Follow our step by step guide on how to unblock a sink and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
Water blockage in kitchen sink.
There is nothing too complicated about this.
But there s no need to call the professionals just yet as we think we can get your water flowing freely again in a jiffy.
If the water is still not draining correctly there might be a blockage in the p trap aka the elbow shaped pipe under your sink.
Dirty water will flow out.
That s why you need a very very long snake but check for clean outs in exposed pipes which allow for snakes to be inserted further down the drain.
The first two steps we ll show you don t even require you to remove the trap or take anything apart.
Food grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.
So your sink s blocked.
Actually it is just like it is to unclog your single kitchen sink.
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.
Always try plunging first.
Then pour the entire kettle of water into the sink and wait.
A double kitchen sink only has different sinks but the same p trap and drain pipe.
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.
Vinegar baking soda borax and lots of hot water are simple yet effective tools in clearing slow draining sinks.
Uh oh the sink s blocked again.
Remember that all the drains in your house are connected.
This method is one of the easiest and often overlooked ways to remove debris in the pipes.
Fortunately if caught early you can clear a clogged drain using common household items.
When the water in your kitchen sink won t drain or drains slowly don t reach for the chemical drain cleaner.
Keep your pan or bucket underneath.
If your kitchen sink drain has a disposal you can try the disposal suction method to remove the blockage.
Begin by sponging the water from the sink to reduce the flow under the sink when you pull off the trap.
Small clogs can often be dislodged with a cup plunger a simple plunger with a flat rim it creates a seal over the sink hole to apply the pressure needed to dislodge the clog.
Before unclogging kitchen sinks with standing water use a cup or basin to remove the water.
If both sides of your kitchen sink are filling up with water clog up the sink drain on the side without the disposal.
Some methods may require the addition of fresh water.
But before you google emergency plumber read this.
Metal slip nuts are usually more difficult to loosen than plastic but either.
Instead try this three step method recommended by one of our favorite plumbers to unclog a kitchen sink.
We show plastic drain lines but many older kitchen sinks have metal traps and pipes.