Unclogging a double kitchen sink with standing water is the worst nightmare of every homeowner, creating chaos and inconvenience while trying to do everyday kitchen tasks. If you’re searching for ways to unclog it without calling in professional plumbers or resorting to harsh chemicals, look no further. Here you’ll find plenty of tips that can help unclog it!
This article will guide you through several simple, tried-and-tested solutions for clearing clogged sinks permanently.
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Why Are My Double Kitchen Sinks Clogged?
Before discussing how to unclog a double kitchen sink, let’s first explore why it might have happened in the first place. When working in a kitchen, food scraps, grease and soap tend to end up down the drain – eventually building up into blockages! Double sinks present additional challenges: both basins share one drain line; therefore if one side becomes blocked it can affect both!
Here are a few common culprits behind double sink clogs:
Food waste: Any tiny food debris rinsed from dishes may collect in your pipes, eventually becoming lodged there and eventually blocking drains entirely. Grease and oil: When cleaning pots and pans with grease on them, that grease may solidify in the drain causing further issues in your system.
Soap can leave behind a sticky residue in the form of soap scum that clings to the insides of pipes and causes blockages, and foreign objects may enter through your drain and become lodged there, blocking its path.
Now that we understand what causes the issue, let’s consider ways we can combat it.
How to Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink with Standing Water
Are both basins overflowing with standing water, or just one? In either case, follow these methods to help the excess liquid drain off more effectively and restore drain ability.
1. Boil Water until it starts bubbling
Before investing in expensive tools, why not give this quick and simple method a try first? Sometimes the solution lies within our grasp – for instance, if the clog appears to be caused by grease or soap buildup in the drain, pour boiling water down it instead!
Here’s how: Boil a kettle full of water. Slowly pour this hot water down the clogged side of your sink. Allow it to sit for five to ten minutes before seeing if this solution helps clear away grease or soap residue build-up.
If the water starts draining away, that could be your solution! But if not, don’t fret: We have more solutions in store!
2. Plungers Can Be the Answer
Have a plunger handy? This classic tool could be just what is necessary for clearing away kitchen sink clogs effectively.
Here is how it should go:
COVER THE OVERSPILL HOLE: Most double sinks come equipped with an overflow hole; leaving it open will prevent adequate suction from your double sink, so use a damp cloth to block it off and ensure proper suction is maintained.
Plunging Like a Pro: Place the plunger firmly over the drain and give several strong pushes; pull up quickly to create suction, and push down quickly after each pull to create suction, repeat this several times until water begins to drain away – and if that occurs then your work should be complete!
If the sink remains blocked, alternative approaches might be required to clear it out.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Are A Natural Remedy
Baking soda and vinegar is an eco-friendly old-school trick that’s both effective and eco-friendly; this combination provides an effective natural alternative to harsh chemicals that can help break down blockages caused by grease, soap scum or food buildup.
Simply follow these simple steps: Pour one cup of baking soda down your clogged drain.
After pouring one cup of white vinegar directly after, you should see bubbles and fizzing appear – this is an encouraging sign! Finally, cover the drain with cloth or plug to prevent further fizzing in its pipe system.
Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to break down any debris, then pour boiling water down the drain to flush everything away.
Repeat this process if your clog persists – you might be amazed how well this simple solution works! You might even be impressed at how effective this simple concoction is!
4. Test P-Trap Underneath
If your sink still won’t drain, take a look at its P-trap. This curved pipe under your sink may become blocked with food scraps or debris from time to time and needs to be cleared out to ensure proper functioning.
Here’s how you can clean it:
To catch any water or debris that might leak out from underneath the P-trap, place a bucket or large bowl below it.
Then use a wrench to unscrew its nuts for easy removal from its sockets.
Carefully take apart and inspect the trap to check for clogs. If any buildup exists, clean it away using a brush or even wire hangers to get at any deposits that may form. Reassemble P-trap securely after tightening down securely before testing sink by running water through to see if drains properly.
If you feel uncertain of yourself in taking this task on yourself, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance – though most can manage with patience.
5. Try Using a Drain Snake or Auger
Depending on the severity of the blockage, a drain snake or auger might be your best bet in clearing it away. Its extended reach will reach further into pipes to break up stubborn blockages that a plunger or homemade remedy cannot.
Here’s how it works: Insert the drain snake into your drain and begin turning its handle until resistance appears indicating you’ve reached a clog. Gently push or twist it to break up any blockages.
Once cleared, pull out and dispose of the snake, as well as run hot water through to flush all debris away.
If you don’t already own one, renting one is often available from hardware stores; otherwise if this step doesn’t solve the issue you could turn to professional plumbers for assistance.
6. Know When to Contact a Plumber
Once you’ve tried all available DIY solutions and your sink remains clogged after taking all appropriate measures, or if any of the steps outlined are too complicated or uncomfortable for you, it may be necessary to bring in professional assistance. In extreme cases, such as when broken pipes cause severe obstruction in a home’s plumbing system or deep obstruction needs expert intervention to resolve.
An experienced plumber can quickly assess and resolve the issue at hand to restore full working condition to your sink.
READ MORE: How to unclog a kitchen sink with disposal
How to Prevent Future Clogs in Your Double Kitchen Sink
Once you’ve cleared out your sink, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are a few tips for preventing future clogs:
Don’t pour grease down the drain: As grease solidifies as it cools, it becomes one of the primary sources of blockages in drains. Always dispose of grease by throwing it into the trash can instead.
Use a drain catcher: These simple devices can catch food scraps before they enter the drain, helping prevent food waste from ending up down the toilet. Its Wash with hot water after each use to help flush away soap scum or grease build-up before it has the chance to accumulate in your system.
Regularly Clear Your Drain: For best results, regularly flush hot water down your drain or use baking soda and vinegar as a means of maintaining its optimal performance. This should keep things running smoothly.
FAQs
1. Why am I seeing standing water in my double kitchen sink?
Standing water indicates something is clogging your pipes; this could be food debris, grease build-up or soap scum accumulation in either basin; otherwise it likely lies with the shared drainpipe and its pipes.
2. Can chemical drain cleaners work to fix my kitchen sink?
Chemical drain cleaners may work, but they’re often not the best choice – as they can damage pipes over time as well as being detrimental to the environment. Therefore, natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar or using a plunger might be preferable first.
3. How Can I Prevent Clogs in the Future?
To avoid future clogs, avoid pouring grease and food scraps down the drain. Install a drain catcher, run hot water regularly, and clean out your drain every month to keep things flowing smoothly.
