To unclog a kitchen sink with standing water by removing as much water as possible with a cup. Then, try using a plunger to push the clog out. If that doesn’t work, we check the P-trap under the sink, which is filled with mud, and clean it out. We also use a drain snake to reach deeper clogs a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break up the blockage. Additionally, a wet/dry vacuum is used to suck out the clog.
Using a plunger
A plunger is a powerful tool to remove clogs. It creates suction and pressure, forcing the clog to move.
- Remove the standing water: If there’s a lot of water in the sink, scoop out as much as you can with a bowl.
- Seal the sink overflow: We place a wet rag over the overflow opening to prevent air from escaping.
- Plunge the drain: Beside, we place the plunger cup over the sink drain. We push down and then pull up sharply and repeatedly several times.
Note: This method is great if your kitchen sink drains slowly and isn’t getting air or if the sink is not draining but the pipes are clear.
Clearing the P-Trap
The P-trap is the curved section of pipe under the sink. It’s designed to prevent clogs from moving further into the plumbing system. Over time, this trap gets clogged with food scraps, grease, and other materials.
- Locate the P-trap: It’s the U-shaped pipe directly under our sink.
- Place a Bucket underneath: Before removing the P-trap, place a bucket underneath for debris that may spill out.
- Remove the P-trap: We use a wrench to unscrew the nuts holding the P-trap in place. Carefully remove the trap.
- Clean the trap: Empty the contents into the bucket and clean out the trap with a brush or cloth. Reattach the P-trap.
Note: This method is ideal if your kitchen sink is backing up but there’s no visible clog. Sometimes, the clog is in the P-trap, and this method can quickly resolve the issue.
Using a drain snake
A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that breaks up clogs deep into our pipes.
- Insert the snake: We push the end into the drain, twisting the handle as you go. This helps the snake move through the pipes and grab onto the clog.
- Feel for resistance: If we feel resistance, you’ve likely hit the clog. Continue twisting to break it up.
- Pull out the snake: We slowly pull it out, and the clog should come with it.
Note: Use this method when your kitchen sink is backing up with no clog in sight, or if water is coming back up the sink after draining.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This natural remedy uses the fizzing action of baking soda and vinegar to break down clogs.
- Remove standing water: Scoop out any standing water in the sink.
- Add baking soda: Pour about a cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
- Pour in vinegar: Slowly pour a cup of vinegar over the baking soda. The mixture will fizz and bubble.
- Wait: Sit the mixture for 15-30 minutes to work on the clog.
- Flush with hot water: After waiting, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush out the clog.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum is used to suck out the clog from the drain.
- Set the vacuum to liquids: Attach the hose to the vacuum.
- Create a seal: Place the vacuum hose over the drain and use a wet rag to create a tight seal around the drain opening.
- Turn on the vacuum: Turn on the vacuum and let it run for a few minutes. The suction should pull the clog up and out of the drain.
- Note: This method is effective if you have a bathroom sink that is not draining but the pipes are clear or if your kitchen sink is backing up but there’s no obvious blockage.
Conclusion:
These five methods help us to tackle a clogged kitchen sink with standing water. From using a plunger to employing a wet/dry vacuum, each method is designed to handle different types of clogs. Remember, maintaining a kitchen sink by regularly cleaning the drain and avoiding dumping grease down the sink prevents future clogs.