Why You Have Water Under Your Kitchen Sink and How To Fix It

It can be incredibly frustrating to look under your kitchen sink and see standing water with no visible leak. Water pooling around the pipes may indicate a clogged drain or blocked pipe preventing proper drainage. Don't panic - in many cases this is an issue you can diagnose and repair yourself without calling an expensive plumber.

Common Causes of Water Under the Kitchen Sink

There are a few likely suspects that can cause water drainage issues in your kitchen sink. Here are some of the most common sources:

Clogged Drain

Over time, small bits of food particles, grease, hair, and other gunk can build up in your drain and drain pipes. As debris accumulates, it restricts the flow of water and eventually causes a blockage. With nowhere to go, water can back up and pool underneath the sink.

The kitchen sink drain takes quite a beating on a daily basis. All those food scraps, fats and oils we wash down the drain can leave behind sticky residues that cling to pipe walls. Hair and soap scum add to the problem. Before long, your drain gets clogged up.

Clogged P-Trap

The p-trap is the curved section of pipe located directly underneath the sink drain. Its purpose is to hold water and prevent sewer gas odors from entering the home. However, the p-trap design that allows it to work also makes it prone to getting clogged.

As debris and gunk flow from the drain, much of it gets caught and accumulates in the p-trap. Over time, the buildup impedes proper drainage and can completely block water flow. Just removing and cleaning the p-trap is often enough to resolve minor backups.

Clogged Vent Pipe

In addition to the main drain line, sinks also have a vent pipe that releases sewer gases and allows air into the plumbing system. Vent pipes usually run up through the roof, and they can become clogged with leaves, nests, debris, ice dams, and more.

Proper airflow is critical for sink drainage. When vents get blocked, it disrupts the air pressure, vacuum, and circulation the drain pipes rely on to carry away waste efficiently. Without a working vent, you may experience chronic slow drains and water pooling in the sink.

Garbage Disposal Jam

If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, improperly ground food waste or foreign objects can get lodged in the disposal unit and prevent waste from draining out. Bottle caps, corn husks, silverware, and other items can jam the blades and cause a backup.

Running the disposal with large bones, eggshells, grease, or fibrous foods like celery can also be problematic. Over time, drain pipes leading from the disposal can accumulate a gross sludge that impedes water flow. Jammed disposals are a common reason for standing water in the sink.

Diagnosing the Exact Cause

Now that you know the most likely suspects causing water to collect under your sink, it’s time to diagnose the specific problem. systematic process of elimination is key.

Start by removing everything from the cabinet underneath the sink. Give the area a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, grime, and residues that may be contributing to drainage issues. As you clean, inspect all visible pipes, joints, and connections for cracks or other sources of potential leaks.

Verify that water is not dripping or accumulating anywhere external to the pipes. If you find an active leak, this may be the sole issue. Contact a plumber to repair any damaged or corroded pipes.

Running Water to Check Drainage

With no visible leaks, the next step is checking drainage. Turn on the faucet and let the water run for several minutes. Check to see if water collects or if the level decreases and fully drains. Slow-running or standing water likely indicates a partial or complete clog.

Also flush toilets or run water in nearby sinks, then check your kitchen sink again. If the water level rises when other fixtures run, this points to a main sewer line blockage.

Checking P-Trap and Drain

If you have standing water limited to just the kitchen sink, disconnect the p-trap under the sink to inspect it and the adjoining tailpiece. Examine both for any debris clogging them up. You can also try snaking the drain line with an auger to feel for any stubborn obstructions lodged deeper in the pipes.

As you snake the drain, work the auger in and out while rotating to dislodge any possible clogs. Any gritty feeling or resistance means there is likely a blockage. Keep snaking past it to clear away as much gunk as possible.

Inspecting Vent Pipe

Vent pipe issues can be tricky to diagnose yourself. Go up on the roof and inspect the visible vent pipe opening for any debris or blockages. Shine a flashlight down to check for any obstructions. You can also try pouring water into the vent to see if it drains properly.

If you suspect the vent is blocked, use a wire hanger or stick to loosen and clear away debris. A vent clog deeper in the pipes will require a professional plumber with the tools to locate and remove it.

Unclogging a Kitchen Sink Drain

Once you’ve zeroed in on the blocked drain as the culprit, it’s time to tackle unclogging it. Here are several DIY methods you can try to break up the gunk and get your sink draining freely again:

Using a Plunger

A simple sink plunger can generate enough suction to dislodge minor clogs near the drain opening. Fill the sink halfway with water to cover the drain completely. Position the plunger directly over the drain opening and plunge vigorously for several minutes at a time.

Repeat the process, periodically checking if water starts draining. The suction can help loosen the blockage and push it farther down the pipes to restore flow.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

For organic gunk like food waste, oils and grease, try using baking soda and vinegar to break it up. Start by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow with 1 cup of heated white vinegar. Place a stopper or rag over the drain to contain the foaming reaction.

The combination of base and acid creates effervescence that helps dissolve gooey grease and grime. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before running hot water to rinse away the loosened gunk. Repeat as needed for tough clogs.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners and digestants utilize bacteria and powerful enzymes to dissolve and digest organic matter. Look for enzyme sink drain cleaners at your local hardware store or online. Simply pour or spray the enzymatic cleaner down the drain and let it work dissolving proteins, fats, oils, grease, hair, and food particles.

Enzyme cleaners are also great for preventative maintenance. Use them monthly to keep drains free of buildup. The enzymes continuously break down grime so it doesn’t accumulate and clog.

Snaking the Drain

For deeper clogs, use a sink drain auger or flex shaft snake to physically clear blockages. Feed the rotor end down the pipes and work it back and forth to trap debris and scrub the pipe walls. Start near the drain then push farther down into the tailpiece.

Crank handles allow you to spin the the auger head for extra scrubbing action. Retrieving the snake will pull some of the loosened gunk out. Keep snaking until the drain is open.

Removing and Cleaning P-Trap

If other methods fail, remove the p-trap under the sink to check for and clear any blockages. Place a bucket under the trap to catch water. Loosen the slip nuts on both ends and slide off the p-trap. Thoroughly clean any debris and buildup out of the trap.

Inspect the pipes on either side for any additional obstructions that may need snaking. Rinse the p-trap out before reinstalling it. Make sure the slip nuts are tightened properly to prevent leaks.

Preventing Future Clogged Drains

Unclogging your sink drain provides temporary relief, but the clog will likely keep recurring if you don’t take steps to prevent future buildup. Here are some handy ways to keep your drains free of obstructions:

Strainer Baskets

Fit sink strainer baskets into your drain catch food particles, hair, and debris before it goes down the drain. Empty and clean strainer baskets regularly to maximize effectiveness. Fine mesh strainers trap even small food scraps.

For especially problem drains, install an in-sink strainer that covers the entire sink bottom. This fully prevents food particles from entering drains during prep and cleanup.

Disposal Screen

If you have a garbage disposal, install a screen or cover over the disposal drain opening. This useful device catches stray silverware, bones, and other objects that could get lodged in the disposal blades and jam the unit.

The perforated screen allows water to flow through freely while keeping harmful objects out. Just remove and empty the screen into the trash regularly.

Monthly Maintenance

You can keep drains clear with regular monthly maintenance. Pour a foaming enzyme cleaner down each drain and allow it to work overnight dissolving gunk, oils, hair buildup. Rinse thoroughly in the morning.

Enzymatic cleaners will keep protein and grease from sticking to pipes over time. Yogurt contains natural enzymes that can also keep drains fresh. Simply discard down drains monthly.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Drain clog removers containing harsh acids and caustic chemicals may seem like the easiest route. However, chemicals can slowly eat away at metal and plastic pipes and fittings, resulting in leaks and corrosion over time.

For regular maintenance, stick to safer enzyme cleaners and bacteria treatments. Look for natural enzyme products containing bacteria strains like Bacillus subtilis to safely devour organic waste.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While many basic clogged drain issues can be resolved with some DIY elbow grease, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional plumber:

• For major backups or flooding issues, a pro has the high-powered equipment to clear bad clogs and minimize water damage quickly.
• If you’ve tried the methods above without success resolving the issue, a plumber can inspect and utilize methods you don’t have access to, like hydro-jetting.
• Drain pipes that are difficult to reach or buried in floors/walls are best handled by a plumber with the right tools and camera equipment.
• For chronic drain problems, a plumber can perform repairs and permanent solutions to remove root causes of backups.

Avoid waiting until an emergency to call the plumber - the extra cost and stress isn't worth it. For serious plumbing issues, professional assistance is your best bet.

Standing water with no visible leaks can be super frustrating. But in many cases, it simply indicates a routine clog that you can often remedy yourself. Follow the tips above to get your kitchen sink drain flowing freely again.

With some preventative maintenance and drain cleaning attention, you can avoid this issue cropping up in the future. But if problems persist, don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a professional plumber to properly diagnose and fix the problem.