Kitchen clogs happen. Usually, they’re relatively easy to fix with a little elbow grease and a plunger. But what if the sink includes a garbage disposal unit in the drain?
For more complicated issues, hiring a professional plumber from Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning may be better. But in this blog, we’ll discuss some easy steps you can take to handle it yourself.
1. Unplug the Garbage Disposal
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your work area is safe. Unplug the disposal unit and switch off the circuit breaker supplying the disposal. Before continuing, test the unit to ensure it has no power. No one wants to get shocked or have the garbage disposal activated by accident while you’re working on it.
2. Plunge the Drain
Use a sink plunger to start working on the removal of the clog. Plunge the drain in rapid up-and-down motions. For double sinks, plunging might make the clog move to the second sink. If you’re successful, you should hear the drain open, and the water in the sink should drain immediately.
3. Run Hot Water
After plunging, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to wash away any remnants of the clog. Don’t use boiling water, as it can damage the sink.
4. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
If your clog continues to resist, try a baking soda mixture to clear the drain. Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before rinsing it with hot water. This natural remedy may be able to break down the clog in your sink.
5. Test the Disposal
If you think you’ve cleared the clog, plug the garbage disposal back in and turn the circuit back on. Run water and test the disposal. If the clog remains, repeat the earlier process and plunge the drain again. Once the clog goes away, run hot water for a few minutes to remove the remaining residue.
When To Call a Plumber
If the above methods fail, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Continued efforts could damage your sink and disposal, especially if you haven’t done it before. Call a plumber if you experience:
- Repeated failed attempts
- Persistent clogs
- Unusual drain noises
- Drain odors
- Slow drainage
Schedule With Team Andreas Today
The plumbing professionals at Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have thorough training and significant experience handling clogged drains of every kind. Team Andreas has performed quality plumbing repairs throughout Lehighton and Carbon County for over four generations.
Our plumbers pass background checks and are licensed and insured. We’ll work with you to give you a plumbing experience based on expertise, honesty, and integrity. We also service all brands and offer financing options. Come to us for 24/7 emergency plumbing services.
Do you still need help unclogging your sink? Contact our team to book drain cleaning services in the Carbon County area.
