Ways to Fix a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain
There’s no good time for a kitchen sink to clog. Unfortunately, for most people, these clogs happen right around dinner time. In other words, clogs happen right when they’re needed most. And the last thing anyone needs is to put off dinner to wait for a plumber to show up after hours. There’s usually a hefty fee to get the professional out to fix the sink clog outside of normal business hours, which simply adds salt to the wound.
Surprisingly, many homeowners don’t know of a few home plumbing “hacks” that may help them clear the drain clog — at least until the next day when they can get a plumber out to see them. Read on to find out all about these home plumbing hacks.
Use Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water down the kitchen sink can be effective in certain situations. The (really) hot water can help break apart some clogs, clearing the way for normal sink operation — at least for the time being. This method rarely works to completely solve the problem. However, it can work to get the sink operating again in a pinch.
Homeowners should look at the type of pipes they have under their sink, though. Boiling water can damage some PVC piping and joint sealant, adding to the plumbing problems they’re already experiencing. If the pipes aren’t PVC, homeowners can try this method to buy themselves some time!
Use Basic Chemistry — Baking Soda and Vinegar
Everyone is familiar with the reaction that happens when mixing baking soda with vinegar. However, not everyone knows that this reaction can help clear minor kitchen drain clogs. As with boiling water detailed above, this is not likely to get rid of really tough clogs, but it can help with minor clogs. It certainly doesn’t hurt to try, as vinegar and baking soda are common household products. Neither one poses environmental or degradation dangers like store-bought drain cleaners do.
To do this, pour ½ cup of baking soda into the kitchen drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar down, allowing it to sit for about ten minutes. Those who have plugs for their kitchen sinks can use them after the vinegar goes down. After the ten minutes is up, rinse with hot water and then run the disposal if there is one, using cold water to wash everything down.
Call a Professional Plumber
Sometimes the at-home drain hacks just don’t cut it. If that’s the case, it’s best to call a professional plumber. With a plumber, homeowners don’t risk damaging their pipes, nor do they have to mess with the garbage disposal. These things are best left to the professionals, who have more advanced technology at their disposal and are trained to deal with stubborn kitchen clogs! So if the methods above don’t work, it’s time to call a plumber!
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago has been serving Chicago, IL, since 1998. They offer excellent workmanship and quality service. They always fix the problem the first time, whether it be a clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or a problem deeper in the plumbing system. Contact them today for drain clog removal in Chicago, IL!
