Unclogging a double kitchen sink can be a messy process and pouring boiling water into the drain may make the problem worse. There are several possible causes, follow these five steps in order if applicable and it may be possible to unclog the sink. If this approach doesn’t work, contact your local plumber because there may be an underlying problem to fix.
Step 1: Reset the Garbage Disposal
If the garbage disposal has stopped running there may be an overheating problem. Turn the switch off and then on again and this may clear the clog. To minimize future problems, avoid placing things like eggshells, coffee grounds and bones in the disposal.
Step 2: The Cup Plunger
The next step is to use a simple cup plunger to unclog the sink. This is a double sink, so it will be necessary to block one of the drains with a rag or a second plunger. Remove the standing water first, fill the sink to the ¼ level with warm water and place the plunger over the drain. Then move the plunger up and down to change the pressure in the drain line to force the clog apart and you may need to repeat this process a few times.
Step 3: Baking Soda and White Vinegar
You can make your own DIY chemical drain cleaning mixture with store cupboard ingredients. This approach is kind on you and your pipes, this is an effective cleaning method with strong deodorizing properties. To start, remove any standing water and pour a cup of baking soda in the drain. Follow with a cup of white vinegar and leave the mix to fizz and sit for at least 15 minutes. When you return, pour a jug of hot (not boiling) water in the drain and you can repeat the entire process if it doesn’t work the first time.
Step 4: Baking Soda and Salt
This is an alternative to the baking soda and white vinegar method shown above. Remove the standing water, make the mixture in a bowl with a cup of baking soda and a ½ cup of salt. Pour the dry mixture in the drain and leave it to sit for 4-6 hours or overnight. When you’re ready, flush the drain with hot (not boiling) water and the drain may run as normal. This method can be used for tougher clogs that the baking soda and white vinegar method is struggling to remove.
Step 5: Use a Plumbing Snake
This is a flexible tool that’s fed into the drain until it comes into contact with the drain clog. Then a crank on the handle is turned and a drill bit at the other end breaks the clog apart. Some parts of the clog may come up into the sink and other parts may drain away. When you pick up drain clog material wear rubber gloves because it will be coated with bacteria.
If these five steps don’t clear the drain clog there may be an underlying issue to fix. Contact your local professional plumber and they can fix the problem for you.
