Kitchen Sink Drain Clogged? Fix It By Understanding These Parts
Is your kitchen sink draining slower than usual or not draining at all? Clogged drains are a common headache for homeowners, but armed with an understanding of the parts that make up a kitchen sink drain system, you can often unclog and fix the problem yourself.
Knowing the anatomy of your drain will help you troubleshoot issues, clear blockages, and prevent future clogs.
Anatomy of a Kitchen Sink Drain
There are several integral pieces that make up the drainage system under your kitchen sink.
Drain Opening and Basket Strainer
The drain opening at the bottom of the sink basin leads to a removable basket strainer. This strainer catches food particles and debris, preventing them from heading down the drain. Over time, food waste, grease, and other gunk can accumulate in the strainer basket, gradually slowing water drainage. Regularly removing and cleaning this basket is key to avoiding clogs.
Signs your basket may be clogged include water pooling in the bottom of the sink basin or draining very slowly. Unscrewing and cleaning out the strainer basket provides immediate access to the drain and allows you to clear any built-up debris.
Tailpiece
Attached to the basket strainer is the tailpiece, a curved section of pipe that connects to the p-trap below. The tailpiece is usually a 1.5-inch diameter slip-joint tailpiece secured with a washer. Like other drain parts, obstructions can occur in the tailpiece from the accumulation of food particles, grease, hair, and soap scum.
P-Trap
The p-trap is a u-shaped section of curved piping designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering the sink drain. As wastewater flows through the p-trap, it fills the u-shaped chamber, blocking air from rising up from the sewer system. However, any debris passing through the drain can also become caught in the p-trap, leading to clogged drains.
Drain Pipes
Below the p-trap, standard 1.5-inch diameter drain pipes carry wastewater from the sink to the main home sewer line. If these pipes have any dips or bellies rather than a straight downward slope, water and debris can collect and cause a blockage. Proper drainage slope is important to prevent clogs.
Causes of Clogged Kitchen Sink Drains
Now that you understand the basic components under your sink, what are some common culprits of kitchen drain clogs?
Grease, Fats and Oils
Grease, fats and cooking oils gradually build up on the inside of drain pipes. As these materials cool, they coat the pipes and eventually solidify, narrowing the drain opening and restricting water flow. Avoid pouring fats and oils down the drain to prevent buildup.
Food Waste
Small food particles can slip through the basket strainer over time. This organic material accumulates and decomposes, eventually blocking water drainage. Regularly cleaning out the strainer basket helps capture larger debris before it heads down the drain.
Hair
Strands of hair from washing dishes or cleaning the sink can get tangled in drain pipes. Hair snags additional debris floating through the drain, gradually forming a clog. Using a hair catcher is recommended to grab hairs before they go down the pipes.
Soap Scum
The fats and residues in soaps, detergents, and other sink cleaning products can adhere to drain pipes. Chemical reactions between different cleaning products can also lead to thick, sticky buildup over time.
Improper Drainage Slope
For water to drain freely, pipes must slope downward with no low points or bellies. Any dips or slopes in the wrong direction can allow water and debris to collect and sit in the pipes rather than flowing out the drain.
Unclogging a Slow or Clogged Sink Drain
If you have a swollen sink drain, there are several methods to try unclogging it:
Plunging
Using a standard sink plunger or plumber's force cup, you can create suction to loosen the clog and get water draining again. For the most effective plunge, you may need to detach the p-trap first to directly access the drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pouring baking soda down the drain followed by vinegar creates a fizzy chemical reaction that helps break down grease, hair, and other organic clogs. Let the baking soda and vinegar fully react before running water.
Mechanical Snake
For stubborn obstructions, insert a metal coil drain snake down the pipe to grab onto and extract the clog. Hardware stores rent power augers, which are more effective for severe clogs.
Disassemble Pipes
Taking apart the p-trap and tailpiece provides direct access to the drain for removing stuck gunk. While disassembled, check that pipes are sloped properly to prevent future issues.
Preventing Future Sink Drain Clogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to maintaining your kitchen sink drain system:
Strainer Basket Maintenance
Regularly removing and cleaning out the basket strainer prevents accumulation of food particles over time. Also inspect strainers for cracks and damage - replace strainers that are worn out.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
The harsh ingredients in many drain cleaners can corrode pipes and create buildup. For routine maintenance, use a natural baking soda and vinegar treatment instead.
Install Hair Catchers
Hair catchers or strainers installed over drains collect hair before it goes down the pipes. Check and clean out hair catchers frequently to prevent clogged drains.
Routinely Flush Pipes
Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain once a week to help flush grease and keep pipes clear of debris. Hot water melts grease and cleans pipes.
While many drain clogs can be DIY-fixed with simple tools, call in a professional plumber if you have:
- Signs of extensive corrosion or damage
- Chronic clogs that return despite preventive measures
- Major backup requiring a mechanical drain auger
- Help determining the root cause or replacing worn pipes
Understanding the anatomy of your kitchen sink drain system allows you to quickly troubleshoot issues, clear basic clogs, and perform preventive maintenance. Knowing how to DIY simple drain repairs can save homeowners countless dollars in plumber calls. With some attention and care, you can keep your kitchen sink drainage running smoothly for years to come.