Fix A Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain

Fix a clogged kitchen sink drain can put a stop to the flow of your kitchen chores too and if not fixed as soon as possible, could lead to a completely blocked drain that won’t let water through.

There are three ways to fix a clogged kitchen sink drain and here they are:

Use A Sink Plunger

• If it’s a double sink, stuff a washcloth into the unclogged drain
• Remove the clogged sink’s basket strainer
• Fill the sink with about 3 inches of water
• Position plunger over the drain
• Work the plunger quickly up and down
• Pull the plunger off to see if the water starts to drain.
• Keep using the plunger until the drain is cleared

Baking Soda And Vinegar

• You can go this route first or as a next option if the plunger doesn’t work
• If you used the plunger first to no avail, remove standing water on the sink. Bail it out into a bucket.
• Force 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Use your hand or a spatula.
• Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain.
• Cover the drain and leave for 5 minutes
• After 5 minutes, run hot water down the drain to see if the clog is cleared
• Apply the baking soda and vinegar solution again when necessary

Cable Auger or Plumber’s Snake

• To fix a clogged kitchen sink drain using an auger, be prepared to get down on your knees
• Place a bucket under the sink pipes
• Use a pipe wrench to detach the trap (the curved pipe that connects the vertical and horizontal pipes)
• Empty water from the trap into the bucket
• If the clog is in the trap, clean it up then reattach it. Run hot water to see if the problem is solved.
• If the sink is still clogged, then it is time to use the auger.
• Detach the trap again, empty water in it into the bucket
• Remove the horizontal pipe that connects the trap to the stub pipe in the wall
• Push the end of the cable into the stub pipe until you feel a resistance
• Crank the handle with gentle pressure. Rotate the cable against the clog. You should feel the cable slowly break through the blockage until you can turn it freely.
• If twisting the cable is not getting any easier, pull the auger out of the pipe. The clog is likely attached to the end of the cable.
• Reattach the horizontal pipe and trap, run water down the drain to see if the problem is solved.
• If water drains slowly, use the plunger to clear remaining clogs.

These three methods on how to fix a clogged kitchen sink drain usually get rid of the occasional sink drain clog.

But if the problem is recurring, you need to get a plumber to check it for you as it could be a more serious plumbing issue.