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Kitchen Drains – Unclogging
The Draining Experience
A stopped kitchen sink drain isn't just an inconvenience; it can sometimes be an emergency. That's why it's always best to prevent clogs before they happen. Plumbing and drain experts offer tried and true ways to troubleshoot problems with your kitchen drain. They also suggest some ways you can unclog your kitchen sink without turning it into a case of "drain surgery."
Targeting the Problem
Be alert to the warning signs of a sluggish drain. It's easier to open
a drain that is slowing down than one that is stopped completely.
- Run or pour scalding water down the drain to break up grease buildups.
If hot water doesn't unclog the drain, there could be some object in
the drain.
- To check, remove and thoroughly clean the sink pop-up stopper or strainer.
- Determine if the clog is close to the sink by checking the other drains
in your home. If more than one won't clear, something is stuck in the
main drain. Click here
for more information on your home's main drain.
- The most effective way to clear a clog is with a plumber's snake.
- You also can try using a plunger or a chemical drain.
The kitchen sink is one of the most frequently used drains in your home.
Due to such heavy use, it's also the drain most likely to develop a problem.
Common causes:
- Food
- Sludge build-up from a combination of grease, soap, and certain food particles
- Disposer
- Old drains or pipes
Recommended solutions:
- Clean with a cable or jetting device
Clearing Drains with a Plunger
The plunger is a good drain-clearing tool, but it often fails to work
because it is incorrectly used. Don't make the typical mistake of pumping
up and down two or three times, expecting the water to whoosh down the
drain. Though no great expertise is needed to use this simple tool, here
are a few tips to guide you:
- Choose a plunger with a suction cup large enough to cover the drain opening completely.
- Fill the clogged fixture with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
- Coat the rim of the plunger cup with petroleum jelly to ensure a tightseal.
- Block off all other outlets (the overflow, second drain in a double
sink, adjacent fixtures) with wet rags.
- Insert the plunger into the water at an angle so no air remains trapped under it.
- Use 15 to 20 forceful strokes, holding the plunger upright and pumping vigorously.
- Repeat the process two or three times before giving up.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Though routine use of chemical drain cleaners to prevent clogs may eventually
damage your pipes, these cleaners can be helpful in opening clogged drains.
If water is draining somewhat, but plunging has failed to open the drain
completely, you may want to try using a drain cleaner. Whenever you use
chemicals, do so with caution and in a well ventilated room. Be sure to
take these precautions:
- Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain;
you risk splashing caustic water on yourself.
- Wear rubber gloves to prevent the chemical from burning your skin.
- Don't use a chemical cleaner if the blockage is total, especially
if the fixture is filled with water. It won't clear the blockage and
you'll face another problem – how to get rid of the caustic water.
- Never use a chemical cleaner in a garbage disposal.
- Read labels and be sure to match the cleaner to the type of clog.
Alkalis cut grease. Acids dissolve soap and hair.
Safety tip
- Don't mix chemicals. Mixing an acid and an alkali cleaner can cause an explosion.
- Don't look down the drain after pouring a chemical. The solution often boils up and gives off toxic fumes.
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