It’s a common problem. You open the faucet to run water at the kitchen sink, only to be dismayed to see that it is not draining. Now, your day has come to a crashing halt. You have to stop cooking or doing dishes, disrupting your already busy schedule.

Kitchen sink clogs are typically caused by items that should have gone into the compost bin or trash, such as coffee grounds, grease, and eggshells that garbage disposal struggles to destroy.

We can sympathize with your situation! Here are tips to help you unclog your drain, along with advice on preventing the kitchen sink from getting backed up again.

How to Unclog Your Kitchen Drain

Here is the order in which to try different methods for clearing the drain:

• Run hot water and turn on the garbage disposal for a short while (60-120 seconds (verify that it’s getting power).
• Hit the reset button on the garbage disposal if it didn’t run when you turned it on.
• Use a sink plunger, positioning it so it makes a tight seal as you plunge it multiple times, listening for the telltale sound of suction.
• Boil hot water and pour it down the drain carefully to avoid splashing your skin.
• Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda and pour it into the drain.
• If you’re comfortable removing the trap, you can attempt to employ a snake.

If these attempts do not unclog the drain, it will be time to call your preferred plumber, J.W. Freeman Plumbing for assistance.

Preventative Measures to Make Sure You Keep the Drain Unclogged

Once you’ve gone through the effort to unclog a drain, you’ll be motivated to keep it clear, going forward.

• Refrain from putting egg shells, coffee grounds, and grease in the sink and instead, dispose of this material in the trash or compost it.
• Always run hot water after using the sink to promote an open drain.

Is Your Kitchen Drain Still Not Cooperating?

Since we first began providing plumbing services in Gainesville and the surrounding community back in 2008, we’ve received many calls from homeowners who need help with a clogged drain.

Usually, homeowners can take care of routine kitchen drain clogs on their own with the steps we’ve outlined above. But if your drain is still backed up, there’s no need to fret. The professionals from J.W. Freeman Plumbing are standing by to assist. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.