Though we use our plumbing every day, most people don’t pay much attention to their pipes until there is a serious issue, like a clog. Though many kitchen sink clogs require assistance from professional plumbers, there are a few DIY tricks that could help you resolve the issue on your own. Here is how you can deal with minor kitchen sink clogs, as well as how to tell when it’s time to call in the professionals. 

How to Fix a Clog

If your clog isn’t too serious, a few simple techniques may help you resolve it without damaging your plumbing. Pouring boiling water into the sink is often enough to flush out the clog, for example. You can also try pouring an equal mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain and then flushing it with hot water. 

A standard household plunger can also clear out your plumbing. If you have a double sink, seal off the other side and place the plunger over the clogged drain. Make sure there is enough water in the sink to cover the plunger. The suction created by the plunging actions can help clear the drain. If these methods don’t work, you’ll likely need to call a plumber.

How to Prevent a Clog 

You can avoid nasty clogs in the kitchen sink by keeping all non-food items—and certain foods—out of the sink entirely. If you have a garbage disposal unit, keep fruit peels and fibrous foods, like celery and potatoes, out of it; they can cause the disposal blades to get stuck, leading to a clog. Bones and eggshells can also damage the blades on your garbage disposal. 

Oil and grease can prove problematic for your pipes as well. Grease can coat the pipes, forming a thick sludge layer as it solidifies that gradually creates a blockage. Instead, put these materials in a separate container to dispose of in the trash. Other food items that can harm your pipes include pasta and rice, which expand in water to form a clog. 

Whether you’re dealing with a problematic clog or need water heater repair, you can count on Winfrey Plumbing. Serving Grand Island, NE, and the surrounding areas since 1962, their plumbers are available 24/7 to help with both residential and commercial plumbing emergencies. To learn more about their services and current discount offers, visit them online or call (308) 379-9665.