Have you noticed your kitchen sink flowing away slowly? Or are you standing in a pool of water when having a shower? These are all signs your drains are becoming blocked and need to be cleared. It’s best to try these 6 x DIY unblocking a kitchen sink methods before it becomes completely blocked and you need to call a plumber.
- Boiling Water and Sink Plunger- Boiling water is the easiest method to try first and is great for breaking up a build-up of soap scum. Boil the kettle or boil a large pot of water on the stove. Be sure to wear safety gloves and glasses, block up the second side of the sink with a dish cloth or plug and make sure it is securely sealed. Fill the other side of the kitchen sink with boiling water. Use a sink plunger placed firmly over the sink drain hole to plunge the boiling water down the drain being careful not to splash on your skin and to hold the second sink plug in place. It may take several attempts of continual plunging to move and break up the blockage but over time it should clear all minor blockages and have your kitchen sink flowing again.
- Salt and Boiling Water- This method can assist the boiling water method for more stubborn blockages. After removing as much water as possible from the kitchen sink pour approx ½ cup of salt down the drain then pour in the boiling water. Let it sit for a few minutes then plunge using the boiling water method above.
- Vinegar and Baking Soda- Be sure to wear safety gloves and glasses, Remove as much water as possible from the kitchen sink. Pour about 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. The mixture will bubble at first and this procedure will help break down soap scum in your drain. Leave it for approx. 45 min to 1 hr then repeat the boiling water method.
- Remove the sink trap- You may need to remove your sink trap and clean it out. You will find this drainage trap located under your sink connected to the plug and washer. It is the U shaped fitting connected directly to your sink. You will need to put a pot or a bucket under it before you disconnect it to catch all the water. Remember when disconnected to empty it into the bucket not back into the sink. Clean the trap out then reinstall it.
- Coat Hanger- Straighten out a wire coat hanger and make a small bend at the end of the wire. Insert the coat hanger into the kitchen sink plug hole being careful not to scratch your sink. Try twisting while pushing it forward to reach any blockages and break them up but be careful not to damage the drain or get the wire stuck in the drain. This method is only of use for obstructions that are located close to the sink.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners- Once again be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear all recommended PPE. Chemical drain cleaners are not environmentally friendly products and can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Drains that remain blocked after applying chemical drain cleaning products will now contain hazardous chemicals so be sure to let your plumber know if you’ve used chemical drain cleaners before they carry out any work on your drains as disconnecting pipework or use of mechanical machinery could cause the chemical to come in contact with your plumbers skin or eyes causing permanent damage. We only recommend using them if nothing else works.
Need Your Sink Unblocked?
Sinks and drains can slowly clog over time with constant matter such as hair, dirt and food scraps filtering through the drain daily. When they completely block this can lead to plumbing emergencies with water failing to drain away and backing up into your house. If you follow these 6 tips and your drain still doesn’t seem to be draining it’s time to call in the professionals.
At Essendon Plumbing Services, our master plumbers have been fixing blocked sinks across Melbourne for over 30 years. We have all the latest technology, tools and expertise to repair blocked sink waste pipes and sewer pipes. To read more about how we can help or learn more about sink blockages you can visit our blocked sink service page. To get your sink draining freely again contact Essendon Plumbing Services on 03 9335 4755 or book online.