What to do when your kitchen sink won’t drain
If your kitchen sink is not draining properly, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself before calling a plumber;
Check the strainer
The first thing you should do is check the strainer in the sink․ The strainer is a small, mesh screen that is located in the drain hole․ It is designed to catch food and other debris that could clog the drain․ If the strainer is clogged, it can prevent water from draining properly․ To clean the strainer, simply remove it from the sink and rinse it with water․
Use a plunger
If the strainer is not clogged, you can try using a plunger to clear the drain․ A plunger is a rubber cup that is attached to a stick․ To use a plunger, place the cup over the drain hole and push and pull the stick up and down․ This will create suction that can help to dislodge any clogs in the drain․
Snake the drain
If the plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake․ A drain snake is a long, flexible cable that is designed to be inserted into the drain and used to break up clogs․ To use a drain snake, insert the cable into the drain hole and turn the handle on the snake․ This will cause the cable to rotate and break up any clogs in the drain․
Check the strainer
The first thing you should do when your kitchen sink won’t drain is to check the strainer․ The strainer is a small, mesh screen that is located in the drain hole․ It is designed to catch food and other debris that could clog the drain․ If the strainer is clogged, it can prevent water from draining properly․
To clean the strainer, simply remove it from the sink and rinse it with water․ Be sure to check both the top and bottom of the strainer, as debris can collect on both sides․
Once you have cleaned the strainer, reinsert it into the drain hole and run water into the sink to test the drainage․ If the water still does not drain properly, you may need to try one of the other methods described below․
Here are some additional tips for checking the strainer⁚
- If the strainer is difficult to remove, you can use a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose․
- If the strainer is badly clogged, you may need to soak it in a solution of hot water and vinegar before rinsing it․
- It is a good idea to clean the strainer regularly, even if it is not clogged, to prevent clogs from forming․
Use a plunger
If the strainer is not clogged, you can try using a plunger to clear the drain․ A plunger is a rubber cup that is attached to a stick․ To use a plunger, place the cup over the drain hole and push and pull the stick up and down․ This will create suction that can help to dislodge any clogs in the drain․
Here are some additional tips for using a plunger⁚
- Make sure that the plunger is the right size for your sink․ The cup of the plunger should be large enough to cover the drain hole completely․
- Fill the sink with enough water to cover the cup of the plunger․
- Place the cup of the plunger over the drain hole and push and pull the stick up and down vigorously․ Be sure to create a good seal between the cup and the drain hole․
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times until the clog is cleared․
If the plunger does not work, you may need to try one of the other methods described below․
Caution⁚ Do not use a plunger on a sink that has a garbage disposal․ The garbage disposal could be damaged by the suction created by the plunger․
Snake the drain
If the plunger does not work, you can try using a drain snake․ A drain snake is a long, flexible cable that is designed to be inserted into the drain and used to break up clogs․ To use a drain snake, insert the cable into the drain hole and turn the handle on the snake․ This will cause the cable to rotate and break up any clogs in the drain․
Here are some additional tips for using a drain snake⁚
- Make sure that the drain snake is the right size for your drain․ The cable of the snake should be long enough to reach the clog․
- Insert the cable into the drain hole and turn the handle on the snake clockwise․ This will cause the cable to rotate and break up the clog․
- Continue turning the handle on the snake until the clog is cleared․
- Once the clog is cleared, remove the snake from the drain․
Caution⁚ Do not use a drain snake on a sink that has a garbage disposal․ The garbage disposal could be damaged by the snake․
If the drain snake does not work, you may need to try one of the other methods described below․
Use a chemical drain cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners are a quick and easy way to clear clogs, but they can also be harsh on your pipes․ If you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully․
Here are some additional tips for using a chemical drain cleaner⁚
- Make sure that the drain cleaner is appropriate for the type of clog you have․ Some drain cleaners are designed for hair clogs, while others are designed for grease clogs․
- Pour the drain cleaner into the drain and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the package․ Do not leave the drain cleaner in the drain for longer than the recommended amount of time․
- Flush the drain with hot water after using the drain cleaner․ This will help to remove any remaining drain cleaner from the pipes․
Caution⁚ Do not use a chemical drain cleaner on a sink that has a garbage disposal․ The garbage disposal could be damaged by the drain cleaner․
If the chemical drain cleaner does not work, you may need to try one of the other methods described below․
Warning⁚ Chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous if they are not used properly․ Be sure to read and follow the directions on the package carefully․ Keep drain cleaners out of reach of children and pets․
