Troubleshooting Plumbing In San Diego: Unclogging A Blocked Kitchen Drain

byAlma Abell

A kitchen drain that is blocked can be a disruption to daily activities such as cleaning and food preparation. Soap and other caustic materials can erode iron pipe walls in Plumbing in San Diego. This material can combine with hair, fat, and food particles at the bottom of the drain pipe. A blockage can form that prevents water from draining. Stagnant water is an invitation for bacteria growth. To rid your kitchen of this inconvenience and possible health hazard, use the following guidelines for clog dislodgement.

To start troubleshooting this problem, use a plunger. This instrument is a long stick that attaches to suction cup. Fill your sink with water to within 2 to 3 inches of the top. If you have a sink overflow, place a wet towel over it. The air in the sink overflow will add to the force needed to unblock the clogged drain. Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the underside of the plunger’s lips. Press the plunger against a side of the sink near that top where it’s dry. Slowly slide the plunger over the top of the drain opening.

After sliding the plunger over the drain opening, grasp the plunger stick with both hands. With rapid strikes, move the plunger up and down about 10 to 15 times. This motion, along with trapped air in the sink overflow, should dislodge the blockage. After making these movements, quickly pull up on the plunger. Water should rush out of the sink if this attempt is successful. Sometimes, there is only a partial removal of the blockage. To get rid of all of it, repeat these steps. You may have to add more petroleum jelly to the lips of the plunger to create a seal over the drain entrance. If these steps don’t work after three attempt, try another method for clog removal such as using an auger (plumber’s snake).

It’s necessary to repair a clogged drain for the health and convenience of household occupants. By trying this basic method, your can save money on repair bills and restore functionality to your Plumbing in San Diego. For more information on plumbing services, consult with a plumber at Workright Plumbing. This company can handle residential and commercial plumbing services.