## How to Unclog Kitchen Sink Pipes: A Comprehensive Guide
The kitchen sink is one of the most heavily used fixtures in any home, and it’s prone to clogging from a variety of factors, including food scraps, grease, and hair. When your kitchen sink gets clogged, it can be a major inconvenience, but it’s usually a relatively easy problem to fix yourself. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to unclog kitchen sink pipes:
### Preparation
**Materials you’ll need:**
* Plunger
* Baking soda
* Vinegar
* Hot water
* Drain snake
* Plumber’s auger
**Safety precautions:**
* Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with drain cleaning chemicals.
* Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.
* If you’re not comfortable working with plumbing tools, call a plumber.
### Step 1: Remove the Standing Water
* Start by removing as much standing water from the sink as possible. You can do this by using a cup or bowl to scoop out the water.
* If the water is too deep to scoop out, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it.
### Step 2: Try the Plunger
* Place the plunger over the drain hole and fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
* Pump the plunger up and down vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
* Repeat until the clog is cleared.
### Step 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar
* Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
* Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
* Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes.
* Flush the drain with hot water.
### Step 4: Hot Water
* Boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain.
* Repeat several times.
### Step 5: Drain Snake
* If the previous methods don’t work, you can try using a drain snake.
* Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to feed the snake into the pipe.
* Once you feel resistance, continue turning the handle to loosen the clog.
* Pull the snake out and flush the drain with hot water.
### Step 6: Plumber’s Auger
* If the drain snake doesn’t work, you can try using a plumber’s auger.
* Insert the auger into the drain and turn the handle to feed the auger into the pipe.
* Continue turning the handle until you feel resistance.
* Apply downward pressure and continue turning the handle to break up the clog.
* Pull the auger out and flush the drain with hot water.
### Step 7: Call a Plumber
* If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the clog is still not cleared, it’s time to call a plumber.
* A plumber will have the tools and experience to clear the clog quickly and efficiently.
### Preventative Measures
To prevent your kitchen sink from clogging in the future, follow these tips:
* Dispose of food scraps in the trash, not the sink.
* Pour grease into a can and dispose of it in the trash.
* Install a hair catcher in the drain.
* Run hot water down the drain once a week to flush out any grease or debris.
By following these tips, you can keep your kitchen sink pipes clear and clog-free.