A blocked sink in the kitchen can cause the sink to be messy and unkempt. Experiencing a blocked sink is something that can happen once in a while as long as the sink is in use constantly.
Some of the causes of a blocked sink are soap particles, food particles, oily foods that didn’t go down the drain.
A blocked sink is something you can fix even without the service of a plumber.
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1. Pour Hot water into the sink
When your skin becomes blocked, the first thing to do is to boil water and get it down the sink.
It helps in clearing off the debris and oily substance that may be causing blockage to the pipe.
Note: Avoid pouring hot water into your sink if your drain is attached to the PVC pipes as the hot water may damage it.
2. Break it down with baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are also common household items that you’re likely to have in your kitchen.
Follow these steps to let the mixture work its magic:
- Remove standing water from the sink with a cup or bowl.
- Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, using a spatula or spoon to push the powder down the drain if necessary.
- Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain opening.
- Place a stopper or cover on the drain to seal the opening.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cover and run hot tap water down the drain.
- Use boiling water to break up more intense clogs.
3. Clean the P-trap
If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, I.e the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, oily and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly.
Unfix the pipe to clean out the debris that’s causing the blockage.
Note: This can get a little messy, so you might want to get some bucket for the dirt that will come out.
Follow these steps:
- Place a bucket underneath the pipe. This will catch any backed up water or debris that may fall out when you open the P-trap.
- Unscrew the connectors on the trap that hold the curved piece to the vertical and horizontal drain pipe. There should be a slip nut on either end of the P-trap.
- Remove the P-trap and clean the pipe of all debris and particles.
- Reconnect the trap.
- Turn on the faucet to run water down the drain.
