A clogged double kitchen sink with standing water can be a major inconvenience. However, it is possible to unclog it yourself using a few simple methods.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before you begin unclogging your double kitchen sink, it is important to gather the necessary tools. You will need⁚
- A plunger
- A bucket or bowl
- A drain snake (optional)
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- A pair of rubber gloves (optional)
Once you have gathered your tools, you can proceed to the next step.
Remove Standing Water
Before you can begin unclogging your double kitchen sink, you need to remove the standing water. To do this, place a bucket or bowl under the sink and open the drain stopper. Allow the water to drain out completely.
If there is a lot of standing water, you may need to use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. Once the water has been removed, you can proceed to the next step.
Tips⁚
- If you have a garbage disposal, make sure it is turned off before you remove the standing water.
- If the standing water is dirty or contains food debris, you may want to wear rubber gloves when removing it.
- If you are unable to remove all of the standing water, you can try using a plunger to loosen the clog and allow the remaining water to drain out.
Try Plunging
If there is still water in the sink, try plunging to dislodge the clog. Fill one side of the sink with water to create a seal around the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge up and down vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
If the clog is not dislodged, try plunging with both sides of the sink filled with water. This will create a stronger seal and may help to break up the clog.
Tips⁚
- Use a plunger that is the right size for your sink. A plunger that is too small will not be able to create a good seal, and a plunger that is too large may not fit in the sink.
- If you have a double sink, be sure to plug the other side before plunging. This will help to create a better seal and prevent water from backing up into the other sink.
- If plunging does not dislodge the clog, you can try using a drain snake.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Treatment
If plunging does not work, you can try using a baking soda and vinegar treatment to dissolve the clog.
Materials⁚
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
Instructions⁚
Pour the baking soda down the drain.
Follow with the vinegar.
Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
Flush the drain with hot water.
Tips⁚
- If the clog is severe, you may need to repeat the treatment several times.
- You can also add 1/4 cup of salt to the baking soda and vinegar mixture. This will help to scour the drain and remove any buildup.
- If the baking soda and vinegar treatment does not work, you can try using a drain snake.
Drain Snake Method
If the baking soda and vinegar treatment does not work, you can try using a drain snake to remove the clog. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain and used to break up and remove clogs.
Materials⁚
- Drain snake
Instructions⁚
Insert the drain snake into the drain.
Turn the handle of the drain snake clockwise to feed the snake into the drain.
Once the snake reaches the clog, turn the handle counterclockwise to break up the clog.
Pull the drain snake out of the drain.
Flush the drain with hot water.
Tips⁚
- If the clog is severe, you may need to use a drain snake with a larger diameter.
- Be careful not to push the drain snake too far into the drain, as this could damage the pipes.
- If you are not comfortable using a drain snake, you can call a plumber to unclog the drain for you.