A kitchen sink clog is one of the most common home plumbing issues. Sinks can get clogged when we try to pass too much material through the drain or when we try to pass the wrong kinds of material down the drain. The good thing is that in most cases, a kitchen sink clog can be cleared without having to call a plumber.

Kitchen sink plungers and drain cleaners are the most common ways to clear a kitchen sink clog.

Plungers and augers are fairly effective and easy to use, but it does take some physical effort to clear a clog using a plunger.  Plungers also create a lot of splash action, which can get messy if you aren’t careful.

Drain cleaners are compounds that use chemical reactions to break up and dissolve the material that’s causing the clog. You simply pour them down the sink, wait a specific period for the chemicals to do their thing, and then rinse what’s left of the clog down the drain. Drain cleaners are the easiest way to clear a clog.

Unfortunately, many commercial drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals. These chemicals can be nasty to your pipes and harmful to the environment. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can be expensive as well.

More and more homeowners are opting to make their drain cleaners. These homemade drain cleaners work just as effectively as commercial cleaners but without the harmful chemicals. Most use everyday household items like baking soda, vinegar, and salt, making them far less expensive than the ones you buy at the store or online.

Here are a few DIY drain cleaner recipes you can try the next time you experience a clogged kitchen sink in Pomona:

Dishwashing Detergent and Hot Water

Super easy. Just mix 3-5 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent into a pot of boiling water. Once you’ve done that, slowly pour the mix down the drain. This recipe is particularly effective for breaking up fat and grease buildup.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Another easy recipe: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your kitchen sink drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Let the mixture sit for an hour. While you’re waiting, boil a pot of water. After the hour has passed, pour the boiling water down the drain to wash away what’s left of the clog. Repeat if necessary. Run the tap water to get rid of any remaining materials.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

This recipe is for those who don’t care for the smell of vinegar. It’s the same as the baking soda and vinegar recipe, only you substitute lemon juice for vinegar.

Borax, Salt, and Vinegar

To create this homemade drain cleaner, combine 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup salt, and 1/4 cup vinegar in a pot of boiling water. Wait an hour (during which the mixture should become clear), and then pour the solution down the affected drain. Flush the drain with hot tap water if necessary.

When to Call a Professional Pomona Plumber

If cleaners or plungers don’t do the trick, or you are experiencing persistent clogged sinks, the source of the clog may be located deep in the drain or even in your home’s sewer line. These are problems that require professional attention. These types of issues need to be addressed ASAP – not just to get rid of the clogs but to prevent corrosion and other damage to your pipes.

Preferred Plumbing and Rooter Can Tackle Just About Any Plumbing

If you just can’t seem to get rid of that kitchen sink clog or are experiencing another home plumbing problem in Pomona, give Preferred Plumbing and Rooter a call. We provide expert plumbing services to home and business owners all over the Imperial Valley area. Our team of licensed Pomona plumbers have the skills and training to tackle just about any plumbing problem you’re facing.

After-hours plumbing emergency? Not a problem. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. We’re available whenever you need us, any time of the day or night.

You can contact Preferred Plumbing and Rooter through our website or phone us at (877) 298-8105 to schedule a call from a professional Pomona plumbing contractor.