How to Fix a Clogged Kitchen Sink

Fixing a clogged sink in most cases does not require major maintenance. The best way to keep your kitchen sink unclogged is to take preventative steps, but by the time you notice the clogging it will be too late that. Find your plunger and follow these steps to get your kitchen sink working like new.

Things You'll Need

• Plunger
• Bucket
• Screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Hand auger

Instructions

1. Run the tap and fill the sink with enough water so that it covers the head of the plunger. Insert a rag into the overflow opening to enhance the pressure created by the using the plunger.

2. Grab the handle of the plunger and place the head so that it is sealed against the bottom of the sink, over the drain. Move the plunger in an up and down motion, in a vigorous fashion. The water should be moving fairly well so if it is not then the problem is probably related to a pocket of air that is still able to escape through the overflow opening. Forcefully stuff the rag further into the opening.

3. Loosen the clog and wait for the water to drain freely. In order to fully flush out the debris that caused the clog, run very hot water through the drain for several minutes.

4. Remove the trap beneath the sink and clean it thoroughly if plunging fails to unclog the sink. Keep the trap off and check to see if water can run freely. If not, then the clog is probably located in the T-shaped pipe. Try cleaning with a bottlebrush.

5. Remove the trap arm from where it is attached to the wall if the sink remains clogged. Use a flashlight to peer into the opening. If you can see water it means the clog is in the fixture drain. This can be cleaned with a simple hand auger.

Tips & Warnings

• Pour a cup of boiled water down the drain ever few months to help dissolve sludge that can create clogs.

• Try clearing the drain before you use chemical products. If you use the chemicals first and they fail to clear the clog, they can leave dangerous chemicals in the standing water and you may come into contact with them while using the plunger or trying to clear the pipes beneath the sink.