Question 1

Signs You Have a Clogged Kitchen Sink

Accepted Answer

When you have dirty dishes to wash, the last thing you want to worry about is a clogged kitchen sink.

Here at Rescue Plumbing, we want to make sure you are able to identify the symptoms of a clogged drain and get the necessary repairs.

Standing Water

Stagnant water in your sink is a tell-tale sign that you have a clogged kitchen sink drain.
If your sink has slow drainage, you may notice standing water, indicating there's a blockage in the drain.

Leak

Drain clogs can cause leaks in kitchen drains usually located underneath the sink. Because the water has nowhere to go, it will cause the pipes to leak.
If a leak occurs, put a bucket underneath your sink to prevent any water damage.

Noise

You definitely have a clog if you hear loud or bubbling/gurgling noise when water drains or you attempt to utilize your garbage disposal.

Question 2

Causes of Kitchen Sink Clogs

Accepted Answer

The kitchen sink is one of the most common clogs we encounter at Rescue Plumbing. We have the knowledge to repair, but we also understand why clogs occur.

Most clogs are caused by the same thing, here are a few reasons for a clogged sink:

Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are the most common cause of sink blockages since many consumers put a lot of items in their drains that can cause damage.
There could be food wrappers, paper towels, and even more stuck in the garbage disposal causing a clog or build up.

Sink Drain

If the proper drain stopper is not being used it could cause a lot of starchy foods, like potato peels and pasta to go in the drain causing a clog.
Never pour grease down your drain instead pour the grease into a glass jar and dispose of it in the garbage can.
Use vegan-friendly soap, your current soap most likely contains animal fat, which in turn builds up as grease. This build-up will clog the kitchen drain over time.

Food Waste

Food scraps are a common reason for clogged kitchen sinks! Fibrous foods, like corn husks and celery are known to clog your drain.
Whether it's starchy or fibrous foods make sure that you toss all food particles in the trash and rinse the dishes properly before washing them in the sink.
Never place unused cooking oils or fat down the drain as they will harden and cause a kitchen drain clog over time.

Damaged Pipes

A corroded p trap or elbow shaped pipe can cause clog or slow draining sink.
If grease or rotten food is not removed, the p traps in your sink can become damaged. Check the plumbing under the sink to ensure that it is working properly.

Question 3

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink?

Accepted Answer

A clogged kitchen sink drain can be bothersome, especially when it prevents you from following through with any day-to-day duties, like washing dishes.

There are a number of measures you can take to unclog your kitchen sink:

Say NO to Liquid Drain Cleaners

NEVER use liquid drain cleaners. Drain-o and other liquid drain cleaners are harsh chemicals. If you have metal pipes, the chemical drain cleaners will eat through your pipes causing clogs and/or leaks.
These caustic chemicals can cause harm to you and your family as well avoid using them.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are great for clearing minor clogged drains! These household items are a natural alternative to using chemical drain cleaners.
The reaction of the white vinegar and a cup of baking soda produces different chemicals called sodium bicarbonate and carbon dioxide.
Mix the baking soda and vinegar (White distilled vinegar best option), then immediately pour down your clogged sink drain which will create a reaction that can clear your blockage.

Boiling Water

You can also unclog a kitchen sink by pouring hot water down into the sink drain.
Use a pot to boil water, then carefully pour the hot water down the drain. Make sure you pour all of the boiling water directly into the drain.
If it is just a small clog, boiling water is all you will need to loosen soap scum or debris so your bathtub drain clog is cleared.

Drain Snake

A drain snake, also known as a drain auger, can help pull out any food particles stuck in the p trap to clear blockage.
A coiled spiral snake is a type of drain snake that can reach down into the drain and pull out any food scraps.
We recommend using a plumber's snake or drain snake found at a local hardware store remove blockage.
Do not use a makeshift option made from household items like a wire coat hanger. A wire coat hanger does not reach far and can get stuck in the p trap causing more damage.

Plunge

A simple at-home method to unclog a kitchen sink drain is using a toilet plunger!
First, remove as much standing water as you can to gain proper as access to the drain opening.
Create a tight seal around the drain opening. If you have a double sink plug the other side before you begin to plunge to keep the seal intact.
Begin to plunge and see if the water drains easily. If so, your work is done!

Question 4

How do you unclog a double sink with standing water?

Accepted Answer

You can sometimes unclog a double sink by using a wet rag to cover one of the drain openings and simultaneously using a plunger in the other drain opening to unclog a double sink with standing water in it. If that does not work you must remove the p trap underneath the double sink to see if the clog is in the p-trap. If the double sink clog is not in the p-trap then the clog will need to be snaked.

When both your kitchen sinks are not draining that means your main kitchen drain line is clogged and needs to be snaked with a drain cleaning machine.

Question 5

Why are both my kitchen sinks not draining?

Accepted Answer

When both your kitchen sinks are not draining that means your main kitchen drain line is clogged and needs to be snaked with a drain cleaning machine.