## How to Fix a Kitchen Sink Not Draining
A clogged kitchen sink is a common plumbing problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. If your kitchen sink is not draining properly, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem yourself before calling a plumber.
### Common Causes of a Clogged Kitchen Sink
The most common causes of a clogged kitchen sink are:
* **Food scraps:** Food scraps can easily get stuck in the drain and cause a clog.
* **Grease:** Grease can build up on the inside of the drainpipe and cause a clog.
* **Hair:** Hair can also get stuck in the drain and cause a clog.
* **Soap scum:** Soap scum can build up on the inside of the drainpipe and cause a clog.
* **Mineral deposits:** Mineral deposits can build up on the inside of the drainpipe and cause a clog.
### How to Fix a Clogged Kitchen Sink
There are a few different ways to fix a clogged kitchen sink. The best method will depend on the cause of the clog.
#### **If the clog is caused by food scraps:**
* **Use a plunger:** A plunger can help to dislodge food scraps that are stuck in the drain. To use a plunger, place the plunger over the drain and push and pull the plunger up and down.
* **Use a drain snake:** A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to remove food scraps and other debris from the drain. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and turn the crank to feed the snake into the drain. Once the snake has reached the clog, use the crank to turn the snake and dislodge the clog.
* **Use a chemical drain cleaner:** Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at dissolving food scraps and other organic matter that is causing the clog. However, chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes, so it is important to use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
#### **If the clog is caused by grease:**
* **Use a degreaser:** Degreasers can help to dissolve grease and other fatty substances that are causing the clog. To use a degreaser, pour the degreaser into the drain and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the degreaser has had time to work, flush the drain with hot water.
* **Use a boiling water and baking soda solution:** Boiling water and baking soda can help to dissolve grease and other fatty substances that are causing the clog. To use this method, boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain. Then, add 1 cup of baking soda to the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
#### **If the clog is caused by hair:**
* **Use a hair strainer:** A hair strainer can help to catch hair before it gets into the drain and causes a clog. To use a hair strainer, simply place the strainer over the drain.
* **Use a drain snake:** A drain snake can be used to remove hair from the drain. To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and turn the crank to feed the snake into the drain. Once the snake has reached the clog, use the crank to turn the snake and dislodge the clog.
* **Use a chemical drain cleaner:** Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at dissolving hair and other organic matter that is causing the clog. However, chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes, so it is important to use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
#### **If the clog is caused by soap scum:**
* **Use a vinegar and baking soda solution:** Vinegar and baking soda can help to dissolve soap scum and other mineral deposits that are causing the clog. To use this method, pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of baking soda to the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
* **Use a commercial soap scum remover:** Commercial soap scum removers can be effective at dissolving soap scum and other mineral deposits that are causing the clog. To use a commercial soap scum remover, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
#### **If the clog is caused by mineral deposits:**
* **Use a vinegar and baking soda solution:** Vinegar and baking soda can help to dissolve mineral deposits that are causing the clog. To use this method, pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of baking soda to the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
* **Use a commercial mineral deposit remover:** Commercial mineral deposit removers can be effective at dissolving mineral deposits that are causing the clog. To use a commercial mineral deposit remover, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
### If You Can’t Fix the Clog Yourself
If you have tried all of the above methods and you still cannot fix the clog, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to diagnose and fix the clog.