Fixing A Clogged Sink
It is really hard to have a clogged sink. All your home task will be affected, from washing dishes up to cleaning your kitchen. With water backing up and a counter full of dirty dishes waiting to be cleaned. When we encounter this problem, first thing that comes in your mind is to call a plumber for help because you don’t know where the clogged is or is it already something serious and some parts need to replace or change.
As a stayed-at-home mom, I really need to learn on how to resolve this kind of problem to make sure that I will be able to finish my to-do list for that day. Here are some steps that I find helpful when I encounter this problem and you can try it at home as well.
Grease is often a problem in kitchen sinks because it catches food particles and debris, which creates blockage. You could be dealing with a double basin, or a kitchen sink clogged past the trap. As well, if your sink has a garbage disposal, you need to be careful not to damage the mechanism, and also watch out for safety hazards. You probably want to cut the electricity to your garbage disposal prior to attempting to fix clogged drains.
Drain Cleaner
This is the first thing that you need to check if you have a clogged sink. Sometimes residue from your dirty dishes is being stuck here. It is also advisable that you change your drainer every time that you will see a rust on it. Rust is also one of the cause why your drainer is being blocked. There are cleaning products that you can buy in grocery to remove the clogged. But if you want to use non-chemical based cleaner, you can try pouring some vinegar down the drain, and then follow it with baking soda. The combination will cause a fizzing reaction, that can be effective for minimal sink clogs. This is only effective if the clog isn’t too bad.
Plunger
This is one of the basic tool that you must ave at home. Why? Because this is the first thing that you will grab if you have a clogged sink. For light issue if clog, this might work especially if your sink just need a little pressure for pushing. You can buy plunger in any grocery or hardware stores. When you are moving into a new home, always make sure that you have this awesome tool!
P-Trap
It may be necessary to clean your kitchen drain’s P-trap to clear the clog. The P-trap is at the curve of the drainpipe under the sink, usually inside a cabinet. Place a pan or bucket underneath the drain to catch any water or debris that may fall out. Unfasten the P-trap from the drainpipe and clear out anything that is stuck. Then replace and run water through it.
Boiling Water
One of the cheapest ways in removing clogged in your sink and this is also the easiest and least expensive solution of all, which makes it the best one to try first. Place a kettle or pot of water on the stove and bring to a rolling boil. While you’re 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. Then, pour the entire kettle of water into the sink and wait. If the water stands in the sink and the clog doesn’t move, give the water time to cool and remove it to try again. You may need to repeat the process several times to move the clog, but this often works on many types of stoppage.
Waste Disposal
I know that sometimes that you are to lazy in throwing away some left over rice in plates or used oil in trash, and you will just let it go in your sink. That is one of the main reason why you have a clogged sink, it is being stuck. Also, a clogged disposal can stop up the drain, so run the disposal to see if that clears the clog. Then inspect it to make sure it’s running correctly. If the disposal has overheated, you may need to flip the switch found on the side or bottom of the unit underneath the sink.
Baking Soda and Salt
Always set your expectation in trying this step. Mix about a cup of baking soda with a half-cup of salt, and pour down the drain. Let the mixture sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water. You can repeat this process if it doesn’t work the first time. This can work if you only have a simple clog issue.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is one the strongest DIY cleaning solution that you can use at home. Pour about a cup or so of baking soda into the drain, followed by an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The solution will bubble, but when they subside, put the stopper in and wait about 15 minutes. Next, run hot water to see if the clog clears. Repeat if needed.
Plumber’s Snake or Auger
This handy tool can clear clogs that may be stuck further down the system that cause blockage. You’ll have to disassemble the drainpipe and P-trap that runs underneath the kitchen sink to expose the “stub pipe” or “stubout” that travels behind the cabinet wall. This is where you insert the snake into the pipe until you feel resistance to break up the clog. It means that you are doing the correct process.
Call for a Help
If you’ve already tried doing some basic DIY steps and the issue is still there, maybe that is your go signal to call for a help. Many plumbing issues involve stoppages and clogged drains or pipes. And it needs an expert to conduct an inspection to know the root cause and tell you what are your options to fix your clog sink.
To avoid this kind of problem at home, always maintain the cleanliness and making sure that you are throwing away the trash inside the garbage bin and not in your sink. If you are really busy and don’t have time cleaning the house, you might wanna consider to hire a cleaning lady but always remember that there are factors that you need to consider when hiring a cleaning lady. But if you are decided to hire a cleaning lady, I am recommending Always Green Cleaning Services Chicago. They are the number one cleaning company in Chicago. Always Green, only provides excellent service to their clients because they are only hiring professional cleaners. Also, they have extra service that you can take advantage in a affordable rate.