How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

A clogged sink is a very common and annoying problem. It can hinder your routine and halt your household work. This problem should be solved in time to avoid a severe blockage that might require mechanical cleaning. As soon as you notice that the water drainage has become slow, act immediately instead of waiting for it to get totally clogged. Have a look at the following ways of unclogging your kitchen sink.

First, drain the water from the sink completely. Mix ⅓ cup of baking soda with ⅓ cup of vinegar in a big container; the mixture will fizz instantly. Pour this solution into the sink drain immediately and wait for 10 minutes. Finish off by washing the sink with hot water. If required, repeat the steps 2-3 times.

Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of laundry detergent in a container and pour the mixture into the drain. Stand at a distance and slowly pour vinegar into the drain. After 15 minutes, run hot water through the sink to clean it.

Salt is commonly used in kitchen cleaning. Pour a cup of salt along with boiling water into the drain. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse the sink with hot water.

Using a plunger in the right way is essential to get the desired results. Choose a plunger that has a suction cup large enough to cover the drain opening completely. Coat the rim of the plunger cup with petroleum jelly. This is done to get a tight seal.

Now, fill the clogged sink with water up to 1 inch below the rim so that the plunger cup is also covered with water. In case of a double sink, fill the second one as well.

Block adjacent fixtures using wet rags as well. Insert the plunger into the water, hold it upright, and pump it vigorously. Use about 20 forceful strokes. You can repeat it 2-3 times to get the best results.

Before using the auger, remove all the filters or stoppers. Insert it through the drain opening; keep on moving and pressing it so that it bends according to the piping and moves further. When it stops at the blockage, move it a little backwards.

Now push it and turn its handle to bore through the clog. Again push it with a force to clear the blockage through the pipe, or else pull it out through the drain. You can also remove the U-trap by unscrewing it and insert the auger directly through the drain pipe.

To avoid the sink from clogging, dispose the leftover food into the garbage before washing the dishes. Using a kitchen drain plug is essential while you wash the dishes. Make sure you clean the drain pipe regularly using the aforementioned ways to avoid any sludge build-up, even if it is not clogged.