Kitchen Drains & Unclogging Them

Chapter 4

The Draining Experience
A stopped kitchen sink drain isn't just an inconvenience; it can sometimes be an emergency. That's why it's always best to prevent clogs before they happen. The plumbing and rain experts at Master Plumbing and Leak Detection offer tried and true ways to troubleshooting problems with your kitchen drain. They also suggest some ways you can unclog your kitchen sink without turning it into a case of "drain surgery".

Targeting the Problem
Be alert to the warning signs of a sluggish drain. It's easier to open a drain that is slowing down than one that is stopped completely.

Run or pour scalding water down teh drain to break up grease buildups. If hot water doesn't unclog the drain, there could be some object in the drain. To check, remove and thoroughly clean the sink pop-up stopper or strainer. Determine if the clog is close to the sink by checking the other drains in your home. If more than one won't clear, something is stuck in the main drain. The most effective way to clear a clog is with a plumber's snake. You also can try using a plunger or a chemical drain.

The kitchen sink is one of the most frequently used drains in your home. Due to such havy use, it's also the drain most likely to develop a problem.

Common Causes:

Food Sludge build-up from a combination of grease, soap, and certain food particles Disposer Old drains or pipes

Recommended Solutions:

Open by cabling Clean by jetting

Recommended Prevention:

Treat with degreaser or enzymes

Clearing Drains with a Plunger
The plunger is a good drain-clearing tool, but it often fails to work because it is incorrectly used. Don't make the typical mistake of pumping up and down two or three times, expecting the water to whoosh down the drain. Though no great expertise is needed to use this simple tool, here are a few tips to guide you:

	Choose a plunger with a suction cup large enough to cover the drain opening completely. Fill the clogged fixture with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Coat the rim of plunger cup with petroleum jelly to ensure a tight seal. Block off all other outlets (the overflow, second drain in a double sink, adjacent fixtures) with wet rags./li> Insert the plunger into the water at an angle so no air remains trapped under it. Use 15 to 20 forceful strokes, holding the plunger upright and pumping vigorously. Repeat the process two or three times before giving up.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Though routine use of chemical drain cleaners prevent clogs may eventually damage your pipes, these cleaners can be helpful in opening clogged drains. If water is draining somewhat, but plunging has failed to open the drain completely, you may want to try using a drain cleaner. Whenever you use chemicals, do so with caution and in a well ventilated room. Be sure to take these precautions: Never use a plunger if a chemical cleaner is present in the drain; you may risk splashing caustic water on yourself. Wear rubber gloves to prevent the chemical fro burning your skin. Don't use a chemical cleaner if the blockage is total, especially if the fixture is filled with water. It won't clear the blockage and you'll face another problem - how to get rid of the caustic water. Never use a chemical cleaner in a garbage disposal. Read labels and be sure to match the cleaner to the type of clog. Alkalis cut grease. Acids dissolve soap and hair.
Safety Tip Don't mix chemicals. Mixing an acid and an alkali cleaner can cause an explosion. Don't look down the drain after pouring a chemical. The solution often boils up and give off toxic fumes.
Don't have time for such a draining experience? Have an aversion to plungers and chemicals? Schedule an appoint with Master Plumbing and Leak Detection.
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