Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain

A clogged kitchen sink is a plumbing problem nearly all homeowners in Rancho Santa Fe will encounter at one time or another. There are many reasons why a kitchen sink can become clogged. Knowing how to handle a clogged kitchen sink can save homeowners a lot of hassles.

How Do Kitchen Sinks Become Clogged?

Some of the most common causes of kitchen sink clogs include:

• Trying to pass too much material through the drain
• Placing the wrong materials down the drain
• Corroded or damaged drain pipes
• Blockages and other sewer line problems

Be Careful Watch What You Put Down Your Kitchen Sink Drain

You can avoid most kitchen sink clogs by being careful about what kinds of materials you wash down the drain. Here is a partial list of some of the things you should never place in a kitchen sink drain:

• Food greases and oils can solidify and coat a drainpipe, obstructing the flow of water and materials.
• Coffee grounds can accumulate and form clumps.
• Fruit seeds, pits, and rinds
• Bones
• Rice, pasta, and other food materials expand when they absorb water.
• Eggshells can stick to grease and oils, contributing to clogs
• Paper products, such as paper towels and paper napkins
• Plastic film or wrap
• Paint and other chemicals

Instead of trying to wash these materials down the drain, place them in the trash or add them to a mulch pile.

DIY Solutions for Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Sink

The good news is that most kitchen sink clogs can be cleared without calling a plumber. If your kitchen sink has become clogged, here are a few DIY solutions to get rid of the blockage:

• Pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve grease and loosen clogs.
• Use a plunger specifically designed for sinks to create suction and dislodge the blockage.
• Combine equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour the mix down the drain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
• Insert a plumbing snake (also known as a drain auger) into the drain to break up and remove the clog.
• Commercial chemical drain cleaners are effective at dissolving clogs, but they can also be harsh on pipes and harmful to the environment.

When to Call a Rancho Santa Fe Plumber

If these approaches don’t do the trick, then it’s time to call a professional plumber. While most clogs are caused by food waste and other debris, persistent or stubborn clogs may indicate a more serious plumbing issue. A plumber will have the expertise and equipment to determine the exact nature of the clog, such as a damaged drain pipe or sewer line. Solutions could range from removing and cleaning the drain’s P-Trap to replacing a damaged sewer line.

Residential Plumbing Repairs in Rancho Santa Fe

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration is available 24/7 to tackle whatever plumbing problem that may arise. We’ve been providing reliable, affordable residential plumbing repairs to homeowners in Rancho Santa Fe and surrounding communities since 2012. You can contact us by calling 866-437-0205 or fill out our online request form to schedule a visit from one of our licensed Rancho Santa Fe plumbers.