As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Jorge Alexander
While a clogged drain is never a pleasant occurrence, when a kitchen drain clogs when you're preparing a big meal, it can be a disaster. Kitchen drains are vulnerable to clogging because of grease and food bits that go down the drain when you do dishes. Add that to old plumbing that may be coated in scale so the pipe is narrower than it should be, and you have an emergency clog waiting to happen. Here are some steps to clearing out a kitchen drain.
Use A Trusty Plunger
A plunger is one of the most effective ways to move a clog through the drain because of the pressure it exerts on the clog. You have to get a good seal and plunge with force to get the best results. A plunger is often all you need to clear a drain, at least temporarily, so you can finish the meal. If the drain clogs repeatedly or if it still drains slowly, then calling a kitchen plumber to clean the drain is probably necessary.
Pour In Hot Water
Hot water can sometimes clear a drain depending on the type of clog you're dealing with. Hot water can soften grease and food clogs so they loosen up and slide on through. The water has to be heated on the stove to get the best results because water from the tap doesn't get hot enough. Pour the hot water down the drain straight from the stove while it's still hot. The clog may loosen up enough so that your drains work again for a while. If you use hot water, be very careful that you don't splash yourself. Heating water in a teapot is a good choice since it's easy to pour from and handle.
Use A Drain Snake
If you keep a drain snake at home for such emergencies, you might be able to bust through the clog. The clog needs to be fairly close to the sink for an inexpensive drain snake to reach it. You can also call a plumber to use a commercial snake that can reach deeper into the drain. A snake will chop through the clog and open the drain so it stays open for much longer.
Use A Water Jet
A water jet is another option for opening up a drain. This has an advantage over other options because the water washes off the sides of the drain and eliminates all traces of the clog. This ensures the clog is completely gone, and the pipe should stay clean unless you pour grease and food down the drain again. You need to hire a plumber to use a water jet on your pipes because jets can be dangerous to use, and the last thing you want is to damage the pipe and compound your problems. Fortunately, if you have to call a plumber to get rid of the clog, you can usually get quick service if you call for emergency help.