Clogged Drain

jholmes · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 80 Location: Eagan, MN

I have a nasty clog in the drain of my kitchen sink, which has always drained slowly. Any recommendations as how to fix it and get my drain flowing normal again. Question

handnhammer · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 60 Location: Ann Arbor, MI

There are a couple of things that I would do:

Make sure your garbage disposer is not jammed with junk that is causing the clog. You can check this by turning on the disposer and listening for its function. If it just hums instead of spinning, then it is probably jammed. You can use the hex tool that came with the disposer to rotate it manually (from the bottom) and unjam it. Once unjammed you can run it to unclog it.
Try and plunge the drain - make sure the pressure is being directed on the clog by plugging the other side of the sink with a rag or drain stopper. Additionally, if you have a dishwasher you need pinch the drain line off the garbage disposer. Make sure not to splash any standing water around if you tried using a drain cleaner, because these cleaners are extremely caustic!
You can also try to remove the p-trap under the sink to see if the clog is there. If it is further down from the p-trap, you will need to use a snake to unclog the drain line. You can get a snake from any home improvement or hardware store.
As a last resort I would use a drain cleaner. Make sure you use the correct type of drain cleaner. There are cleaners for organic materials, such as food and hair. There are cleaners for grease and drain buildup, such a sulfuric acid. Make sure you use the proper protection , such as rubber gloves, masks, and safety goggles. You also need to protect your sink! Drain cleaners can tarnish stainless steel and dissolve porcelain, so never poor a drain cleaner in standing water.

Let me know how it goes!

Hammer

Newhomeowner09 · Joined: 24 Nov 2010 Posts: 5

From all of the options mentioned above, the plunger has always worked best for me. I know it sounds crazy, but it works! It is important to block the airflow on the other drain, if applicable. Otherwise, it will not work. I always try and avoid using chemicals as they have lasting effects that may cause significant risks or problems that you may not anticipate.

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plumbing

mathewl · Joined: 14 May 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Putney

plunger will work out best for it.And avoid using chemicals and always reove solid dirts from your kitchen sink it will help little in making drainagr normal.

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