Getting Rid of a Kitchen Sink Clog in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Kitchen sink clogs are one of the most common home plumbing problems in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Chances are, you’ve encountered this nuisance once or twice. Usually, kitchen sink clogs aren’t too serious a problem. In most cases, you can clear a clogged kitchen sink without having to call in a professional Cardiff, CA plumber.
Unclogging a Kitchen Sink
A kitchen sink plunger provides an easy way to clear a kitchen sink clog. Every home should have one. You can use a plumber’s auger or a drain snake as well.
Drain cleaners are effective at clearing kitchen sink clogs. Be warned, some of these use harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and affect the environment. Non-toxic homemade drain cleaners that use baking soda, vinegar, and other ingredients can be just as effective.
When to Call a Plumber
In some situations, you may need to contact a professional plumber. You should contact a professional plumber when:
- You are unable to clear the drain using DIY approaches.
- You are experiencing persistent clogs or slow drains.
- The source of the clog is difficult to remove or in a hard-to-reach location.
- You smell raw sewage and other unpleasant odors coming from your kitchen sink drain.
A professional plumber has the proper tools and training – including video inspection equipment and hydro jet cleaners – to clear a stubborn kitchen sink clog. In severe cases, damaged or corroded pipes may have to be replaced.
What Causes a Clogged Sink?
Kitchen sinks generally get clogged for three reasons:
- Too much material is placed in the drain.
- The wrong kinds of materials are placed down the drain.
- The drain pipe or sewer line has become corroded or damaged.
Don’t Put These Materials Down Your Kitchen Sink Drain
Putting the wrong materials down your kitchen sink drain is a leading cause of clogs. Here’s a list of materials you don’t want to pour down the drain:
- Food waste. Some of the food waste you want to avoid placing in your kitchen sink drain include bones, fruit rinds, coffee grounds, eggshells, and foods like rice, pasta, and oatmeal that expand when exposed to water.
- Grease, oil, and fat. These materials can solidify and get stuck in your drain. Over time, the residue can build up and obstruct the flow of water and material through your kitchen sink drain.
- Paper or plastic products. Paper, plastic, and other materials used to contain or wrap food products aren’t meant to be placed down a drain.
- Paint and chemicals. Not only can paint and other chemicals cause clogs they can also damage your pipes. Many of these materials can be hazardous if released into the environment.
Other things to avoid placing down your kitchen sink drain include pet food, cat litter, sand, wood, and glass.
Your First Choice for Plumbing Services in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
If you’re experiencing a persistent clogged kitchen sink drain or other plumbing problem in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, give 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration a call. We’ve been delivering outstanding plumbing repair services to homes and businesses throughout the Rancho Santa Fe, CA area since 2012. Our team of licensed Rancho Santa Fe plumbers has the experience and equipment to tackle just about any plumbing problem you may encounter.
We offer customers 24/7 emergency plumbing services as well. In most cases, one of our Rancho Santa Fe plumbers can be onsite within an hour of your call. You can contact us through our website or phone 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 to schedule a call.