DIY Kitchen Sink Repairs
While you might not be able to figure out why the kitchen sink is leaking, if there is a clog, it is easy enough to tell. When the water starts draining slowly or, worse yet, the sink is backed up completely, there us something blocking the pipe. While you can call a plumber at this stage, there are a few things you can try before you make the call that are harmless to your plumbing and can help you get by until you can get a professional to stop by. Here are a few tips to help you unclog that kitchen sink so it’s usable once again.
Tip 1: Try Boiling Water
Remove as much standing water from the sink as you can if the sink is completely backed up. Then, boil some water in a small pot and pour it into the sink. Give the sink some time for the water to work its way down a bit and do the trick. Once the water cools, remove it and try it again. It might take several times to get the clog to break up and move along.
Tip 2: Run The Disposal
This seems obvious, but when you’re facing a frustrating clog, you might not automatically think of it. If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, run it to see if that clears the clog. If not, check to see if the disposal is running correctly. It might be that the disposal has something caught in it. However, don’t stick your hand down the sink drain to free anything. It’s simply too dangerous.
Tip 3: Baking Soda And Vinegar
Try pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow that with the same amount of vinegar, either white or apple cider. The solution will bubble, but when that goes away, put in the stopper so it remains in the sink drain. Wait for 15 minutes or so and then run hot water down the drain to see if it clears up. You can repeat this a few times to aid the clog along as well.
Tip 4: A Sink Plunger
When the toilet clogs, you automatically reach for the plunger. The kitchen sink can be helped in this manner as well, but you don’t want to use a toilet plunger. Keep a sink plunger on hand to help if issues arise. If you have a double sink, close the second side off and get a tight seal around the plunger. Try vigorous motions several times and then flush the drain with warm water.
Tip 5: Don’t Use Drain Cleaners
There are plenty of products on the market that claim to clear clogs. They are a waste of money and can harm your pipes so don’t bother with those chemicals, and try one of the solutions above.
Calling A Plumber For Sink Repairs
If all else fails, the plumbers at Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help whenever you need. Whether you’ve tried all these things to no avail, or the clog just keeps coming back, we can help you figure out the permanent solution. A plumber will likely be able to tell you how to prevent a similar clog in the future.