How to Unclog a Badly Clogged Kitchen Sink
We have all experienced the mess and frustration of a clogged kitchen sink. It starts when we notice the water does not drain quite as quickly as it once did and can slowly build to the point where we are stuck with a sink full of smelly water that won't go away no matter how long we wait. Clogs can be caused by a buildup of grease, food, hair and other debris. Mechanical solutions, such as plunging the sink, are preferable to chemical solutions. Fortunately, there are several simple, low-cost mechanical solutions to unclog even a badly clogged kitchen sink. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plunger
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Boiling water
- Gloves
- Auger
- Bucket
- Paper towels
- Channel joint pliers
- Bristle brush
Instructions
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1
Plunge the sink. The quickest and easiest way to unclog a badly clogged kitchen sink is to use a plunger. If you have a sink with two drains, cover the unclogged sink with a stopper. Fill the clogged sink with enough water to cover the top of the drain. Place the flange of the plunger straight on top of the drain and push firmly. If the clog does not clear with approximately six plunges, this method may not work and you should proceed to step three. If the clog does clear, proceed to step two.
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2
Clean the drain with baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. Pour a 1/2 cup baking powder and a 1/2 cup vinegar into the drain. The reaction between the alkaline soda and the acidic vinegar will help clear any remaining debris. While the baking soda/vinegar solution is working, boil two quarts of water. Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain to wash out any debris and leave the sink smelling fresh.
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3
Clean the sink trap. Remove everything from under the sink. Place a bucket beneath the sink to catch the drips and debris that will come out. Use a pair of channel joint pliers to loosen the nuts on the U-shaped pipe--this is the trap. Empty the contents of the trap into a bucket. Clean the trap with a bristle brush, paying special attention to the pipe threads. Replace the trap and follow the cleaning method laid out in step two.
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4
Use a drain auger. Wear gloves and insert the auger cable into the drain. Turn the auger's handle clockwise. When you feel the auger make contact with the clog, keep turning the handle as you slightly push it back and forward. The auger will chew away at the clog and go through it. When you pull the auger back it may have part of the clog attached to it. Use paper towels and a bucket to dispose of the debris. Follow with the cleaning method in step two.
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Tips & Warnings
To help prevent clogs, use the cleaning method from the second step three or four times a year. This will help loosen any potential clogs and keep the sink smelling fresh.
