No matter how diligently you care for your plumbing, a clogged kitchen drain can happen to anyone. Food, grease and gunk slowly build inside the pipes and next thing you know you’re stuck with a pile of dirty dishes and a sink full of standing water. Don’t panic and call an emergency plumber yet. Here are a few solutions to try on your own first.
Boiling water
Remove the standing water from the sink and bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain. Sometimes this will loosen the clog immediately, but usually you’ll need to repeat this process several times. If so, wait for the water to cool, remove it from the sink and try again.
Plunger
The same pumping action that unplugs your toilet can also clear your kitchen drain. If you have a double sink, put a stopper in the second drain, then fill your sink with enough water to create a seal around the plunger. Place it over the drain, and forcefully press it up and down just as you would with a toilet. This should dislodge the clog.
Vinegar and Baking soda
This technique dissolves blockages and deodorizes your drain at the same time. After removing any standing water, spoon about one cup of baking soda into the drain followed by the same amount of vinegar. This will create a bubbling reaction. Once it’s done frothing, put the stopper in the sink and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then try rinsing it out and see if the obstruction is gone.
Clean the P-Trap
The P-trap is the U-shaped bend in the pipes directly under your sink. Debris often becomes trapped in that area. Removing and cleaning it is easier than you think. Before you begin, place a bucket under the pipes to catch any water. Then remove the P-trap at the joints with a wrench. Use a bottle brush to scrub out the P-trap, then reattach it and run water through it to clear it.
Find a plumber in Hamilton
If you try all these things and your drain still isn’t clear, that means it’s time to call a residential plumber to come see if there’s a bigger problem with your kitchen drain. Contact Pitton Plumbing for fast, friendly service.