Kitchen Drain Clogged? How To Snake A Kitchen Drain

A clogged kitchen sink is a common household nuisance, but can I snake a kitchen drain myself? Yes, you can effectively snake a kitchen drain yourself to clear a clog.

A blocked kitchen drain can bring your meal preparation and dishwashing to a grinding halt. When water backs up, it’s frustrating. Fortunately, you don’t always need to call a plumber. Many stubborn clogs can be tackled with a simple, yet highly effective tool: a drain auger, also known as a plumbing snake. This guide will walk you through the process of using a drain auger to unclog your kitchen sink, along with tips for prevention and when to seek professional help.

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Why Do Kitchen Drains Get Clogged?

Kitchen sinks are notorious for accumulating debris. The primary culprits behind a drain blockage are often:

• Grease and Fat: When hot grease or oil goes down the drain, it cools and solidifies, coating the inside of the pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the pipe and traps other debris.
• Food Scraps: Small particles of food, coffee grounds, eggshells, and vegetable peels can get caught in the pipes, especially if you don’t have a garbage disposal or if it’s not used properly.
• Soap Scum: As soap breaks down, it can leave a residue that clings to the pipe walls, further contributing to narrowing and trapping other materials.
• Foreign Objects: Accidental drops of small items like bottle caps, utensils, or even jewelry can cause a blockage.
• Mineral Buildup: In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can form over time, constricting the flow.

Essential Drain Cleaning Tools You’ll Need

Before you start snaking your drain, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the job easier and more effective. Here are the key drain cleaning tools:

• Drain Auger (Plumbing Snake): This is your primary weapon. Drain augers come in various lengths and types, from simple hand-crank models to longer, more heavy-duty electric versions. For most kitchen sinks, a 25-foot manual auger is sufficient.
• Bucket or Towels: To catch any water or debris that might come out of the drain as you work.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from grime and potential bacteria.
• Screwdriver (if needed): To remove the drain stopper or overflow plate.
• Pliers (optional): For gripping stubborn debris.
• Trash Bags: To dispose of the removed clog material.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Snake A Kitchen Drain

Following these steps will help you safely and effectively use a drain auger to clear your kitchen plumbing.

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

1. Clear the Sink: Remove any dishes, sponges, or other items from the sink basin.
2. Protect the Floor: Place a bucket or old towels underneath the pipes below the sink, especially if you anticipate removing any P-trap sections later. This is a good habit to prevent water damage.
3. Turn Off Water: Ensure no water is running into the sink.

Step 2: Remove the Drain Stopper

Most kitchen sink stoppers can be removed easily. Some simply lift out, while others may have a lever or mechanism to release them. If your sink has an overflow drain, you might need to remove its cover with a screwdriver to access the main drain pipe more effectively or to clear any debris lodged in the overflow channel itself.

Step 3: Insert the Drain Auger

1. Feed the Cable: Gently feed the end of the drain auger cable into the drain opening.
2. Push and Rotate: Push the cable into the pipe until you feel resistance. This indicates you’ve likely reached the clog.
3. Engage the Handle: Once you encounter resistance, start rotating the handle of the drain auger clockwise. This action helps the auger’s corkscrew tip to grip the clog.

Step 4: Maneuver Through the Clog

1. Advance the Cable: Continue to push the cable forward while rotating the handle. You might feel the auger break through the clog, or it might grab onto it.
2. Feel the Resistance: Pay attention to the feel of the cable. If it becomes very difficult to turn or feels like it’s snagging severely, you may have hit a bend in the pipe or a particularly tough obstruction.
3. Pull Back and Re-engage: If you can’t push through, try pulling the auger back a few inches and then re-engaging it with the clog by rotating and pushing again. This can help break up the obstruction.

Step 5: Retrieve the Clog

1. Pull Out the Auger: Once you feel the auger has either broken through the clog or hooked onto it, slowly retract the cable by turning the handle counter-clockwise while pulling.
2. Clean the Auger: As you pull the auger out, it will likely bring debris with it. Clean the auger tip with a towel or brush, and dispose of the debris in a trash bag. Be prepared for some mess.
3. Repeat if Necessary: If the drain is still slow or completely blocked, you may need to repeat the process. Insert the auger again, work through the clog, and retrieve. You might need to go deeper into the pipe for tougher blockages.

Step 6: Test the Drain

1. Run Water: After you believe the clog has been removed, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes. This helps flush away any remaining debris and test the drain’s flow.
2. Check for Leaks: While the water is running, check the pipes under the sink for any leaks, especially if you had to manipulate any plumbing components.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

While a drain auger is an excellent tool, sometimes other methods can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative for certain types of clogs.

Plunging a Drain

Plunging a drain is a good first step for many clogs, especially if you don’t have a drain auger readily available or if the clog is suspected to be closer to the drain opening.

• How to Plunge Effectively:
  1. Ensure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the bell of the plunger.
  2. Create a tight seal around the drain opening with the plunger.
  3. If you have a double sink, block the other drain opening with a wet cloth to ensure the plunging action is focused on the clogged side.
  4. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously several times.
  5. Pull the plunger away sharply.
  6. Repeat several times.

Plunging a drain can dislodge clogs caused by soft debris, but it may not be effective for hard obstructions or those deeper in the pipe.

Using a Sewer Snake

A sewer snake is essentially a more robust and longer version of a plumbing snake, designed for more extensive pipe systems. While you might not need a full sewer snake for a typical kitchen drain clog, understanding its purpose highlights the scalability of drain cleaning. For kitchen sinks, a standard drain auger is usually sufficient. If the clog is proving exceptionally stubborn and deep within the main sewer line, a professional might employ a sewer snake.

Cleaning the P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe beneath your sink. This is a common spot for clogs to form because the curve can catch debris.

1. Locate the P-trap: It’s the most visible part of the pipework under your sink.
2. Place a Bucket: Position a bucket directly underneath the P-trap to catch water and debris.
3. Loosen the Slip Nuts: Use pliers or your hands to loosen the slip nuts on either side of the P-trap.
4. Remove the Trap: Carefully detach the P-trap.
5. Clean it Out: Remove any accumulated gunk and debris from the P-trap. You can use a brush or rag for this.
6. Reassemble: Reattach the P-trap, ensuring the slip nuts are tightened securely to prevent leaks.
7. Test: Run water to check for proper drainage and leaks.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While snaking a kitchen drain is often a DIY-friendly task, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional plumber:

• Persistent Clogs: If you’ve tried snaking the drain multiple times and the clog remains, it may be deeper or more severe than a typical kitchen sink obstruction.
• Multiple Clogged Drains: If several drains in your house are clogged, it could indicate a problem further down the line in your main sewer system.
• Foul Odors: Persistent bad smells from the drain, even after clearing minor blockages, might signal a more significant issue with venting or the sewer line.
• Water Backing Up in Other Fixtures: If water backs up in your tub or toilet when you run the sink, it’s a clear sign of a main sewer line blockage.
• Lack of Confidence or Tools: If you’re uncomfortable with the process or don’t have the right drain cleaning tools, it’s safer to hire a professional.
• Leaking Pipes: If you notice leaks during or after attempting to clear a clog, a plumber can identify and fix the problem.

Preventing Future Clogs

Preventing clogs is far easier than dealing with them. Implement these simple habits:

• Scrape Plates: Always scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin before rinsing dishes.
• Use a Sink Strainer: A good quality sink strainer will catch most food particles and debris. Empty it regularly into the trash.
• Never Pour Grease Down the Drain: Collect grease and oils in a container (like an old can or jar) and dispose of it in the trash once cooled.
• Run Hot Water After Use: After washing dishes, run hot water for 30 seconds to help flush away any residual grease or soap scum.
• Occasional Drain Cleaning: Consider using a natural drain cleaner (like baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water) once a month to keep pipes clear.
• Avoid Coffee Grounds and Eggshells: These items are particularly notorious for creating difficult clogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How deep can a plumbing snake reach in a kitchen drain?
A: Most household plumbing snakes are around 25 feet long, which is usually sufficient to reach clogs within the kitchen drain pipes and potentially a short distance into the main line. For deeper issues, a longer or professional-grade snake is needed.

Q2: Can I use chemical drain cleaners instead of snaking?
A: Chemical drain cleaners can sometimes work for minor clogs, but they can also be harsh on your pipes and may not be effective for grease or solid food blockages. They can also create hazardous fumes and make snaking more difficult if they don’t fully clear the clog. It’s generally safer to use mechanical methods like a drain auger or plunger.

Q3: What’s the difference between a drain auger and a sewer snake?
A: A drain auger is typically a smaller, manual tool used for sink or toilet clogs. A sewer snake is a larger, often electric, tool designed for more extensive pipe systems and deeper clogs that might be in the main sewer line.

Q4: My drain still seems slow after snaking. What should I do?
A: If the drain is still slow, you might not have removed the entire clog, or there might be multiple blockages. Try snaking again, perhaps going a bit deeper or trying to maneuver the auger differently. If that doesn’t work, consider cleaning the P-trap or calling a professional.

Q5: Is it safe to plunge a drain after snaking it?
A: Yes, it can be safe and sometimes beneficial. If snaking broke up the clog but didn’t fully remove it, plunging can help pull remaining debris out of the pipe. Just ensure there’s enough water in the sink for the plunger to create a good seal.

By following these detailed steps and preventive measures, you can confidently tackle most kitchen drain clogs and keep your kitchen plumbing flowing smoothly. Remember, consistent maintenance and being mindful of what goes down your drain are key to avoiding frustrating blockages.