Using Simple Tools to Unclog Sink Drains

You may have a clogged drain if your kitchen sink drains slowly. Clogged sink drains can be unclogged using basic equipment if caught early enough. Use common household items such as a plunger, a plumber’s snake (also known as a hand auger), wrenches, clamps, baking soda, and white vinegar to unclog your kitchen sink.

• Obtaining the appropriate equipment – A plunger with a firm grip and larger rubber bells will provide more thrust. You can exert a lot of force with a plunger that has a big handle. The plumber’s snake is another useful equipment for unclogging sink drains. A 38-inch model with a 20-foot length is suggested for all-purpose use. Shorter hand augers, on the other hand, should be able to clear most obstructions. A pail or plastic bin, a flashlight, and rubber gloves are some more useful equipment to have on hand.
• Using a plunger to remove the impediment – To ensure that the plunger seals around the drain, fill the sink with 3 to 4 inches of water. Place the plunger over one drain while a damp cloth is snugly wrapped around the sink drain. Plunge up and down a few times in a short amount of time, perhaps 20 seconds. On the last draw stroke, pull the plunger out of the drain to clear the obstruction. Continue plunging for several minutes if the water does not drain correctly.
• Cleaning the P-trap – Disassemble the P-trap if plunging does not clear the obstruction. Grease or coffee grounds that clog the P-trap and trap arm are the most common causes of clogs. The waste tee can be removed by loosening the slip nut on the trap arm assembly and wriggling the trap free.
• After tightening the setscrew at the snake’s tip – Using the plumber’s snake, pull 6 to 10 inches of cable out. Tighten the setscrew and rotate the snake clockwise to feed it into the drainpipe. Clean the cable after using the hand auger to remove clogged debris.
• Baking soda and white vinegar – After the drain has been opened, pour a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. Allow a few minutes for it to settle before covering both kitchen sink openings. Flush the mixture with a gallon of warm water. Any leftover fat deposits will be broken down by a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. The mixture will also freshen the scent of your drain.

According to a report published in the “Daily Mail,” cleaning your home using baking soda and vinegar can save you hundreds of dollars. Vinegar has also been demonstrated in trials to be effective at killing bacteria in the home.