A clogged kitchen sink caused by hardened grease is one of the easiest drain problems to deal with. And often, you can find the solution inside your home. So, there’s no need to spend $100 for the plumber’s service nor rush to the store for the harmful chemical drain cleaner. All you need are these three simple tricks to get rid of the disgusting grease.
Tip: Before you get started, make sure to remove the clogged water out of the sink. You can simply sponge the water into bucket. You can also use a bowl or cup to remove the standing water from the sink. With the sink clear of water, you will be able to see what you are doing, most especially if you are going to disassemble the plumbing.
Pour ‘Em Some Hot Water
Grease, like most fats, easily dissolves with heat. So, there’s no need spend a few dollars for chemical cleaners. Just get the pot and boil a good amount of water. Pour the hot water down the drain and wait for a few minutes. For stubborn grease, you may need to keep pouring until the drain is unclogged.
Rinse the remaining grease by pouring a few drops of dishwashing liquid into the drain and running the faucet for at least a minute.
The Baking Soda And Vinegar Magic
Congealed grease can be extra stubborn that hot water may not be enough to kick them out. This situation calls for extra measure, the DIY-ers favorite – baking soda and vinegar mixture. This combination can unclog the toughest drains in less than 30 minutes.
Here’s How to Use Them Effectively:
Pour 1/2 cup of baking into the drain and let it set for about for 3-5 minutes. After which, mix 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of boiling hot water in bowl and pour this down on top of the baking soda. Let it sit and fizzle for five or minutes. The vinegar and baking soda will create a chemical reaction that will cause a bubble to erupt from the drain. Don’t panic when this happens. Allow the mixture to work their magic. Baking soda and vinegar, when mixed, can dissolve fatty acids, loosening up congealed grease or sludge that gathered at the bottom of your drain with ease.
After a few minutes, pour a hot water down the drain to rinse the remaining clog. Run the faucet to check if the water drains efficiently.
Alka-Seltzer And Vinegar Combo
If you run out of baking soda, check your medicine cabinet for a few Alka-Seltzer tablets. You only need a piece or two to deal with a clogged drain.
Begin by dropping down two Alka-Seltzer tablets down your kitchen drain; use four for a severe clog problem. Make sure to break the tablets into small pieces so they can travel deep down the hole.
Pour a cup of vinegar, preferably white vinegar, immediately after the Alka-Seltzer. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the items to interact. Let them fizzle and bubble for 5-10 minutes until you no longer observe a bubbling action. Rinse the drain with hot water after.
Repeat the process if the clog has not cleared in your first attempt.
