Here Are 5 Methods To Fixing A Clogged Kitchen Sink in Phoenix, AZ!

Common plumbing issues in Phoenix involve a clogged drain, and what is more of a nuisance than a clogged kitchen sink? Phoenix homeowners who operate a busy household will realize how difficult it is to get everyone—whether family members or roommates—to cooperate in terms of healthy plumbing habits. They may not be as well-informed as you! The list of bad habits ranges from misusing the garbage disposal to washing down oils and bacon grease. Or simply having too many draining systems happening at once in the kitchen.

Your local Phoenix plumber at Champion Plumbing & Rooter are sink repair experts and all things related to kitchen plumbing. But in the event of a clogged kitchen sink, Phoenix plumbers have some proven DIY hacks for homeowners to try. When you prefer taking matters into your own hands, try our list of solutions for how to fix a clogged kitchen sink in Phoenix!

What Causes A Clogged Kitchen Sink in Phoenix?

If you believe you treat your household drains well, you will be surprised to know that it takes a lot more than that to prevent drain issues from occurring. Imagine walking to the kitchen one morning and the scent of sewer gases is wafting towards you as you approach the sink. Simple strainers are ideal and easiest to handle, whereas most  screwed-in sink stoppers make it impossible to see whether it catches any food waste before it gets washed down the drain.

When dealing with a clogged kitchen sink, Phoenix homeowners have to consider the following causes and get prepared for some preventative measures to avoid this problem from reoccurring.

Common causes include:

• Soap scum and toothpaste lead to sludge buildup
• Fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG) will solidify once cooled, which means that they stick to pipe walls and lead to grease buildup. It will attract other debris that flows past and begin to reduce your pipe’s diameter until a blockage is formed. Furthermore, hot oils and fats could deteriorate and melt your drain pipes if you pour them down the sink.
• Food particles will always somehow end up in the drain even when using a strainer. But some people wash down expansive foods like rice, pasta, or oatmeal, which is a problematic habit.

• Hair is a common culprit for clogged kitchen sinks in Phoenix and could start with a clogged shower sink which then affects nearby wastewater lines.
• Issues with the garbage disposal and/or air gap may include clogs or technical failures. That could affect your kitchen’s overall drainage system.

While the above-mentioned causes may sound like an easy fix, you should never underestimate your plumbing system, especially in the event of multiple clogged drains. No one should ever become “used” to unclogging their sink, as it could indicate an underlying problem deeper down the drain. When you’re dealing with multiple drain clogs, including a clogged toilet or a backed-up floor drain, the causes may lie in the following issues:

• Tree root intrusion in sewer line
• Leaky pipes behind walls or concrete
• Soil shifting, house settlement
• Other sewer line issues

When you suspect that your situation is more serious, contact your local Phoenix plumber right away, and they’ll perform a video camera inspection to get down to the root cause of your problem.

5 Ways To Tackle A Clogged Kitchen Sink | Phoenix, AZ

When you plan to tackle your plumbing issues on your own, it is good to start with a clogged kitchen sink. Phoenix plumbers approve of some household remedies, except that you need to proceed with care in order not to worsen the situation. The below instructions are designed to help fight clogged kitchen sink drains, but please keep in mind that these may only be temporary solutions. So if you decide to undertake them, it will be at your own risk. When in doubt, always contact your local, professional plumber for an in-depth inspection.

White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Hot Water

Using white vinegar and baking soda is not an old wife’s tale in terms of cleaning. It is probably one of the most environmentally friendly and effective cleaning solutions there is. But in regard to tackling a clogged kitchen sink Phoenix homeowners need to do this with care. Ideally, the combination of vinegar and baking soda is solely for cleaning and rinsing out your wastewater drain line, so the opening area doesn’t smell. But it is possible for this concoction to break a minor clog.

Pour a cup of baking down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Allow the foamy carbon dioxide gas to work its magic for about 20 minutes before flushing it down with hot water. (Note: Do not use boiling hot water, as it could melt your PEX or PVC drain line.)

Plunge Away!

Plunging will be your best option when you’re experiencing standing water in your sink that just won’t flush down. A standard sink plunger should have a flexible four-inch cup with a flat bottom. It should create an airtight seal around the sink opening for proper suction. Begin by placing the plunger over the drain of your clogged kitchen sink. (Phoenix homeowners should keep a separate plunger for their toilet and kitchen sink to prevent cross-contamination.)

Next, push down gently to force out any air. Then, start plunging repeatedly with force and see if you manage to break through the blockage. Several attempts may be required to see results, but we do not recommend that you continue for too long, as you could risk damaging your wastewater pipes.

Grab the Snake

The plumbing snake is often the preferred method of dealing with a clogged kitchen sink. Phoenix residents may prefer not to use too much force and a snake could help them make a better judgement of how far down the drain line they need to go. The flexible metal cable has a spiral coil on the tip that can loosen debris and even pull it out. Once you feel resistance, crank the snake handle a few times until you believe the coil has a good hold of the blockage. Give it a couple of wiggles before you carefully pull the snake back out. Though this is a non-invasive method of handling a clogged kitchen sink, Phoenix homeowners are recommended to use it with care, as the metal coils could still scratch the interior of their pipes when used improperly.

Clean Your Garbage Disposal and/or Air Gap

Having a garbage disposal unit may be a luxury for some people, but is it not always the case for those who dread regular maintenance. Plus, there are a number of things that you are not supposed to grind as they can result in clogs and system failure. For example, when your system won’t turn on, you’ll need to check if there is a jam or whether it may need a reset. When clearing any clogs, remember to switch off and unplug the unit. Rinse it with hot water to remove any remaining debris and try running it again.

Depending on how your dishwasher is set up, it might drain via an air gap, which is designed to ensure that there is no cross-contamination between your dishwasher and wastewater line. Once wastewater is pumped to the air gap, your dishwasher hose drains via your garbage disposal into the kitchen sink drain. Air gaps require frequent maintenance, as they can easily clog and leak. The best way to maintain your air gap is by removing it. Unscrew the bolts and remove the metal or plastic cap. You may find an accumulation of dirt and mineral deposits. Clean them with an old toothbrush and allow any excess water to drain into the sink.

Unclog Your P-Trap

Your p-trap is the p-shaped (or sometimes U-shaped) pipe under your sink, which is designed to trap the odor of sewer gases from rising to the surface. It is common for it to accumulate too much debris over time. While plunging and snaking can often dislodge the blockage, another option is to get rid of the clog manually. Loosen the coupling nuts to carefully remove the p-trap from the overflow pipe and drainage pipe. Clear the p-trap from any debris and also inspect the drainage and overflow pipes before re-attaching the p-trap. There is always a risk of a leak afterward, so ensure the nuts and bolts are tight.

Still Struggling With A Clogged Kitchen Sink, Phoenix? Your Local Pros At Champion Plumbing Will Bring Their Professional Tools!

Handling your kitchen plumbing in Phoenix may not be rocket science except for some cases where the drainage setup system is overly complicated and prone to problems. But don’t fret; our professional Phoenix clogged kitchen sink services are here to eliminate these issues.

Contact us at 602-269-6323 to speak with one of our friendly customer service reps and book an appointment for preventative maintenance! We offer a wide range of plumbing services, from drain cleaning to water line repair.