Simple Fixes To Unclog Your Kitchen Sink in Granite City, IL
We tend to take our home’s pipes for granted; that is until they stop working. While some jobs are better left to a professional plumber, even novice homeowners can often tackle simple tasks like unclogging the drain of a kitchen sink.
5 Simple Fixes for a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain
1. Boiling Water
In many cases, boiling water is all that’s needed to get the kitchen sink draining properly, especially if the clog is caused by a buildup of grease. Remove as much standing water from the sink as possible, then pour in a kettle or pot of boiling water into the wink. You may need to repeat this process a couple of times.
2. Salt and Boiling Water
If the boiling water didn’t remove the clog, adding salt may help. Salt is coarse and abrasive and is often effective in scouring drains. Remove any standing water from the drain, then pour in half a cup of salt and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, dump in boiling water.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Together, baking soda and vinegar create salty water and carbon dioxide, which causes a foaming reaction. Once again, remove as much standing water as possible and pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of vinegar. Plug the drain with a stopper and wait about 20 minutes, then rinse it with boiling water.
4. An Auger
If boiling water with salt or a baking soda and vinegar mix is proving to be ineffective, then the next step is to try to clear the clog manually. Remove the P-trap that runs under the sink to expose the stub pipe that travels behind the wall. Insert the auger until you feel resistance to break up the clog.
5. A Plunger
A basic household plunger creates suction which can often times loosen a clog, allowing the obstruction to pass through. You’ll need to create a tight seal, so fill the sink with enough water to cover the bell of the plunger. If you have a double sink, plug the other side before plunging.
If you’ve tried a few of these fixes and your kitchen sink drain is still clogged, then it’s time to contact a professional plumber. The clog may be too far for you to reach or there may be another issue causing water to drain slowly. The experts at Bailey Sewer & Water specialize in providing plumbing services to residents in Granite City, IL.
