Nothing is more annoying than a clogged kitchen sink. And in the worst case, you may end up with water coming back up, which is really gross. In case you’re searching for how to unblock the kitchen sink, then here’s your quick answer:
The quickest way to unblock the sink is by using baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda, followed by white vinegar. Use a rubber stopper as soon as you pour vinegar. In no time, the mixture will start fizzing and push the clog down.
Well, there are many ways to solve this problem. You can also use a plunger or pipe snake to solve it once and for all. Before skipping to the solution, let’s quickly look at the problem’s reason for better understanding.
Why does my kitchen sink keep clogging?
Grease buildup is one of the main reasons for clogging. When you drain it and use soap to wash dishes, it dissolves with oil making a sticky mold that cake onto pipe walls.
Undissolved food particles and leftover debris are also potential reasons for pipe clogging. At first, the water will drain slowly, and over time, it will start coming back up.
6 Effective Ways to Unblock Your Kitchen Sink
Many people search for “ kitchen sink clogged, tried everything.” This pretty much explains the frustration. That’s why we decided to collaborate with professionals and find the best solution.
1. Run The Disposal Unit – Best In A Long Run
If you own a sink with a disposal unit installed, then your sink won’t be blocked quickly. Ensure to run it every time if you need to drain leftover food particles often.
2. Use A Plunger – The Old School Way
Most Brits try to avoid using a plunger, but it is one of the most effective ways. You need patience and technique while using it. Place it on the sink with force and push it back several times.
After the first three attempts, you’ll notice a reduced amount of water but keep on doing it until you break the residue seal.
3. Baking Soda And White Vinegar – Best Home Remedy
This home remedy is good if there is no or minimal standing water. Throw a bowl full of baking soda on the sink. After that, quickly put vinegar and block the sink using rubber or a plunger.
Both soda and vinegar react in no time and start the fizzing process. It will take only 5 minutes to unblock your sink using this method.
4. The Bottle Hack – Effective Yet Difficult
It is easy, yet many people may find it a gross way as the standing water will splash back to your face. Take a plastic bottle and fill it with water. Then, put it on the sink and press with force.
Due to force, the water will release at a sudden pressure. This will crack the residue layer. You may need to do it twice for better results.
5. Boiling Water And Table Salt – Only Suitable For grease
If you’re sure that your sink is blocked due to fat and grease drainage, then this hack will save you from all the fuss. Boil water in a kettle. Add salt when the water starts making bubbles.
Pour the hot water instantly to sink. After that, run the normal water tap to see whether it degrades fat or not.
6. Professional A Pipe Snake – Best For Worst Blockage
If you’re fed up with a clogged sink every other day, then you can only rely on a professional pipe snake. It is a thin and flexible pipe that is best for stubborn clogs.
Insert it into the sink until it reaches the bottom of the clogged debris. Then move it up and back-forth to break the debris. Run hot water after pulling it upward.
5 Tips To Prevent A Blocked Kitchen Sink
Better care than cure. So, to avoid any fuss and gross work, follow our tested tips to ensure that your sink won’t clog anymore.
- Don’t wash oil and fat into the sink.
- Avoid throwing tissue paper or leftovers in it.
- Always run hot water after you’re done with the dishes.
- Don’t use the kitchen sink for washing clothes.
- Use vinegar and baking soda mixture once every 15 days.
It is worth mentioning that a severe blockage will also affect the plastic drainage pipe, and in the worst-case scenario, you may end up with leakage.
What Should You Avoid To Unblock Your Kitchen Sink?
Never pour bleach and acid into your sink under any circumstance. It is dangerous and can react with the build-up residue. The acid can also crack the pipe, which may cost a lot of money to repair.
Why does my kitchen sink smell like rotten eggs?
When grease and fat react with dishwasher soap, the molecules of fat break down and stick in the gaps of drainage pipes. Over time, it starts to build up, resulting in a musty, pungent stinking.
It can be quickly fixed by running a hot water mixture along with the salt. The salt will clear fat from the corner or pipes within 5 minutes.
Unblocking Kitchen Sink UK FAQs
How to unclog a kitchen sink with standing water?
It can only be fixed by using a sink plunger. Place the plunger onto the drain and start pumping it up and down several times. Due to pressure, the water will run faster, breaking the clog seal.
How to unblock the kitchen sink without a plunger?
Use baking soda and vinegar to unblock your kitchen sink if the plunger is not available. Pour baking soda on the drainage and run vinegar through it. The vinegar will react to soda and remove the grease debris.
How to make a plunger out of a plastic bottle?
Fill a large plastic bottle with tap water and add 2tb spoon of salt to it. Place your thumb onto the bottle opening and put it in your kitchen sink quickly. Then squeeze it back and forth by applying pressure.
How to unclog a double kitchen sink with standing water?
All double-sink units come with garbage disposal and a P-trap. Always run the disposal first to ensure that there is no solid food blockage. Then, use a sink pipe snake to run it back and forth.
Wrapping It Up!
There is nothing much grosser than water blockage or coming back up to your sink. But it is the result of fat and clogs buildup in the sink pipe. Using a plunger is the traditional way to unblock it.
You can also unblock your clogged pipe without a plunger. In this case, use baking soda and vinegar for the best and quick results. It is recommended to run hot water for 2 minutes after using the sink every time.
We hope that this article helps you to unblock your sink effectively. Well, in the meantime, keep on cooking and enjoying your life.
