There is nothing more frustrating than having a slow kitchen drain. Slow-draining sinks mean you have to wait longer for the water to clear, which can be a big hassle when preparing food or washing dishes. If you’re tired of standing by the kitchen sink waiting for water to drain, then these simple tips and tricks can help unclog your kitchen sink and get it running like new again in no time.
Simple Fixes
Check out these easy DIY solutions to tackle slow-draining kitchen sinks.
A. Boiling Water
To do this, simply pour boiling water down your drain. The heat from the water will loosen up any clogs or gunk that have built up in there, which will help to clear them out and get your drain running freely again.
It’s important to note that this method can only be used on P-traps (the type of trap found under sinks). If you don’t know what type of trap is under your sink, just look for the U-shaped pipe coming out of the wall—that’s your P-trap!
B. Baking Soda and Vinegar
To use this method, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. (Make sure to use white vinegar—other varieties will react with the baking soda and create a foamy mess.) Cover the drain with a towel and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then run some cold water through the pipe, which should help dislodge any debris loosened by the mixture’s chemical reaction.
If you have an odor coming from your sink, try boiling some hot water in a pot first before pouring in your drain; this will help kill off any bacteria that may be causing the smell!
C. Bent Wire Hanger
First, unplug the sink and remove any visible food debris blocking it. Then, take a wire hanger and bend it into a “U” shape. Hold the ends of the wire in each hand, then use it to dislodge any clogs in your sink drain. The U-shaped wire will fit into many types of sinks, including those with pop-up stoppers and pull-down drains.
You can also use this method if you have an older bathtub drain with a slip joint plug (a rubber stopper that fits over the drain opening). If you don’t have one of these bathtubs, skip this step!
Advanced Fixes
If you’ve tried all the basic fixes and your drain still won’t work, it’s time to get advanced.
A. Using a Plunger
Run hot water in your sink for about 10 seconds before plunging. Hot water helps melt any soap scum or grease that may have built up in your pipes.
Place the plunger over the drain, so it covers as much of the opening as possible (but not so far down that its handle gets in the way). Push down to create suction, then pull up quickly to release it. Repeat this motion until the water starts flowing freely again.
If this doesn’t work, try using more force by pushing down harder on the plunger or repeating steps 2 and 3 more times before releasing pressure each time (you can also try using two plungers at once).
B. Removing the Pop-Up Stopper
First, turn off the water supply to your sink. Use pliers to remove the pop-up stopper (the little rubber piece that pops up when you push down on it). If any pieces are missing, use pliers to reattach them. If there aren’t any pieces missing, try replacing the entire unit.
Once the pop-up stopper is removed, use a screwdriver or wrench to lift off the stuck part of the pipe that connects to your drainpipe; this will expose another section of pipe that you can remove with pliers or wrenches (if necessary).
Check for debris in both sections of the pipe; if there is debris lodged inside either section, use an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar or baking soda solution (diluted 1:10 with water) to dislodge it and rinse both sections thoroughly with water
C. Clearing The P-Trap
To clear out the p-trap, turn off the water supply to your sink, then take off any removable parts of the pipe using a wrench. Once all removable parts are removed, use pliers to pull out any remaining pieces of plastic or metal from the inside of the pipe. Then clean out all dirt and debris inside the p-trap with a sponge or rag (using a disinfectant if necessary).
Reattach all removed parts, turn on your sink’s water supply again, and test for leaks before replacing any other objects on your sink (such as dishes).
Professional Solutions
If you’ve tried the DIY and advanced steps, but your slow drain kitchen sink still persists, the next step is to engage professional measures.
A. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
This is a fast and easy solution to a slow drain. It’s also the most expensive option, but you can use it on any drain in your home.
Make sure you’re wearing gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing. Read the instructions on the bottle carefully before pouring any chemicals into your drain.
Mix the chemicals according to the directions on the bottle.
Pour slowly into the drain, and ensure not to get any of the chemicals on yourself or your clothes while following all other instructions.
B. Replacing The Sink Assembly
You’ll need to remove the faucet and unscrew the drain trap. Then, remove the stopper from underneath. Use a wrench to loosen up the nuts on either side of your sink until you can lift them out. Replace it with a new one and secure it with the screws and nuts you removed earlier.
After replacing your sink assembly, you should turn on hot and cold water at full blast for about 15 minutes to clear out any sediment inside your pipes before running water through them again.
Ensure that you have all the correct tools before starting out this process.
C. Calling a Plumber
If neither of the above steps worked for you, and you still have problems with your drain, we recommend calling a plumber for assistance! They will be able to determine if something else is causing this issue (such as an obstruction further down in the pipes) and fix it accordingly!
Prevention Tips
Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding slow drains. Even if you have a brand-new sink, it’s important to clean it regularly to avoid buildup and clogs that could lead to a slow drain.
Here are some tips for how to keep your drains flowing freely
A. Avoiding Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Sink
Grease and oil are one of the biggest culprits concerning clogged drains. If you want to avoid clogs, ensure you’re not pouring grease or oil down the sink.
Those substances will collect in your pipes and cause clogs, which can lead to a slow drain or even a backup!
Instead, pour your grease and oil into an old coffee can or other container and put it in the trash.
B. Installing a Sink Strainer
A strainer is basically a mesh grate that prevents large debris from entering the drain pipe. The mesh is small enough for water to pass through, but not for any other type of debris. You can get these strainers from any hardware store, and they’re usually very affordable; just make sure you buy one that fits your specific type of sink and faucet.
C. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you want to avoid clogged drains, you have to ensure they’re cared for properly. Make it a habit to clean your sink’s strainer every time you use it and ensure it’s free from debris, hair, and other particles.
Wrap Up
You can fix a slow-drain kitchen sink with a little elbow grease; some tips and hacks are shared in this article.
If you’re looking for a full kitchen remodel, HRC is always at your service. Our team of experts can help you bring your vision to life, no matter the scale of your project. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we are your best bet in kitchen remodeling services.
Don’t let a slow, draining sink or any other kitchen issue hold you back from having the kitchen of your dreams. Request a free consultation today to see how we can help bring your kitchen to life.