HOW TO UNCLOG A KITCHEN SINK

First, have you tried our remedy for “Drains Not Draining Properly?” Drains Not Draining Properly.

You might be thinking of using some “magic chemical” – DON’T! Some chemicals can damage pipes, the environment or you if you get splashed. And if someone has to work on the drain after a chemical has been added, it makes the work harder and more hazardous. So, skip the chemicals.

Many of our properties have double kitchen sinks. Some properties have garbage disposals and some don’t.  As such, there are 3 choices of instructions listed below:

Choice #1  If your “problem drain” is in the kitchen sink that has the garbage disposal in it, click on the following link for instructions: Troubleshooting Your Garbage Disposal.
Choice #2         

If the sink with the disposal does drain fine but the “problem drain” is in the other kitchen sink, there is probably a small clog between the strainer and the drainpipe. Try the following:

  • With COLD water running into the garbage disposal, turn the disposal on.  If the water begins to drain from the “problem drain”, run the disposal for 30-60 seconds.
Choice #3

 If neither sink will drain or if you don’t have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, then the clog is probably in the “P” trap or farther along in the drainpipe. Try the following:

  • Pour ½ cup Dawn liquid dishwashing soap down the drain.
  • Next pour 1-gallon hot tap water down the drain.
  • Wait 30 minutes.
  • Use the plunger (read below for plunging instructions).

If you have chosen 1 of the above 3 choices and attempted the suggested troubleshooting strategy but you still have a clogged kitchen sink drain, it’s time to try the plunger. Do NOT use the plunger on the garbage disposal.

Here are some tips when using the plunger:

·  Use the old-fashioned cup type plunger NOT the flange type that is best suited for toilets. For picture of both types click on:  “How to Unclog a toilet”.
·  If the sink is empty, add enough water to cover the plunger cup.
· With the plunger completely under water, tilt the plunger cup to burp the air out to better fill the cup with water.
·  For added suction you can apply Vaseline around the rim edge of the plunger.
· Completely cover the drain opening with the rim of the plunger.
·  Press and pull the plunger rapidly up and down 15-20 times.
·  If the water drains out of the sink, run some COLD water and plunge again.

If, despite all the above strategies, you still have a clogged kitchen sink drain: Submit a Maintenance Request.

Additional insights for keeping your home and drains functioning without the inconvenience of service repairs may be found at:  Preventative Maintenance Guide.