How To Clean A Blocked Kitchen Sink & Avoid Future Blockages

Want to unclog a kitchen sink on your own and avoid calling a plumber? In this guide, we’ll discuss a few DIY methods for clearing sink blockages, and a few tips that will help you avoid them in the future.

How To Clean A Blocked Kitchen Sink – DIY Methods To Try

Wondering how you can take care of a blocked kitchen sink on your own? The following methods will work for most minor blockages, and will allow you to unclog your sink without the help of a plumber.

• Baking soda and vinegar – Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, and wash it down with a little bit of warm water. Then, pour a cup of vinegar down, and run hot water to wash it down, too. The vinegar and baking soda will react to loosen and break up the clog.
• Dish soap and boiling water – This is particularly good for clogged drains due to grease. Soap helps break up grease, and boiling water helps to liquefy it and break apart the clog. Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the drain, then pour boiling water down the drain and let it work for 15 minutes. Repeat, if desired.
• Commercial drain cleaner – Just follow the instructions on the packaging, and add plenty of drain cleaner to the sink. Commercial drain cleaners will usually need to sit for 15-60 minutes, then be flushed away with hot water to unclog the drain.
• Sink plunger – Grab a plunger, and plug the other side of the sink if you have a double sink. Run some hot tap water into the sink drain. The standing water will help create a good seal. Then, place the plunger over the drain opening and plunge forcefully to loosen the clog. This method is best used alongside a few others in this list – by using a chemical drain cleaner and a plunger, for example, you’ll have a better chance of breaking the clog.
• Wire coat hanger – Unwind a wire coat hanger and put it down the drain opening as far as you can to break open the clog. You may also be able to go under your sink and access the pipe directly to stick the coat hanger in and access the clog.

How To Avoid A Blocked Kitchen Sink

Want to avoid unclogging your sink in the future? Here are a few quick tips that will help prevent most clogs.

• Scrape plates before washing – Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s only meant to handle small amounts of food. Always scrape down your plates before you wash them to prevent clogs.
• Never put grease down the drain – Grease is liquid when hot, but congeals when it cools. Together with other food debris, this is a major cause of blockages.
• Know what not to put down the sink – Certain foods like coffee grounds, rice, bread, and other foods that tend to swell up significantly when wet can lead to clogs. Never put these in your sink.

Need More Help? Call A Plumber In Sydney Now!

Clogged drains in the kitchen can seriously interfere with your day-to-day routine – and if unclogging your sink with the above methods hasn’t worked, it’s time to call a pro. Contact Wilco Relining online or give us a call today 1300 512 737 to get the help for your blocked drains in Sydney.