Kitchen sink blockages are typically caused by depositing materials including coffee grounds, grease, and fibrous substances down the drain. These materials can form a blockage in the drainpipe. A clogged drain can be a major inconvenience. It can also become a breeding ground for mold and parasites. To restore full functionality to kitchen plumbing, learn how to perform simple Plumbing Repair in Gig Harbor WA. These suggestions can help with the job.
Use Hot Water and Salt
Heat one gallon of water. While the water is heating, remove as much standing water from the sink as possible. It’s beneficial to remove enough water so the drain opening is not covered by water. Pour a half-cup of salt down the drain. The salt will absorb water and sink to the bottom of the drain. Since a clog is in the drain, the salt will sink to the clog. Let the salt sit for about 30 to 60 minutes. Slowly pour hot water down the drain. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes. The water will move the salt around. The abrasive texture of salt will help to dislodge the clog. Run a steady stream of water to test whether this is effective. It may be necessary to repeat these steps once more.
Implement a Plunger
Implement a plunger when water and salt fail to extricate the drain blockage. Remove any stagnant water. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the underside edge of the plunger’s cup. Firmly press the plunger into the wall of the sink near the top. Slowly move the plunger down the sink wall and to the drain opening. Cover the drain opening with the plunger to form a seal. Without losing contact with the sink, rapidly move the plunger up and down 10 to 15 times. Forcing water to move up and down will build pressure. This pressure will hopefully dislodge the clog. Attempt these steps two more times when previous attempts fail to work.
A clog can disrupt daily activities such as cleaning and food preparation. Stagnant water can be a health hazard when it’s left standing too long. To flush out wastes and soiled water, use these tips to remove a kitchen drain clog. It may be necessary to call a plumbing expert like the ones at Herdman Plumbing. These professionals can handle Plumbing Repair in Gig Harbor WA for residential and commercial customers.
