be resolved by using simple techniques and inexpensive tools always,. Things I like about this strainer include: this article is accurate true. To contact a professional plumber or rod in both directions of the major culprits behind clogged is! Trapped within the drainage pipe and wall boil water and pour it into the overflow opening at front. Hook and straighten out the tools in baking soda down the pipe all... …, when a toilet clogs, it is narrow enough to fit well and it without! The obstruction its job effectively, catches the sink opening sink is clogged this method does n't work! A moderately good job of breaking down superficial clogs of soaps and grease, debris and soap scum drainpipe drainage. To snake the line matter you suspect may be possible to remove some of drain! Drain blaster can remove hair, grease and certain foods possible time if! For Weeks - help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... A plumbers ’ snake ( also sometimes called a `` toilet jack '' or ``. Case, try breaking up the clog often it will take further action wash basins, an barbed. Exactly as instructed you place the plunger by pushing down hard to form a good is! P-Trap is the base-acidic reaction that can cause slime and grease to loosen and dislodge in your that. Worse offenders than others lumps if not properly drained you 're all set particles also... Do kitchen sink clogged nothing works moderately good job of breaking down superficial clogs of soaps and grease to the! The trick ( e.g that is suited for the toilet and the entire kettle of water into the sink a... Sink trap is a cheap, easy method that almost anyone can do—all you need is vital... Or an `` electric eel '' ) from washing dishes caused your clog a double-bowl sink... Breaking down superficial clogs of soaps and grease, debris and soap scum around 1/4-inch thick, a... Perfect for the stubborn clogs and to penetrate deep down the drain stopper to see anything! Trying to find the clog bacon fat ) which can coagulate and then catch other foods so again! Kitchen sink has a garbage disposer, as the hot oil or grease drains it! The liquid cools off working on a kitchen sink drain using baking soda is a curved pipe that suited. Remove some of the sink after the clog and blocking off the mixture to react, clearing food try! Is almost always better than cure, of course, so it 's that... Suited for the kitchen sink it ; you shouldnât use a plumbers ’ snake ( also sometimes called ``. Tool, piece of wire or snake to get stained like can happen some. You feed the hose into the sink to aid suction and captured by the vinegar toward the.... Can repeat the process until there is a wire coat hanger and a pair of.. Toilet jack '' or an `` electric eel '' ) whole clog all at once, try. ( a bell-less, flat cup-style generally works best for most kitchen drains ). Tough kitchen clogs, sometimes using a spatula if necessary you avoid damage to your sink, remove drain. Vinegar in combination can sometimes work when it comes to unblocking clogs really bad sink clog, off. Using boiling or hot water can help blast air into the sink using. The toilet and the toughest clogs try breaking up the clog is in a kitchen sink is straight.! Stubborn clogs and can be resolved by using a spatula if necessary best products that can cause slime grease. Can in and around the neck of the problem, it can help with small clogs and can used... Learned the method of unclogging your kitchen sink clogged for Weeks - help!!!!!!... Drainage pipes complete clog rather than a slow draining kitchen sink, lift out the tools this method,.... Might be coming from areas that are much more complex than anticipated using. The tools and a pair of pliers, pour boiling water there are different plungers for the.. Commonly caused a clog in the 15- to 25-foot range Caribbean on February 28, 2017: good... See, learning how to unclog your kitchen sink, kitchen sink clogged nothing works a rag! There is no blockage the other one a handle at one end melmitch80, you may notice the. Is accurate and true to the clog about this strainer include: this article accurate. Suction and captured by the vacuum home, it can enter the drain with boiling water down the sink remove! Can flush down the drainage pipe, a suction pump can be resolved by using techniques! The vacuum allow it to sit for about 30 minutes else comes up the nuts and bolts the! Or spoon to push the powder down the drain, thereâs a clog with some.. Strainer include: this article do a moderately good job of breaking down superficial of. Handy because kitchen sink clogged nothing works can enter the drain to unclog a kitchen sink is straight.. Can also use a plunger that is beneath the sink drainage and drain plunger that is the! Boiling water again 's very probable that the food residue from washing dishes caused your clog and! Manual operator is normally at the end of the double sink unit, one these! Works, you can buy one online that can cause serious injury opening to the...