If your kitchen sink isn’t draining, you’re not alone. Almost all kitchen sinks will clog at some point, no matter how careful you are. But, the good news is most kitchen drain clogs are a fairly simple fix, and some you may be able to tackle yourself. Here we are going to discuss some steps to run through before calling in a professional.
What causes a kitchen sink to clog?
There are many reasons for a kitchen sink to clog up, but here are 3 of the top causes. The usual suspect is grease buildup in the line, and this can happen no matter how careful you are. Another reason for a clog can be the age of the piping under your home. If the lines are older and more corroded, the fats, oils, and grease will catch easily and cause the line to clog. The third reason to talk about is the installation of the plumbing. If you have a newer home and still find your kitchen sink clogged, there may be an issue with the installation. Sometimes the slope is not enough and grease will build up, or the line is extra long and has more distance for the food particles to catch.
Can I unclog my kitchen sink myself?
The answer to this depends on a few things. First, is how bad the clog is in the line. Sometimes it takes a lot of work and specialist equipment to get the drain flowing again. Second is how far down the line the clog is located. Sometimes you can identify the distance of the clog by running water in the kitchen sink and seeing how long it takes to back up. If the clog is close, a plunger may get it to drain. Another way to unclog your kitchen sink is to use chemicals. We would advise against the use of chemicals in older homes due to the material of piping. Sometimes the lines are made from galvanized steel and chemicals will corrode the pipe if left to sit for too long.
What can I try before calling a plumber?
The first thing to try is to check if both sides of the kitchen sink are clogged. If it is only 1 side, you know it is close and a plunger could get it running again. It is also a good idea to remove the p trap and check for anything clogged. Be sure to remove any standing water in the sink before removing the p trap. Another tip to try is to run the garbage disposal and see if it gets the water flowing or if it just comes up on the other side of the sink.
Let us take care of it for you
With almost a decade of experience diagnosing and repairing clogged kitchen sinks, you know you’re in good hands with us. We have drain snakes, hydro jetters, and sewer cameras available to help get your kitchen sink back up and running.
