How To Clean A Kitchen Sink Drain

Clogged kitchen sink drains are not only a nuisance but also a potential hygienic hazard.

When your kitchen sink drain becomes clogged, you may feel at a loss on how to fix the problem. While store-bought chemicals can help provide immediate relief to a clogged drain, the key is to identify the root cause of the problem and take the proper steps to prevent future clogs. 

This article covers all the vital signs of a clogged kitchen sink drain, how often you should be cleaning your drains, and home remedies to help remove clogs.

Keep reading to discover the best practices for preventing clogs and maintaining your kitchen sink drain!

How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain?

Regularly cleaning your kitchen sink drain can help prevent clogs and maintain a hygienic environment. 

A good rule of thumb is to clean kitchen sink drains once per month to prevent the buildup of grease, food particles, and other debris that can cause blockages or unpleasant odors. However, if you notice slow drainage or any foul smells coming from the drain, it might be a sign that it needs cleaning sooner.

How To Unclog Your Kitchen Sink: 6 Home Remedies for a Clogged Drain

There are several methods to unclog a kitchen sink drain, depending on the severity of the clog. In some cases, a clog may prove too tricky for inexperienced hands, requiring the assistance of a plumbing professional to help remove the clog from your drain.

Before calling the plumber, try these six at-home remedies for a clogged kitchen sink drain: 

1. Snake the Drain: A plumber’s snake or auger is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into the drain to break up or pull out the clog. While plumber snakes work best for removing dense clumps of debris, such as hair, they can also be effective for breaking up food and kitchen debris buildups. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
2. Plunger: Plungers create pressure that, when applied to a drain, can help dislodge clogs. Ensure there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger, then plunge vigorously for a minute or so. Additionally, make sure to use a clean plunger free from bathroom debris, as you want to keep your kitchen as hygienic as possible for food preparation. 
3. Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve grease or minor blockages, as well as deter fruit flies from entering and exiting the drain. However, you must be cautious with PVC pipes, as boiling water could damage them. If you are unsure what type of pipes you have, it may be best to skip this method. 
4. Remove the Trap: If you are feeling particularly handy, you can attempt to remove your sink drain’s trap to clear out clogs. Under the sink, there’s a U-shaped pipe called the trap. Place a bucket underneath to catch water, then unscrew the trap and clean it out manually. Reattach it securely afterward. Plumbers commonly use this method to remove tough clogs and large pieces of debris from kitchen sinks and garbage disposals. 
5. Chemical Drain Cleaners: Chemical cleaners can be a tempting solution for clearing up drain clogs. However, you should be cautious with chemical cleaners, as they can be harsh and may damage pipes or cause injury if not used properly. Follow the instructions on the product carefully and avoid using harsh chemicals in your drains too often. 
6. Baking Soda and Vinegar: In a pinch, baking soda and vinegar can help clear up a clog if you have no other supplies readily available. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar, letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. Keep in mind that this is not the most effective method for tough drains and can potentially damage your drain if performed too often. 

If these methods don’t work or if you’re uncomfortable trying them yourself, it might be best to call a professional plumber to address the clog. 

Plumbers have specialized tools and expertise to handle more severe blockages safely.

7 Signs of a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain

Knowing the signs of a clogged drain is essential for quickly resolving the problem. 

In some cases, the root cause of a clog may be obvious. However, if you do not know all the potential symptoms of a clog, the clog can go unaddressed and worsen before you take action. 

Here are the seven crucial signs of a clogged kitchen sink drain to know:

• Slow Drainage: If your water takes longer than usual to empty from the sink, there is a pretty good chance you have a clog. The water might pool around the drain before finally draining away, taking substantially more time than necessary to exit from the sink.
• Foul Odors: A buildup of food debris, grease, and other materials can create unpleasant smells emanating from the sink. This is an especially common sign of a clog for sinks with garbage disposals, as bits of food and debris can get caught if not properly processed by the disposal.  
• Gurgling Noises: When water drains, gurgling or bubbling sounds may occur due to air trapped in the clogged pipe. These gurgling noises often accompany slow drainage, causing an all-around unpleasant draining experience that is indicative of a clog. 
• Standing Water: When a slow-draining sink is not repaired quickly, the clog can worsen and diminish your sink’s draining capabilities further. If standing water remains in the sink after you have run the faucet, it is likely time to unclog your drain. 
• Fruit Flies or Drain Flies: Fruit and drain flies are attracted to organic matter buildup in drains, leading them to hover and fly around clogged drains. Not only does this indicate a clog, but it also creates an entirely new problem of infestation for you to deal with. 
• Backflow: Water or food particles coming back up into the sink from the drain is a clear sign of a blockage somewhere in the pipe. In severe cases, this can also be indicative of a problem with your sewage system, making it critical to determine whether or not a clog is the main issue. 
• Changes in Water Pressure: A clog in one part of your plumbing system can affect water pressure throughout your kitchen. If you notice changes in water pressure — especially with plumbing fixtures near the kitchen — it could be due to a clogged drain.

Regular maintenance can help prevent most of these issues, but if you notice any of these signs, your best course of action is to address the clog sooner rather than later to avoid more significant problems.

How To Unclog The Sink Disposal

Unclogging a kitchen sink garbage disposal is a slightly more complex process than simply unclogging a drain. Due to the hazards at play in a garbage disposal, it is highly recommended to contact a plumbing professional for assistance before messing around with the device.

If your kitchen sink garbage disposal becomes clogged, follow these steps: 

• Turn Off the Power: Safety first! If you plan to clear the clog yourself, ensure the garbage disposal is completely turned off. You can unplug it or switch off the power from the circuit breaker to avoid any accidental activations.
• Use a Flashlight: Look into the disposal with a flashlight to check for any visible blockages. Avoid putting your hands or tools inside while it’s connected or turned on. Once you locate the clog, either remove it via the drain opening or prepare to open the drain trap. 
• Open the Trap: Like when cleaning out drain clogs, you can open the drain trap to help remove clogs and debris from your garbage disposal. This is also the best step to take if you lose a precious item down the drain, such as a piece of jewelry. 
• Call Your Local Plumber: If all else fails, give your local plumber a call. Professional plumbers have many great devices designed specifically for cleaning drains and garbage disposals, including high-powered vacuums that can easily suck out clogs and debris. 

How To Get Rid of Odors in Your Kitchen Sink

After you have cleared a clog from your drain, you may notice a persisting odor. Kitchen sink odors can be dubious and hard to get rid of, even after completing the unclogging process.

Here are a few natural methods to help eliminate odors from your kitchen sink drain:

• Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can help flush out and dissolve any buildup that might be causing odors.
• Citrus Peels: Put citrus peels (like lemon, lime, or orange) down the disposal and run it with cold water. The natural oils in the peels can help freshen the drain.
• Ice Cubes and Rock Salt: Grinding ice cubes and rock salt in the disposal can help dislodge buildup and remove odors.
• Use a Disposal Cleaner: You can purchase commercial disposal cleaning products designed to break down buildup and eliminate odors. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.

Regularly using one or a combination of these methods can help keep your kitchen sink drain smelling fresh. If the odor persists or if you suspect a more significant issue, it might be worth checking for deeper clogs or contacting a professional plumber for assistance.

Final Thoughts

No one likes dealing with a clogged kitchen sink drain.

Luckily, with the tips and tricks discussed above, you can identify the cause of the clog and remove it from your drain. Alternatively, you can always call your local plumbing professional to assist you in your drain-unclogging endeavors.