A clogged kitchen sink is typically caused by grease, food residue, and other detritus clumping together as the result of everyday cooking and cleaning. The simplest way to prevent a clogged kitchen sink is to ensure only liquids go down the drain. Be careful not to dispose of any grease or used cooking oil at the sink (store it in a container and throw it away instead) since oils solidify in the drain and enmesh food and other debris, inevitably creating clogs.
If your kitchen sink is draining slowly, your first thought may be to purchase a commercial drain-opening product. But before you do, why not try a more natural drain-cleaning method such as this one:
Combine:
- ½ c. baking soda
- 1 c. white vinegar
Cover the drain for two to three minutes while the concoction fizzes up and then rinse it away with plenty of boiling water. Using this little trick on a regular basis may prevent clogs from forming.
If you have standing water in your kitchen sink, that means the drain is fully clogged. Purchase an alkaline-based drain opener that contains sodium hydroxide (commonly referred to as lye); its action will melt grease and break down the clog.
You may also want to consider the type of drain opener that contains two different liquids that combine when you pour the product down the drain–the two ingredients react, produce a gas, and this gas agitates the solids, which moves the clog out.
Note: When using drain opening products, it is important to be very cautious, as they contain strong chemicals–using gloves and safety goggles is a good idea.
If these tactics don’t work, it’s time to call in A-Abel! To get help on dealing with your clogged kitchen sink drain or any other plumbing issue, contact us!