Why is my kitchen sink not draining but pipes clear?

Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down. The fix is disassembling the pipe to clean out the gunk that's causing the blockage.


Why is my sink not draining but not clogged?

A slow drain indicates an issue is present, so if it's not a clog in the sink, it could be an issue with your sewer line. Leaving the problem unattended could lead to more serious problems, so consult a plumber to get the problem resolved.

Why is my sink filling up with water and not draining?

A clog in the sink itself is one of the more common reasons for water to back up. Using sink cleaners and snakes in the drain can often unclog the sink drain. You can also schedule a professional drain cleaning to see if you can unclog the sink drain.


How do you fix a slow draining kitchen sink that is not clogged?

Pour a half cup of baking soda down your drain followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for five to ten minutes or so. Then, carefully pour the pot or kettle full of boiling water down the drain. Turn the faucet on and see if it's draining faster.

Why is my sink still clogged after snaking?

If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake. A drain auger (snake) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.


Slow Sink Drain Kitchen | Not the Trap



How do you know if your main line is clogged?

Here are a few signs that it's your main line that's clogged.
  1. Multiple slow-running drains. If more than one drain is running slow, it's probably not a coincidence, but an indication that one clog is causing issues for all of them. ...
  2. Water backing up into other drains. ...
  3. Gurgling sounds. ...
  4. Sewage odors coming from the drains.


Can snaking a drain make it worse?

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe.

Can you put Drano in a sink that won't drain?

You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.


Will Drano unclog a sink with standing water?

HOW IT WORKS. The thick bleach formula in Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover cuts right through standing water, clinging to your toughest clogs to blast them fast. It works great to remove hair, soap scum, and other gunky clogs.

What do plumbers use to unclog a sink?

A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.

How do you unclog a sink when water comes from both sides?

Here is the recap of how to unclog a double kitchen sink with standing water:
  1. Restart your garbage disposal.
  2. Try a plunger to push and dissolve the clog.
  3. Use natural drain cleaners only.
  4. Remove the p-trap and use the plumber's snake to drill through the clog.
  5. Call a plumber to fix the issue fast.


What causes water to back up in kitchen sink?

The food, grease, dirt, and hair that accumulates in your sink pipes will eventually find their way to this main line. If the gunk builds up into the drain line, coating the inside of the pipe, the water flow can become restricted and backs up into your sink.

What can cause a kitchen sink to back up?

Common Causes
  • Food – Food is, by far, one of the most common causes of clogged drains. ...
  • Grease and Oil – Some people pour leftover grease and oil down the sink. ...
  • Hair – More common in the bathroom sink, hair can cause a lot of problems when it comes to backing up the sink.


How do you diagnose a slow draining sink?

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and correct slow or sluggish drains.
  1. Check the Drain Stopper. The drain stopper rests in the mouth of the drain and prevents objects from entering the plumbing system. ...
  2. Check the Sink Overflow. ...
  3. Empty the Trap. ...
  4. Use a Drain Snake. ...
  5. Check the Outside Drain Vent. ...
  6. Call the Plumber.


Can you use Dawn dish soap to unclog a drain?

Homemade drain cleaner can break up even the toughest clogs in your sink. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain.

Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?

Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you're going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.

Is it safe to pour boiling water down kitchen sink?

Do NOT pour boiling water down your sink or toilet. In recent years, DIYers looking to find a green alternative to chemical products have suggested pouring a potful of boiling water into a clogged sink or toilet to clear a clog.


What liquid is best for unclogging sinks?

Clogged sinks and drains are frustrating and gross, and our pick for best drain cleaner, Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover, will clear out the gunk quickly and easily. If you're looking for a preventative solution, CLR Clear Pipes and Drains will keep pipes clear with a monthly dose down the drain.

Does baking soda and vinegar really unclog drains?

Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs.

How do you unclog a kitchen drain with standing water?

First, remove all stagnant water from the sink. Replace it with hot water until it is halfway full, and it generates a seal around your drain. Place the sink plunger over the drain and start pumping up and down swiftly. Remove the plunger, observe if the water flows, and repeat the procedure until water flows freely.


Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?

If using a plunger or drain snake does not clear your clog, this is a sign that it is time to call a professional plumber. Considering the risks that come with using Drano, hiring a plumber to clear the clog for you will still be the safer and cheaper option in the long run.

How much does a plumber charge to snake a drain?

On average, you will pay about $109 to $214 for clogs that occur in the shower, bathtub, kitchen, or bathroom. If you are looking to remove a clog from a laundry drain, then it may cost you a bit more, about $151 to $214. For toilet clogs, it may range anywhere from $109 to $273.

Do you snake a drain before or after Drano?

First the drain snake loosens the clog—then the powerful Drano® gel clears it away! The 23-inch flexible tool bends safely through your pipes, and the Drano® Pro Concentrate Gel powers through the clog.


How do plumbers unclog main line?

If your main sewer line is clogged, a professional plumber will need to snake or hydro-jet it. Hydro jetting, which is a complicated process, involves using high-pressure jets to clear blockages in drain pipes and remove all debris. To locate the problem and repair it, call Smiley Drain Cleaning.

How much does it cost to unclog a main pipe?

Removing a tough blockage from a sewer line costs the average American homeowner anywhere from $100 to $900 dollars. The average cost to hydro jet a clogged sewer line is $350 to $600. If the problem is severe, the cost of hydro jetting could be $1,000 or higher.