How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

1. Remove Standing Water:

Before you start fixing a clogged kitchen sink, get rid of any standing water using a cup or basin. Some methods may require adding fresh water.

2. Plunge the Kitchen Sink:

Begin by attempting to plunge the clog away. Use a cup plunger, which is a simple tool with a flat rim that forms a seal over the sink hole. Ensure there's enough water to cover the plunger's head.
Maintain a good seal and plunge rapidly, keeping the plunger submerged and lifting it only slightly with each upstroke.

3. Use Boiling Water:

Boil half a gallon of water and carefully pour it directly into the drain in a steady stream.
If the water doesn't drain, let it cool and repeat the process.

4. Check the Garbage Disposal:

If your sink has a garbage disposal, check it first. Turn it on; it might break up the clog. If it's not running, look for a reset switch and try again.

5. Dissolve Clog with Baking Soda:

Pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of white vinegar down the drain.
Cover the drain opening and wait 15 minutes. Then remove the cover and run hot tap water to clear the clog.

6. Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum to Clear the Sink:

Set up your wet-dry vacuum for wet use and create a tight seal around the drain.
If you have a double sink, seal the other side with a rubber stopper.
Turn on the vacuum at the highest setting to dislodge the clog.

7. Use an Auger (Plumbing Snake):

Feed the auger cable into the drain until you encounter resistance.
Pull out about one foot of cable from the machine end and hold it slack.
Lock the cable length and turn the crank to bore into the clog.
You'll feel a change in resistance when the auger breaks through the clog.
Retract the auger and flush the pipe with hot water.

8. Use an Auger on the Trap and Wall Pipe:

Place a bucket under the sink to catch excess water.
Unscrew the connectors on the PVC pipe holding the P-trap to the vertical and horizontal drain pipes.
Check the drain trap for clogs, remove debris, reassemble the pipes, and hand-tighten the connectors.
Flush the sink with hot water and check for leaks.

9. Tips to Prevent Future Clogs:

- Don't overload the disposal; grind no more than 1 cup of food waste at a time.

- Avoid putting grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain.

- Use vinegar and water ice cubes to keep the disposal fresh.

- Run hot water after each use to maintain a clear drain.

If these methods fail, considering looking for a professional plumbing company for further assistance on how to unclog a kitchen sink. Red One Plumbing offer professional drain cleaning and repair in Pearland, TX.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and experience our exceptional clogged drain repair in Pearland and customer service firsthand.

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