## How to Properly Snake a Kitchen Sink
**Introduction**
A clogged kitchen sink is a common household problem that can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix. If you’re dealing with a clogged sink, there are a few steps you can take to try to clear the clog yourself before calling a plumber. One of the most effective methods for unclogging a kitchen sink is to use a snake.
Snaking a kitchen sink is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your sink or pipes. In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly snake a kitchen sink.
**Materials You’ll Need**
* Drain snake
* Bucket
* Gloves
* Rags
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prepare the area.** Start by clearing away any items from under the sink. This will give you room to work and prevent you from accidentally knocking anything over.
2. **Locate the drain.** The drain is typically located in the center of the sink basin. There may be a removable strainer that you need to take out.
3. **Insert the snake into the drain.** Feed the snake into the drain opening. If the snake is too long, you can coil the excess around the base of the sink.
4. **Turn the snake clockwise.** As you feed the snake into the drain, turn it clockwise to help it move through the pipes.
5. **Feed the snake down the drain.** Continue feeding the snake down the drain until you feel resistance. This means that you have reached the clog.
6. **Break up the clog.** Once you have reached the clog, use the snake to break it up. You can do this by turning the snake back and forth or by pushing and pulling on it.
7. **Pull the snake out of the drain.** Once the clog has been broken up, slowly pull the snake out of the drain. Be careful not to drop the clog back into the drain.
8. **Flush the drain.** Run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
9. **Clean up.** Wipe down the sink and the area around it to remove any water or debris.
**Tips for Snaking a Kitchen Sink**
* Use a drain snake that is the appropriate size for your sink. A snake that is too small won’t be able to reach the clog, and a snake that is too large could damage your pipes.
* Turn the snake clockwise as you feed it into the drain. This will help it move through the pipes more easily.
* If you encounter resistance, don’t force the snake. This could damage your pipes. Instead, gently turn the snake back and forth to break up the clog.
* Be patient. It may take some time to break up the clog. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.
* If you can’t clear the clog yourself, call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and experience to clear the clog quickly and safely.
## Preventing Clogged Kitchen Sinks
The best way to avoid clogged kitchen sinks is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
* Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and clog your pipes.
* Dispose of food scraps in the trash, not the sink. Food scraps can build up in your pipes and cause clogs.
* Use a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris. This will prevent it from getting into your pipes and clogging them.
* Clean your sink regularly. This will help to remove any buildup that could lead to clogs.
**Conclusion**
Snaking a kitchen sink is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your sink or pipes. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and effectively clear a clogged kitchen sink.