How to Unblock Kitchen Drain?

A blocked kitchen drain can be a frustrating problem, especially when you’re trying to prepare meals or clean up after cooking. The good news is that unblocking a kitchen drain is usually something you can handle on your own, without the need for a plumber. In this article, we will explain simple steps to help you unblock your kitchen drain easily.

Why Does a Kitchen Drain Get Blocked?

Before we get into the steps, it’s important to understand why kitchen drains get blocked. Here are the main causes:

1. Food Waste: Small pieces of food can fall into the sink while washing dishes, especially if you don’t use a sink strainer.
2. Grease and Fat: When you pour oil, grease, or fat down the drain, it can solidify and stick to the pipes, causing a blockage.
3. Soap and Detergents: Over time, soap scum can build up in the pipes and block the water from flowing.
4. Foreign Objects: Items like forks, spoons, or even small pieces of plastic can accidentally fall into the drain and cause a blockage.

Signs of a Blocked Kitchen Drain

If you notice any of the following signs, it might mean your kitchen drain is blocked:

• Slow Drainage: Water takes longer than usual to go down the drain.
• Gurgling Sounds: You hear strange noises when the water is draining.
• Bad Smell: A foul odour coming from the drain is a common sign of a blockage.
• Standing Water: Water pooling in the sink that doesn’t go down means the drain is fully blocked.

Now that we know the causes and signs of a blocked drain, let’s look at how to unblock it.

Step 1: Boiling Water

One of the easiest and most effective ways to unblock a drain is by using boiling water. This method works best if the blockage is caused by grease or soap scum.

What You Need:

• A kettle or large pot
• Boiling water

Steps:

1. Boil Water: Fill a kettle or large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Pour the Water: Carefully pour the boiling water directly into the drain.
3. Repeat: If the water drains slowly, repeat this process two or three times.

The hot water helps to break down the grease or soap that might be causing the blockage. This method is simple, cheap, and often effective for minor clogs.

Step 2: Use a Plunger

If the boiling water doesn’t work, the next step is to use a plunger. A plunger is a common tool found in most Irish homes and can be very effective at clearing blockages.

What You Need:

• A plunger
• Water to fill the sink slightly

Steps:

1. Fill the Sink: Add enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger (about 2-3 inches).
2. Place the Plunger Over the Drain: Make sure the plunger covers the drain completely.
3. Plunge Up and Down: Push the plunger up and down quickly. You should feel some resistance if there’s a blockage.
4. Check for Blockage: After plunging for about 30 seconds, remove the plunger and see if the water drains. If it doesn’t, try plunging again.

The plunging action creates pressure that can dislodge the blockage.

Step 3: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that can help to unblock drains. This method works well if the blockage is caused by food or soap scum.

What You Need:

• Baking soda (around 1 cup)
• Vinegar (around 1 cup)
• Boiling water

Steps:

1. Pour Baking Soda: Pour one cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
2. Add Vinegar: Immediately after, pour one cup of vinegar down the drain.
3. Wait: You’ll see some bubbling and fizzing. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.
4. Boil Water: While waiting, boil a kettle or large pot of water.
5. Pour Boiling Water: After 15 minutes, pour the boiling water down the drain to flush out the blockage.

This combination of baking soda and vinegar helps break down the clog and cleans the pipes naturally.

Step 4: Check the U-Bend (Trap)

If the blockage still isn’t cleared, you may need to check the U-bend (also called the trap). This is the curved part of the pipe located under the sink, and it often collects debris.

What You Need:

• A bucket
• A wrench or pliers
• Rubber gloves

Steps:

1. Turn Off the Water: Make sure the tap is off before you begin.
2. Place a Bucket Under the Sink: Put a bucket or large bowl under the U-bend to catch any water.
3. Remove the U-Bend: Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts holding the U-bend in place. Once loose, remove the U-bend carefully.
4. Clear the U-Bend: Clean out any food, grease, or debris that might be stuck in the U-bend.
5. Reattach the U-Bend: Once clean, put the U-bend back and tighten the nuts.

After doing this, run some water to see if the blockage is cleared.

Step 5: Use a Drain Snake

If the blockage is further down the pipes, a drain snake (also known as a plumber’s snake) can be useful. This tool is designed to reach deep into the pipes to remove clogs.

What You Need:

• A drain snake (available at hardware stores)

Steps:

1. Insert the Snake: Push the end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle to move it deeper into the pipe.
2. Twist and Pull: Once you feel resistance, twist the snake and gently pull it back. The snake should catch any debris causing the blockage.
3. Repeat: Repeat this process until the drain is clear.

Preventing Future Blockages

Once your kitchen drain is unblocked, you’ll want to avoid the problem in the future. Here are some simple tips to keep your kitchen drain clear:

• Use a Sink Strainer: This helps catch food particles before they go down the drain.
• Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain: Instead, let grease cool and dispose of it in the bin.
• Rinse Plates Before Washing: Remove large food scraps from plates before washing them in the sink.
• Regularly Clean Your Drain: Pour boiling water down the drain once a week to prevent buildup.

When to Call a Plumber For Drain Unblocking

If none of the above methods work, or if the blockage keeps coming back, it may be time to call a professional plumber. In Ireland, there are many plumbing services for drain unblocking that can quickly and effectively deal with tough blockages. There are many companies doing this in Ireland, IRISH DRAINS is the best among them.

Conclusion

Unblocking a kitchen drain is usually a simple task you can do yourself using boiling water, a plunger, or natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar. By following these steps, you can keep your kitchen drain clear and avoid the hassle of a blocked sink. However, if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber for professional help.