How to Unblock a Kitchen Sink Using Home Remedies and Tools
How to unblock a kitchen sink?
A clogged kitchen sink can be a frustrating and messy problem. Nobody likes to deal with dirty dishes, foul smells and water backups. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to unblock a kitchen sink using home remedies and tools that you may already have. Here are some steps you can follow to clear the drain and restore the flow of water.
Step 1: Try Home Remedies
Before you resort to using any tools, you can try some home remedies that may dissolve or loosen the clog. These include:
– Boiling water: Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain slowly and carefully. The hot water may help to melt or break up any grease or soap that is causing the blockage.
– Baking soda and vinegar: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or a wet cloth and let the mixture fizz for about 15 minutes. Then flush the drain with hot water. The baking soda and vinegar reaction may help to dislodge any organic matter or debris that is stuck in the pipes.
– Salt and baking soda: Mix half a cup of salt with half a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then flush the drain with boiling water. The salt and baking soda may act as an abrasive that can scour away any clogs.
Step 2: Use a Plunger
If the home remedies don’t work, you can try using a plunger to create suction and pressure that can push or pull the clog out of the drain. To use a plunger effectively, you need to:
– Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
– Block any other outlets or drains in the sink with wet rags or stoppers.
– Place the plunger over the drain and make sure it forms a tight seal.
– Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for about 20 seconds, then pull it up quickly.
– Repeat this process several times until you hear a gurgling sound or see the water draining.
– If the plunger doesn’t work, you may need to move on to the next step.
Step 3: Use a Hand Snake
A hand snake, also known as a plumber’s snake or auger, is a flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-like tip that can reach into the pipes and break up or retrieve any clogs. To use a hand snake, you need to:
– Remove the sink’s drain trap or P-trap, which is the curved pipe under the sink that connects to the drain pipe. You may need a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage or lose any washers or gaskets.
– Place a bucket under the trap to catch any water or debris that may spill out.
– Insert the hand snake into the drain pipe and push it until you feel some resistance.
– Rotate the handle of the snake clockwise to twist the tip into the clog and break it up or hook it.
– Pull the snake out slowly and carefully, along with any debris that comes out with it.
– Reattach the trap and run some water to check if the drain is clear.
Step 4: Use an Electric Eel
An electric eel, also known as a power auger, is similar to a hand snake but has an electric motor that spins the cable automatically. It can reach deeper into the pipes and clear more stubborn clogs. However, it is also more powerful and potentially dangerous, so you should use it with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. To use an electric eel, you need to:
– Remove the trap as in step 3 and place a bucket under it.
– Plug in the electric eel and insert it into the drain pipe until you feel some resistance.
– Turn on the switch and let the cable spin slowly into the clog. Do not force it or push it too hard, as this may damage the pipes or cause injury.
– When you hear or feel that the clog is cleared, turn off the switch and pull out the cable slowly and carefully.
– Reattach the trap and run some water to check if the drain is clear.
Step 5: Use a Jet Blaster Hydro Jetter
A jet blaster hydro jetter is a device that uses high-pressure water jets to blast away any clogs in the pipes. It can clear even the most severe blockages, such as tree roots, grease or mineral deposits. However, it is also very expensive and requires professional expertise to operate safely and effectively. To use a jet blaster hydro jetter, you need to:
– Call a licensed plumber who has access to this equipment and experience in using it.
– Let them inspect your pipes and determine the best way to access and clear the clog.
– Follow their instructions and precautions and let them do their job.
– Pay them for their service and enjoy your clear drain.
Conclusion
How to Unblock a Kitchen Sink? A blocked kitchen sink can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. There are many ways to unblock a kitchen sink using home remedies and tools that you may already have. However, if none of these methods work or if you are unsure about how to use them, you should call a professional plumber who can help you solve the problem quickly and safely.
If you are unable to unblock the sink yourself, you can call Get Unblocked, a reliable and affordable plumbing service located in Sydney. They have the expertise and equipment to handle any drain issues, including jet blaster hydro jetting. You can visit their website at www.getunblocked.com.au or call them at 1300311511 to get a free quote and book an appointment.
