With the following methods, you can clean the drain pipes around your kitchen sink and solve clogging issues effectively.

When your kitchen sink drains slowly or becomes clogged, it’s important to identify the cause and address the problem as soon as possible. Clogs can result from various wastes and grease buildup in the pipes or from pouring unsuitable food scraps down the drain. If your sink is clogged, you can try these simple tips to fix the issue.

1.  Use Boiling Water

Boiling water is the simplest way to deal with a clogged kitchen sink. The hot water melts the grease stuck in the drain pipes and breaks down residues. Boil a kettle of water and slowly pour it down the sink drain. Repeat 2-3 times for best results. However, note that this method is only suitable if your home’s pipes are made of heat-resistant materials. If your pipes are made of PVC plastic, avoid this method as high heat may deform them.

2.  Use Dish Soap and Hot Water

To improve cleaning efficiency and remove grease, pour 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap into the kitchen sink drain. Then, pour a kettle of hot water down the drain. The combination of hot water and dish soap helps dissolve grease in the pipes. Wait about 15 minutes before running water again to flush away the grime.

3.  Use a Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture

Baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients commonly used for cleaning and deodorizing. You can use them to unclog the kitchen sink drain. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then pour 1 cup of white vinegar. The reaction between baking soda and vinegar creates foaming bubbles that soften the residue buildup. After about 15-20 minutes, pour a kettle of hot water down the sink to wash away the loosened dirt and free up the drain. This method is effective for mild clogs caused by grease and leftover food. Since it uses natural ingredients, it is environmentally friendly.

4.  Use a Drain Snake

According to Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, a drain snake (a flexible metal coil) is an effective tool for more severe clogs in the kitchen sink. You can buy this tool at hardware stores or supermarkets. Insert the snake’s end into the drain, then rotate the handle to push it deeper into the pipe, breaking up or pulling out the clogged debris. Perform this gently to avoid damaging the pipes. After unclogging, flush with hot water to clean thoroughly. This method requires some skill but works very well for stubborn blockages.

5.  Use a Metal Wire

If you have a long piece of metal wire at home, you can use it to unclog the drain. Simply insert the wire through the sink drain opening and twist it several times to break up the clogged mass blocking the pipe. Then flush with water to wash away the debris. Repeat multiple times to ensure the drain is completely clean.

6.  Use a Rubber Plunger

A rubber plunger is a common tool for unclogging drains. You can use it to solve clogs in the kitchen sink. First, seal off any secondary drain holes with a cover or cloth. Then place the plunger over the main drain hole, press down firmly, and pull up repeatedly to create pressure that pushes the clog out of the drain. Once the sink is unclogged, flush with hot water to ensure all debris is washed away. This method works well for clogs caused by food or accumulated dirt over time.

Tips to Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs

To prevent sink clogs, always dispose of leftover food into the trash bin instead of rinsing it down the drain basket. Do not pour grease directly into the sink. You can also clean the drain pipes regularly using baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.