## Clogged Kitchen Sink: Causes and Solutions
A clogged kitchen sink is a common household problem that can be both frustrating and unsanitary. The good news is that it is typically a relatively easy problem to fix. By following a few simple steps, you can unclog your sink and get it working properly again in no time.
### Causes of a Clogged Kitchen Sink
There are several common causes of a clogged kitchen sink, including:
* **Food buildup:** Food scraps, grease, and other debris can accumulate in your sink drain over time, causing a blockage.
* **Hair:** Hair can also clog your sink drain, especially if you have long hair.
* **Soap scum:** Soap scum can build up on the sides of your sink drain and eventually cause a blockage.
* **Hard water minerals:** Hard water minerals can also build up in your sink drain and cause a blockage.
* **Foreign objects:** Small objects, such as toys, jewelry, or pieces of food, can get stuck in your sink drain and cause a blockage.
### How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
There are several different methods you can use to unclog a kitchen sink. The best method will depend on the cause of the clog.
**If the clog is caused by food buildup:**
1. Remove the drain stopper and any visible debris from the drain.
2. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
3. Wait 10 minutes and then turn on the hot water to flush out the drain.
**If the clog is caused by hair:**
1. Remove the drain stopper and any visible hair from the drain.
2. Snake the drain with a plumber’s snake.
3. Flush the drain with hot water.
**If the clog is caused by soap scum:**
1. Remove the drain stopper and any visible soap scum from the drain.
2. Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain.
3. Wait 10 minutes and then flush the drain with hot water.
**If the clog is caused by hard water minerals:**
1. Remove the drain stopper and any visible mineral buildup from the drain.
2. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain.
3. Wait 10 minutes and then pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain.
4. Wait 10 minutes and then flush the drain with hot water.
**If the clog is caused by a foreign object:**
1. Remove the drain stopper and any visible debris from the drain.
2. Use a flashlight to look down the drain and locate the foreign object.
3. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a coat hanger to remove the foreign object.
### How to Prevent a Clogged Kitchen Sink
There are several things you can do to prevent a clogged kitchen sink, including:
* **Dispose of food scraps properly.** Do not pour grease or food scraps down the drain. Instead, scrape them into the trash can.
* **Brush your hair before you shower.** This will help to prevent hair from getting into the drain.
* **Use a drain strainer.** A drain strainer will help to catch food scraps and other debris before they can enter the drain.
* **Clean your sink drain regularly.** Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain once a week to help dissolve soap scum and mineral buildup.
### When to Call a Plumber
If you have tried the above methods and you are still unable to unclog your sink, it is time to call a plumber. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to unclog your sink quickly and efficiently.