15 Reasons Why Your Drain Is Clogged
- Hair. It usually starts as a small, almost unnoticeable blockage. ...
- Objects. The wide variety of objects that we’ve found in the pipes of people’s homes would surprise you. ...
- Fat, Oil, and Grease. ...
- Food. ...
- Feminine Hygiene Products. ...
- Flushable Wipes. ...
- Combinations. ...
- Leaks. ...
- Overload. ...
- Undersized. ...
Full Answer
How to clear a clogged drain in 7 easy ways?
How To Unclog Your Kitchen Sink In 7 Easy Ways
- Take off clog with baking soda, vinegar, and salt. If you don’t start fixing something until it becomes severe, here is an effective solution: baking soda, vinegar, and salt.
- Salt and boiling water. Salt and boiling water is another lighter solution if the clog has just started to form or it’s not even serious.
- Vinegar and boiling soda. ...
What to do when your kitchen sink won't drain?
How to fix kitchen sink drain problems (Step by step)
- Make a drainage solution. Mix 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar. ...
- Pour the solution into the drain. Quickly pour the entire amount of solution into the drain. ...
- Wait 5 minutes. Give the solution time to clean the drain.
- Rinse with warm water. Unscrew the faucet and rinse the solution with warm or hot water. ...
How to unclog a stubborn kitchen sink drain?
- Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar.
- Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening.
- Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear ...
How to clear a clogged drain with vinegar?
Tips for Preventing Shower Clogs
- Put a drain screen or tub strainer over the shower drain to catch loose hairs. ...
- Brush your hair before you get in the shower.
- Pour a kettle of boiling water down your metal pipes, a little at a time, about once a week. ...
- Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda in a heat-resistant cup and pour it down the drain once a month.
How do you unclog a kitchen main drain?
Kitchen sink not draining? Here are 6 ways to unclog itAttack with boiling water. ... Check the garbage disposal. ... Plunge away the blockage. ... Break it down with baking soda and vinegar. ... Try the plumber's snake. ... Clean the P-trap.
What causes kitchen drain to clog?
Kitchen sink clogs are usually caused by food. Food washed off of plates and down the drain can become trapped in the pipe system under the sink. Sinks usually have what's known as a P- or J-trap that catches larger items to keep them out of the rest of the pipe system in your home.
Why is only my kitchen sink clogged?
Cooking fat or grease, which coat the inside of the drain and narrow the passageway. Starches such as rice, pasta, or potatoes in quantities more than a quarter-cup or so, which turn into a swollen, sticky mess inside the pipes. Stringy, fibrous foods such as celery, which can entangle garbage disposal blades.
How do you unclog a kitchen drain fast and cheap?
0:521:46How To Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain (Fast and Cheap Method) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they're safe and wait for it to go down dead boy two kilograms of water and remove it from heatMoreAnd they're safe and wait for it to go down dead boy two kilograms of water and remove it from heat as soon as it starts bubbling then slowly pour the hot water down the drain.
Can plunging make a clog worse?
Attempting to force a clog through a toilet with a plunger can often make the problem worse. Instead, create a seal and slowly push down on the plunger before pulling it back sharply. The suction can help pull the clog back up toward the bowl, breaking the blockage and allowing gravity to take over.
Why might boiling water help clear a clogged drain?
Try Using Boiling Water to Fix a Clogged Sink Pouring a pot of boiling water directly down the drain into the trap may dissolve the clog, especially if it consists of soap scum or grease.
Can I use Drano in my kitchen sink?
You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.
What if drain snake doesn't work?
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake. A drain auger (snake) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.
What is the best homemade drain cleaner?
Baking Soda and Vinegar This combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar may be one of the best homemade drain cleaners around. First, if you want to unclog a tub or sink drain, pull out the stopper so that you can access the drain. Then, slowly pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
What is the average cost to unclog a drain?
Nationwide, the average cost to clean a clogged drain is $130-$180. This covers both the cost to find the clog and clear the drain. Most plumbing companies will charge a flat rate of $50 - $150 to come out, which also covers the first hour of work.
What will dissolve hair in drain?
Combining baking soda and vinegar is a natural way to dissolve hair clogs, without resorting to harsh chemicals. Pour a cup of baking soda down the clogged drain first, and then after a few minutes add a cup of vinegar.
How do you unclog a deep clogged?
Pour boiling hot water down the drain. This can dissolve mildew, slime, soap scum, and other similar clogs. Put half a cup of baking soda in the drain, then pour half a cup of vinegar down after it. Let this mixture sit for an hour, and then check the drain.
Can you pour vinegar down the drain?
Vinegar. Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
What do you do when your drain Unblocker doesn't work?
The mixture of baking soda, salt, and hot water can remove some stubborn grime and dust and will unblock the drain....4. Solution of Salt and baking sodaMix ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of table salt.Pour inside the clogged drain.Let it sit for half an hour.Clear the pipe by pouring boiling water.
Why does my kitchen sink have a P trap?
The p-trap curves to hold a little water in order to block sewer gases from rising back up through your drain. Unfortunately, however, it occasionally becomes an obstacle certain objects just can’t pass. If your kitchen sink keeps clogging or drains very slowly, there’s a chance something’s stuck in your p-trap.
How to get a p trap out of a sink?
If your kitchen sink keeps clogging or drains very slowly, there’s a chance something’s stuck in your p-trap. Put on some gloves, grab a bucket, and remove the p-trap carefully. Most p-traps have fasteners that can be twisted loose by hand, but you may need a wrench. Expect some dirty water to fall out when you turn it. Check the inside of the p-trap for either objects or buildup, and then clean it out thoroughly.
What happens when you pour coffee grounds?
Think about what happens when you pour water over grounds when you make your coffee. They absorb water, clump up together, and get sticky. This is exactly what they do in your pipes, too. Like FOG, coffee grounds can get stuck to the sides of your pipes and congeal, forming the basis for future clogs.
Can coffee grounds be thrown down the sink?
Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should neither dump grounds down your sink nor even allow them to drain accidentally. Once they’re in your pipes, coffee grounds can collect over time to make particularly stubborn and pervasive clogging problems–especially if they catch other particles on their way down. The problem with coffee grounds has to do with what happens when they get wet.
Can a kitchen sink clog?
Luckily, no matter what these issues may be, you have options. If you can’t seem to isolate and correct your clog problem, you can always call the experts at Ben Franklin Plumbing.
Can FOG get stuck in drain?
For one thing, they’re sticky. FOG rarely makes it all the way down your drain; instead, they tend to get stuck to the sides of your drains partway through.
Can you flush a clogged kitchen drain with FOG?
Hard FOG can restrict or even completely block waterflow. Plunging can clear out the worst of a FOG clog, but it usually can’t blast the residue from the pipe walls. The next time you flush a little more FOG, it’l stick to the remaining residue and form the clog again. Avoiding these clogs is simple: never pour fats, oils, or greases into your kitchen drain again!
Why is my drain clogged?
The information here will help you diagnose your current and future drain-related issues. 1. Hair. It usually starts as a small, almost unnoticeable blockage. And then slowly works its way up as more hair builds on itself inside the pipes.
Why does my water pipe clog?
What usually causes the clogging in these situations is sagging pipes. The joints come loose with age, the pipe drops, and then loose water erodes the soil.
Why are leaves blocking my yard?
Blockages can be caused by rocks, dirt, sticks, and leaves that enter the system through underground areas. Leaves are especially good at clogging drains. It’s almost impossible for water to break them up. Do not let them travel into the storm drain when clearing your yard of leaves.
What is the purpose of drains?
The drains and pipes in our homes and workplaces are made for mainly two different purposes. Some for water and some for waste disposal. But one thing they all have in common is the tendency to get clogged. Sometimes a clogged drain isn’t a big deal and is easily fixed. Other times it can be a much larger problem.
What is the common ingredient in hair products that make them susceptible to clogging?
One of the common ingredients in these products that make them susceptible to clogging is phosphate. If the packaging says phosphates on it, it’s going to be prone to clogging drains.
What happens when a new owner adds plumbing to a house?
What usually happens is that a new owner of a home will add onto it without considering the plumbing. You have to compensate for this. Not only that, but we’ve seen homes where it’s clear an inexperienced technician “addressed” the pipes.
Can you know if your plumbing is clogged?
It’s hard to know if you live in a home that is susceptible to clog via an undersized pipe system. Especially if you’re not the first owner of the home. It’s hard to find out what kind of past your home’s plumbing system has had.
How to get rid of a clogged drain with Drano?
If products like Drano Kitchen Granules Clog Remover haven't worked, you can make a homemade drain cleaner from products you probably have right at home. Pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed five minutes later by 1 cup of vinegar, is often an effective solution to clogs caused by grease or soapy buildup.
How to unclog a drain with a plunger?
Place the base of the plunger flat against the drain surface and plunge up and down several times to create a vacuum that unclogs the drain. Before plunging make sure there is no Drano in the kitchen sink, as this could splash back on you or your clothing. For future clogs, it's usually best to try plunging first before pouring Drano Kitchen ...
Why is my sink clogged?
There are many possible causes for a clog in a kitchen sink, including grease and certain foods. No matter what's causing the clog, the first step for many people is to pour Drano in the kitchen sink. When that isn't working, there are other options to get that drain cleared. Advertisement.
What to do if Drano is not working?
Using a Plunger. If Drano is not working, you can try a plunger. Many people don't realize that there are different kinds of plungers. A sink plunger has a cup-shaped rubber cut and will not work well in a toilet, while a toilet plunger has a bell-sized cup and won't work as well in a sink, according to Toilet Advisors.
What is a snake in a sink?
A snake is a flexible cable that is pushed down the drain until it reaches the clog. The snake spins around, working its way through the clog. If the clog is located after the sink trap, you can remove the trap plug or the entire trap. You'll have fewer bends to get past, making it easier to reach the clog.
Can you use store bought drano in the sink?
But you shouldn't use homemade products with store-bought chemicals. If you recently poured Drano in the kitchen sink, or left Drano in the sink overnight, clear it up or wait until it drains through before putting anything else in the drain. Mixing chemicals is never a good idea. Advertisement.
Can you use a snake to pour Drano?
This is a common area for clogs and the obstruction can often be hooked and removed with the coat hanger. As with plunging, it's easier and safer to use a snake or coat hanger before pouring Drano in the kitchen sink. Gary Sprague is a retired master plumber who now works as a writer.
How to prevent clogs in kitchen sink?
Prevent future clogs by discarding the following items properly: 1. Coffee Grounds and Beans. Discarding coffee grounds down the drain cakes up your garbage disposal. Coffee grounds hold moisture, which makes them unsuitable for your kitchen sink.
How to get a clogged drain out of a wall?
Try the following procedures to tackle stubborn clogs: 1. Use Soap and a Plunger. Run hot water from the faucet down the drain and wait for the clog to soften.
How to clean a kitchen sink with baking soda?
Pour one cup of baking soda down the kitchen sink as well as one cup of white vinegar. Cover the sink opening to allow the mixture to react, clearing food, grease and scraps. Let the vinegar and baking soda sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse the remains with hot water to see results .
How to get grease out of sink drain?
Place a small drop of dish soap down the drain followed by a steady flow of water. As the sink fills up, use a plunger over the drain to create a powerful suction. This method releases food and grease you poured down the drain. 2. Reset Garbage Disposal. Your garbage disposal may be contributing to the clog.
What is a kitchen sink?
The kitchen sink is a hotspot for daily chores, cooking and cleaning. Whether you are doing the dishes or preparing your favorite meal, a kitchen sink that keeps clogging does you no good. If your kitchen sink is clogged and nothing works, altering your cleanup routine is the key to prolonging the life of your plumbing system.
What happens if you pour hot water down the drain?
Parts of your plumbing system may consist of plastic. Pouring hot water down the drain puts your cabinets, flooring and sink at risk of melting or warping. Always wait for water to cool before running it through your plumbing system.
How to fix a garbage disposal that is clogged?
Your garbage disposal may be contributing to the clog. Turn on the garbage disposal switch and listen for unpleasant sounds. Use a switch on the outside of the garbage disposal unit to reset the device. This step puts your installation back to factory settings after overheating.
What are enzymes used for?
Natural enzymes eat organic matter and were originally used to reduce the amount of organic waste buildup in septic tanks. Enzymes are now available for all types of plumbing needs, and if properly maintained, enzymes will help keep the pipes free and clear of buildup when used on a regular basis.
What causes a kitchen drain to clog?
Large food particles like vegetable peels that become trapped in the curved pipe beneath the sink (known as the P-trap) are another common cause of kitchen drain clogs. Removing the P-trap sounds difficult, but is really not that involved.
What to do if P trap is not working?
If the P-trap doesn’t appear to be the problem, the clog may be located further down the pipe. If that’s the case, you can use a drain snake to try to remove it. Most homeowners don’t have these on hand, and they are not cheap to rent or buy. At this point, it may be best to call a qualified plumber.
What happens when grease goes down the drain?
When grease, or greasy liquids, get poured down your kitchen sink, they go down the drain in a liquid state, but as they move through your pipes, the fat cools. As the fat becomes solid, it coats the inside of the pipes.
How to get rid of a swollen drain?
Boil a pan full of water on the stove . A tea kettle will do nicely as well. Pour a half cup of baking soda down your drain followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for five to ten minutes or so. Then, carefully pour the pot or kettle full of boiling water down the drain.
What to do if hot water doesn't work?
Take the Plunge. If hot water doesn’t improve the problem, the culprit may be something other than grease buildup. It’s time to pull out the plunger. If there is standing water in the sink, remove it until there is only an inch or two so you can see what’s going on.
What are the things that stick to grease?
Celery – the fibrous strings get tangled around the disposal’s blades. Coffee grounds – the oil in coffee grounds becomes a sticky sludge. Egg shells – ground egg shells become sand-like particles that stick to grease.
How to clear a clogged drain?
Again, remove any standing water before you try this technique. Pour about a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by an equal amount of white or apple cider vinegar. The solution will soon start to bubble; when it subsides, put the stopper in and wait about 15 minutes. Next, run the hot water to see if the clog clears. Repeat the process one more time if the water is draining, but slower than normal (that means the clog isn’t fully clear yet).
How to fix a clogged garbage disposal?
One of the next things you should do is check to make sure your garbage disposal isn’t causing the problem. A clogged disposal can easily stop up the drain, so run the disposal for a minute or two with hot water running to see if that clears the clog. If that doesn’t work, make sure the disposal is turned off and carefully inspect it to make sure it’s running correctly. If the disposal has overheated and automatically switched off, you may need to restart it at the base. The base on/off switch can usually be found on the side or bottom of the disposal unit underneath the sink.
How to clear a sink with salt?
Use salt and boiling water. After removing as much standing water from the sink as possible, pour about a half a cup (½ cup) of table salt down the drain. Then pour in about a quart of boiling water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush with hot water to clear the mixture. 4.
How to clear a clogged sink with baking soda?
This is another combination that can clear out sink clogs. Mix about a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt , and pour this mixture down the drain. Let the mixture sit for several hours, then flush with boiling water. You can repeat this process again if it doesn’t work the first time.
How to keep a sink clean?
To keep your sink smelling fresh and running clear, pour in equal parts vinegar and baking soda on a regular basis, usually once or twice a month. For routine cleaning, you’ll just need about half a cup of each.
How to get water out of sink while waiting for heat?
While you’re waiting for the water to heat, remove as much standing water from the sink as you can, using a mug or small pot to bail out the water.
Where is the P trap in a kitchen sink?
The P-trap is at the curve of the drainpipe under the sink, usually inside a cabinet. It may be necessary to clean your kitchen drain’s P-trap to clear the clog. Place a pan or bucket underneath the drain to catch any water or debris that may fall out.
What plays a role in how well your kitchen sink drains?
The installation of your pipes also plays a role in how well your kitchen sink drains.
Why does my sink back up?
Allowing water to access your home could cause the sink to back up.
Why is my sink draining so bad?
If your kitchen sink uses a garbage disposal, then it could be to blame for dra inage problems.
What can affect the draining ability of a sink?
Anything from buildup from certain foods to problems with your garbage disposal can affect the sink’s draining ability.
What are the things that build up in pipes?
Grease, oil, and fats aren’t the only things that can create buildup in your pipes.
How to make a tight seal on a plunger?
Create a tight seal by pressing down on the plunger.
What is a vent in plumbing?
They’re vents that deliver air to your plumbing.
