While most people only think about their kitchen sink when it’s clogged, having a functioning kitchen drain is crucial for day-to-day life. Without a functional drainage system, you can’t properly wash dishes or cook meals. The good news is that it’s generally easy to unclog your kitchen drain if you know what to do.
Causes of a clogged kitchen sink
Before we get into how to unclog your kitchen sink, let’s first take a look at some of the most common causes of a clogged drain.
- One of the most common reasons for a clogged kitchen sink is grease build-up. Over time, grease and oil can accumulate on the walls of your pipes, eventually leading to clogs. This is especially true if your kitchen sink doesn’t have a garbage disposal, as this can prevent the grease from being completely washed away.
- Another common cause of clogged kitchen sinks is food particles that get lodged in your pipes. Bits of food can easily become stuck in the drain and eventually form a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely.
- Other potential causes of clogged kitchen drains include foreign objects like hair or small toys, or the growth of bacteria and mold in your pipes.
How to unclog a kitchen sink with standing water
If your kitchen sink has standing water, the first thing you need to do is find and remove the blockage. Depending on what’s causing the clog, this might be as simple as using a plunger or some other tool to break it up. However, if your sink can’t drain due to a large amount of debris that has built up in the pipes, you may need to call an experienced plumber for help. They’ll likely use a snake or other tool to remove the clog and clear your sink.
If your kitchen sink is just slow to drain instead of completely clogged, there are a few different things you can try yourself before calling a professional. First, try running hot water down the drain to see if that helps loosen any grease or debris that might be causing the clog.
If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plunger or a plumber’s snake to remove the blockage. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can try using a wire hanger to try and clear the drain by breaking up the clog and pulling it out.
Unclogging your kitchen sink is an important step in maintaining a functional drainage system, but it’s also just good hygiene. A kitchen with standing water can quickly become dirty and attract bugs or other unwanted pests to your home, so be sure to clean your sink as soon as you notice any drainage issues.
Tips for preventing a clogged kitchen sink
- One of the best ways to prevent your kitchen sink from becoming clogged is to be mindful of what you put down the drain. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, as this can quickly lead to build-up and eventually a clog.
- Try to scrape as much food off of dishes as possible before washing them, and avoid putting too much food down the garbage disposal. If your sink has a garbage disposal, try running cold water for several seconds after using it to flush any remaining food particles down the drain.
- Regularly cleaning your kitchen sink and other pipes is another great way to prevent clogs from forming. Use a mild cleaner designed specifically for drains, as this will help remove any grease or debris that has built-up over time. You can also use a natural cleaner like baking soda and vinegar to clean your pipes and help prevent clogs.
If you’re dealing with a clogged kitchen sink, the good news is that it’s usually easy to fix. Simply find the blockage and remove it, or try one of the other tips listed above to clear your drain.