Have you ever had to deal with a clogged double kitchen sink with standing water? It can be a real pain! But luckily there are some simple steps you can take to unclog it.
You’ll need to gather a few tools, remove the strainers and plungers, and fill the sink with hot water.
After that, you can use a plunger, pour in a drain cleaner, or even use a snake or auger.
If all else fails, you can always call a professional plumber.
Follow these steps and you’ll have your double kitchen sink unclogged in no time!
Gather the Necessary Tools
If you’re ready to tackle the clog, gather the right tools and let’s get started!
When selecting tools, make sure you have the right equipment to handle the job – a plunger, a plumber’s snake, a pair of gloves, and a bucket.
Gather these supplies and set up near the sink. A plumber’s snake is a long, flexible rod that can help you reach down the drain and break up the clog.
Make sure you also grab a pair of gloves to keep your hands clean and protected from any debris. Finally, place a bucket under the sink to catch any water that might leak out during the unclogging process.
That’s all you need to get started on unclogging your double kitchen sink with standing water.
Remove the Strainers and Plungers
You’ll need to take out the strainers and plungers before you can proceed.
To do this, you’ll need to start by unscrewing the strainers in your double kitchen sink. You may also need to remove the garbage disposal flange and the sink parts.
Once you have all of these items removed, you can clean them off and inspect them for any clogs. If you notice any clogs, you can use a wire hanger or a pipe cleaner to remove them.
Once the strainers and plungers are clean, you can replace them and proceed with the next step.
Fill the Sink with Hot Water
Fill your basin with warm water for the next step in the process. Boiling water will help to break up any grease or food particles that may be clogging the drain. If you don’t have boiling water, you can use a mixture of hot water and chemical cleaners to help break up the blockage.
Using the plunger and a steady stream of water, slowly fill the sink up with hot water. Allow the water to settle and let the plunger work its magic.
Once the sink is full, start plunging the sink in an up and down motion. With each plunge, the blockage should start to break up and the water should start to drain. If the water is still not draining, you may need to try a few more plunges.
Use a Plunger to Clear the Clog
Plunging your sink can be an effective way to clear a stubborn clog, so get ready to get your hands dirty!
Before using a plunger, check the pipes to make sure they’re secure and run some water down the sink to see if the clog is causing it to slowly drain. If the water’s still standing, then the clog is likely blocking the drain.
Place the plunger over the drain, making sure the rubber cup fits snugly over the drain. Make sure to cover any other drains in the sink with a wet cloth to create a seal.
Once the plunger’s in place, plunge the sink vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. Remove the plunger and run some water through the drain to see if the clog is gone.
If the problem persists, use a chemical drain cleaner to clear the clog.
Pour in a Drain Cleaner
Grab a drain cleaner and pour it in, then wait for the clog to begin to thin.
Drain cleaners are liquid chemicals that are used to clear out clogged drains. They work by creating a chemical reaction that breaks down the clog, allowing the water to drain freely. Drain cleaners can be fairly potent, so it’s important to wear gloves and eye protection when using them.
To use the cleaner, pour it directly into the drain. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes, and then flush the drain with hot water.
Depending on the severity of the clog, you may need to repeat this process a few times to fully clear the clog. If the clog persists after pouring in the drain cleaner, you may need to use a plunger or a snake to clear it out.
Use a Snake or Auger
Now that you’ve poured in a drain cleaner, it’s time to try using a snake or auger. This piece of equipment is designed to break up clogs and is one of the most effective ways to get rid of a clog in a double kitchen sink with standing water.
It involves renting a snake or auger from a hardware store and using it to snake the sink’s pipes. To use the snake or auger, you’ll need to have a strong water pressure coming out of the faucet.
Make sure to attach the snake to the faucet and lower it down the drain. Turn the crank handle on the snake to spin the cable inside the drain and break up the clog. Once you feel the clog start to break up, keep cranking until it’s completely gone.
Once it’s gone, you can pull the snake back up and the clog should be cleared.
Call a Professional Plumber
If you’re not up for tackling the clog yourself, call a professional plumber. They’ll be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently!
The plumber will be able to assess the situation and use their tools and experience to unclog the drain. Make sure to check references to ensure you’re getting a reliable plumber.
In addition, they can provide you with drain maintenance advice to help you maintain a clear drain and prevent future clogs. Professional plumbers are knowledgeable and experienced in unclogging sinks and can provide the best solution for your double kitchen sink.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hot water should I use to fill the sink?
When attempting to fill a double kitchen sink with hot water, it’s important to use water that is hot enough to break down any clogs.
The water should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature.
Additionally, you may wish to add a chemical cleaner to the water, as this will help to further break down any clogs.
Make sure to use the recommended amount of cleaner as indicated on the packaging.
What type of drain cleaner should I use?
When it comes to unclogging a double kitchen sink with standing water, you may need to use a drain cleaner. However, it’s important to use it safely and be aware of the potential chemical risks.
Drain cleaners can be a powerful tool in maintaining your drains, but they can also be hazardous if not used correctly. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
How often should I use a snake or auger?
Using a snake or auger to unclog your double kitchen sink is an effective solution, but it should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Before attempting to unclog your sink, make sure to take safety precautions such as wearing protective gloves and glasses. Additionally, be sure to read the instructions and warnings of any chemical cautions associated with the snake or auger before use.
Is it safe to use a plunger on a double kitchen sink?
Using a plunger on a double kitchen sink is a safe way to unclog your drain. It works by forcing air into the drain to push the clog out.
However, it’s important to use a plunger designed for double sinks and to seal the other side of the sink with a wet cloth or rag.
Additionally, it’s important to use a drain cleaner occasionally to prevent clogs from forming and to use a snake or auger to remove any clogs that are too tough for the plunger to manage.
Are there any other DIY solutions before calling a professional plumber?
If you have a clogged double kitchen sink with standing water and you don’t want to call a professional plumber, there are some DIY solutions you can try.
Start by checking the drain traps to see if they’re clogged with debris. If they’re clogged, you can try to unclog them with a snake or plumbing auger.
Another option is to pour boiling water down the drain, which can help dissolve grease and soap scum buildup.
If the clog persists, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. However, if the clog is severe, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Conclusion
You’ve done it! You’ve successfully unclogged your double kitchen sink with standing water.
You followed the steps in this article and you were able to do it all on your own.
You gathered the necessary tools, removed the strainers and plungers, filled the sink with hot water, used a plunger to clear the clog, poured in a drain cleaner, and used a snake or auger.
You should be proud of yourself for tackling this problem and staying safe while doing it.
Now your kitchen sink is back in working order and you can use it as normal.
Congratulations!