How to UNCLOG a KITCHEN SINK Guaranteed | DIY Plumbing, by Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education on YouTube. 12 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put on rubber gloves and place a bucket under the sink trap. Spread old towels on the cabinet floor to catch dirty water.
Fill the sink with a few inches of water. If the water drains slowly, the clog is likely in the trap or tailpiece near the sink.
Seal the second bowl with its stopper or a wet rag. Press a cup plunger over the drain and pump up and down about 15 to 20 times.
If the water still stands, loosen the slip nuts on both sides of the P-trap with pliers. Slide the trap off and empty it into the bucket.
Clean the trap and the tailpiece with a bottle brush or a bent wire. Check the washers and replace any that are cracked.
Reassemble the trap by hand, then snug the slip nuts with pliers. Do not overtighten them or the plastic will crack.
If the clog remains, feed a drain snake into the pipe that goes into the wall. Turn the handle as you push until you feel the blockage.
Crank the snake through the clog, then pull it back slowly and wipe it with a rag. Run hot water for a minute to flush the line.
Tips and common mistakes
Never pour chemical drain cleaner into a sink you plan to open, since it can splash and burn your skin.
Skip the trap if you have a garbage disposal, and check the disposal first.
Run hot water for 30 seconds after every greasy dish load to keep fat from building up.
If several drains in the house are slow, the clog is in the main line and you should call a plumber.
Questions
Can I use a plunger if I have a double sink?
Yes. Seal the other bowl tightly with its stopper or a wet rag so the pressure goes down the clogged drain instead of up the second bowl.
Why does my sink keep clogging?
Grease, coffee grounds and food scraps build up on the pipe walls over time. Wipe grease into the bin and use a strainer in the drain.
When should I call a plumber?
Call one if the snake will not clear the line, if water backs up in other fixtures, or if you find a leak you cannot stop.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
