Every homeowner is eventually confronted with a clogged kitchen sink, so it’s a good idea to know some basic drain cleaning strategies. Removing blockages is a simple process most of the time, but it’s not always a problem you can solve without professional assistance. Don’t hesitate to contact a plumber if you can’t easily resolve the clog on your own as it could slide further down your home’s system and impede water flow for the entire home.
Use A Plunger
Plungers are a must-have for dealing with toilet clogs, and they work great for sinks and other drains as well. Be sure to handle the plunger gently as the pipes and fixtures connected to the sink may be more delicate than those for a toilet. Breaking the clog up manually may seem like a basic measure, but it can actually be more effective than expensive drain cleaning chemicals for many blockages. Don’t continue using the plunger if it doesn’t produce results after several tries, excessive usage can push the material further down making it more difficult to fix.
Run Hot Water
While this technique is not useful when the kitchen sink is completely clogged, it can help break up a partial blockage and get the flow back to normal. Grease, butter and other lipid-heavy substances can gradually coat the inside of the drain and pipes over time. Running a steady flow of hot water breaks up this kind of material, allowing it to flow smoothly through the system. Some homeowners also use a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda to break up clogs in their kitchen plumbing.
Know When To Call A Professional
For some types of clogs, it’s more affordable to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible rather than procrastinate a fix. Clogs can contribute to pipe breaks and sewer line obstruction when left unaddressed, and fixing either issue is much more expensive than a simple drain cleaning. Professional domestic plumbing technicians, like the professionals at Moon Valley Plumbing, are equipped with an armory of specialized tools that can dispatch blockages with ease.
The key to being a happy and successful homeowner is to know how to handle basic problems safely, but also know when to look for help. Keeping your plumbing system in good shape requires observation, a little elbow grease and occasional help from professional technicians. Don’t hesitate to contact a local plumbing service provider to request an estimate, so you can make an informed decision about your property.
