The main sign of a clogged kitchen sink is rising water. If we see that the water does not leave, this means that a plug has formed in the pipes. It is formed by the gradual accumulation of various particles of debris and increases in size until it completely blocks the passage of water. Pipes are clogged not only through human fault, the reason may be the poor condition of the water supply system. How to clean - we will find out in this article.
Before you start removing the blockage in the kitchen sink, you need to figure out why this happened. All further actions to eliminate the traffic jam will depend on this.
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The most common reasons why a plug can form are:
- Accumulation of grease, food particles, hair and other waste. Residual food after washing dishes is washed off with water into the water supply system, forming a blockage that can completely block the passage of water.
- Poor condition of the water pipes. Pipes corrode over time. Rust builds up on the walls and narrows the passage. It so happens that a slight ingress of food waste into a rusty plumbing can block the passage of water.
- Another reason is the deposition of salts and heavy metals. Hard water can build up build-ups on pipes, which can cause blockages in the future.
- Design. It often happens that a blockage forms in the very siphon of the sink due to its structure.
When you figured out the causes of the blockage, you can solve the question "What to do if the sink in the kitchen is clogged?" One of the available and effective methods is the use of chemicals.
Water does not go away: how to eliminate it with chemicals?
Removing blockages by chemical means is well suited for people who have no time to tinker with tools. This method of cleaning is much more time-consuming than mechanical, but you can use the product in the morning, and in the evening, when you come home, get the result. The choice of tools for cleaning pipes is quite large. The most popular among them: Mister Muscle, Mole, Tiret.
To remove the blockage, it is necessary to pour liquid into the hole of the sink and leave for the time specified in the instructions for the tool. Chemicals have a good effect. Care must be taken when handling chemicals. If they get on the surface of the sink, furniture or cutlery, rinse with copious amounts of water.
These are powerful concentrates. The high toxicity of these products can cause serious harm to human health. When using chemical liquids, it is advisable to wear rubber gloves and a respirator on your face. If the product gets on the skin or mucous membrane of the eye, rinse abundantly under running water.
The sink is clogged: we do the cleaning mechanically
In situations where chemical means have failed to remove the blockage in the kitchen sink, you can resort to tools. This method is a human effort to remove the blockage.
To do this, you can use the tools:
- Plumbing cable. It is widely used to eliminate serious blockages. Its design includes a spiral groove, which is necessary for scrolling. At the end there is a nozzle for breaking the cork. While pushing the pipe inside, it is necessary to twist the cable before it comes into contact with the plug. To remove it, you will have to make an effort to drill it. You can turn on the tap with water. When the water starts to pass, it will be clear that the blockage is broken. In situations where it is not possible to remove the plug on your own using a cable, you need to contact a professional.
- You can use a plunger. The method is suitable for light blockages, usually used first. To remove the plug, it is advisable to pour hot water into the sink. Then you can start fixing the problem. The plunger works on the principle of air injection. When you press the plunger handle, if the system is sealed, a strong pressure is created that can push out the congestion. Although this method is the most convenient, it does not always help, especially if the cork contains an abundant amount of grease or rust.
- Another fun way is to vacuum clean the problem. But you cannot use an ordinary vacuum cleaner, you need a vacuum cleaner with an air blowing function. The tube of the vacuum cleaner is inserted into the tube, you can wrap it with a rag for grip. There should be no blockages between the vacuum cleaner pipe and the water pipe. Once turned on, pressurized air must push through the plug. After that it is necessary to flush the system with copious amounts of hot water.
These methods allow you to remove the blockage in situations where chemistry is powerless. Or when there is no time and desire to wait for the effect of chemicals. But in situations where they are not at hand, you can resort to folk methods of cleaning.
The pipe in the kitchen is clogged, the water goes badly: we break through with the folk method
A convenient way, since everything you need to clear the pipe from the blockage is at hand. A big plus of this method is that it is non-toxic and does the job just as well.
- One way to deal with the grease plug is to use a salt solution. It is necessary to stir a large amount of salt in the water and pour it into the opening of the water supply. Leave for 5-10 minutes, then clean with a plunger. Salt reacts well with fat, breaking it down. A high concentration of salt can significantly weaken the cork, and in some situations even get rid of it. If the blockage remains in the kitchen, but the water does not leave, it is necessary to connect the plunger to the work.
- Vinegar and soda. Several large tablespoons of soda are poured into the hole of the water supply, after which vinegar is added. In this combination, a chemical reaction occurs that releases carbon dioxide and heat, dissolving the blockage.
- Baking soda works the same way without vinegar. Due to its alkaline environment, it acts on food contamination. Before use, the baking soda must be warmed up in a dry frying pan. After it has cooled down, add it to the water and pour it into the hole for 10-15 minutes. After the time has elapsed, the blockage can be eliminated, but if this does not happen, you must try to clean it with a plunger.
It is safe to say that these cleaning methods help to get rid of even heavy blockages. But sooner or later, constant blockages are boring. And then you should think about following simple rules in order to avoid such situations.
Prevention measures
Remove any remaining food from the plates before washing the dishes. But that's not all - there are special nets that are installed at the entrance to the sink drain. Such a mesh will keep all particles of products that will flow away with water. A more expensive option is to buy and install a garbage can. This device is installed in the sink drain, it grinds food waste, preventing them from accumulating in the water pipes.
After each time the dishes are washed, it is necessary to heat the kettle of water and pour it into the water inlet of the sink. The hot water will gradually drain away, washing away grease and food debris, preventing them from accumulating. Having a habit of pouring hot water into the plumbing after washing dishes can prevent the formation of plugs in the plumbing system for a long time.
How do I clear a blockage in my sink? (VIDEO)
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