How to Snake a Kitchen Sink

A clogged sink is a common issue in the kitchen, and we often seek expensive plumber services. However, if I tell you how to snake a kitchen sink, you can save on those costs. 

This problem is common, and since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and trying out recipes, I’ve gained much knowledge about keeping the kitchen clean.

In the beginning, I used to get very stressed whenever such an issue arose, and I had to call a plumber. But then I thought, why not solve this issue myself? 

So, I tried many methods and will share them with you in this article. I recommend reading it to the end because it saves you a lot of struggle and money in just a few minutes.

Why Kitchen Sink Clogs Happen?

The kitchen sink can be in a large or small home, but they are used almost daily. They deal with all our leftovers, coffee stains and greasy spoons, and we don’t give it any attention. So, these items can lead to clogs that need a quick repair. 

Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Clogs:

• Grease, Oil, and Fat
  • These substances can crystallise in your pipes and then trap other materials.
• Food Scrap
  • Small food fragments may stick to the drain and cause a blockage.
• Hair
  • The hair strands can easily be trapped in the drain and may cause blockage.
• Soap Scum
  • Soap can interact with minerals in water and accumulate slowly.
• Dirt
  • Washing vegetables or even getting your hands dirty may also play a role in clogging.
• Foreign Objects
  • Things that should not be in the sink are the ones that cause significant blockages to occur.

Easy Method to Snake a Kitchen Sink

I will guide you step by step, and I hope these instructions will save you both money and struggle. I always use this method, so it’s the most efficient way to remove a clog from the kitchen sink.

Step 1: Disconnect the P-Trap

The first step is the removal of the P-trap, which is the curved pipe located under the sink in the kitchen. This one is to retain water and ensure that sewage gases are not in your household.

1. PrepareTools: As you prepare to work, regroup your tools. If your trap is chrome-plated, you will need a bucket or pan to catch water that may flow out, channel locks, or a pipe wrench.
2. Position the Bucket: A small bucket or pan should be beneath the P-trape. When you cut it off, it will allow any water in the trap.
3. Loosen the Nuts: The P-trap connects with slip nuts and friction washers. If you have the trap constructed of plastic, you should be able to turn these nuts with your bare hands. If they are chrome plated, use the channel locks or the pipe wrench while applying Ken to overcome them.

Step 2: Inspect the Pipe

Once you have removed the P-trap, take a moment to look into the pipe leading away from the sink.

• Check for Obstructions: Try to point a flashlight at the pipe to see whether something is blocking the pipe or not. If there is any debris or buildup, then this may be the cause of your clog. If it looks clear, then the problem is deeper down the line.

Step 3: Insert the Snake Cable

Now it’s time to use your drain snake:

• Prepare the Snake: Slip approximately 12 to 15 inches of cable from the snake head.
• Insert the Cable: This cable should be done carefully and gently into the drain line. Ensure it slides through the pipe easily without using slight force to push it in.

Step 4: Navigate the T-Fitting

• Listen for Guidance: If you cannot see the T-fitting, ask someone to place their ear against the wall while you turn the snake handle to see if the cable is moving upwards into the vent. It goes up when slightly withdrawn and reinserted to go down.

Step 5: Feed More Cable

• Test for Resistance: If no resistance exists, continue pulling out more cable until you get a feel for it.
• Tigforen Set Screw: When you come across an opposing force, turn the set screw to lock your position.

Step 6: Push Cable Forward

• Crank Clockwise: Turn the handle clockwise to clear debris while pushing forward. You should count how much cable you are using.
• Loosen Set Screw On your snake, insert the blade and then turn the end counterclockwise to loosen the set screw. Twist another 12 to 15 inches and unscrew before you start again.

Step 7: Break Up Clogs

You cleared the clog when no more pulling was required. If you apply pressure on the end of a bigger pipe, it must be able to slide smoothly.

For demanding clogs, the push-and-pull method is recommended.  Insert three units, retract two units, then insert four and two units again. Pump till the blockage clears up.

Step 8: Remove the Cable from the Pipe

• Retrieve Cable Carefully: Gradually pull back one to two feet of cable and turn the connector anticlockwise. Do not reverse quickly again to avoid re-blocking the pipe. Coil the remaining cable back onto its spool to prevent grease from splattering.

Step 12: Reassemble the P-Trap

Look for signs of corrosion or damage at your P-trap tubing.

• Replace if necessary: If broken, replace with a new plastic or reinforced chrome for a neater look.
• Reattach Trap: To complete the process, reconnect the P-trap firmly, but ensure that you fix it under the sink.

Step 13: Turn on the Water

It’s the final step; isn’t it easy peasy? 😀 Run hot water for several minutes to clear out debris and to stop the start of a new clog. If there is another clog, attempt to plunge the sink before using the snake again.

How to Manage a Kitchen Drain Snake Without Scratching the Sink

1. Think About Pipe Removal First

You should remove the pipes under the sink instead of using a snake. Remember to shut off the water supply to avoid wastage and place a bucket below to collect water in case the fittings are disconnected.

2. Make Use of a Plastic Drain Snake

Buy a plastic drain snake instead of a metal one for your drain. Instead of using real snakes that can harm the sink surface by scratching it, plastic varieties are almost as efficient in dislodging clogs.

3. Clean Up Afterward

If you have removed the clog successfully, you should rinse the sink with a mild cleaning agent and a soft cloth to remove any dirt that may be behind when removing the clog.

4. Keep the Sink Safe

Putting a rubber mat or towel over the sink is advisable to prevent further scratching on the surface by the snake. It’ll help form a barrier between the sink and the tool.

5. Gently Insert the Snake

When putting the snake into the drain, be as gentle as possible. Do not mishandle yourself in a way that might necessitate scratching the sink, as this might be quite tasking.

6. Use Your Hand to Guide the Snake

Take your hand and try to control the snake’s movement toward the drain. Don’t let it move on the sides of the sink, and try to keep it steady.

Can I snake a Kitchen Drain With a Curved Pipe?

When a pipe system has bends, a known elbow in plumbing is very angular, such as the 90-degree angles used in P-traps or more gradual. These bends may collect debris and, therefore, cause severe blocking. 

You will still need to deal with an elbow when using a drain snake, but you should do it carefully. As you feed the drain snake, attempt to turn it as it goes into the pipe; this lets it get around bends. 

If you find some resistance at the elbow, exert pressure on this area while rotating the snake. After a few rotations of the cable, you should feel the snake moving through the elbow and beyond the clogged area.

Conclusion

You should know how to snake a kitchen sink using these steps. Still, if you are not interested in some points, you can contact me directly. Trust me, this small article can save you a lot of money.