I'm often dealing with sink clogs in my kitchen, and while I've had some luck getting them cleared using a plunger, I want to know the best techniques. Typically, I plug the disposal side with a drain cover, fill it with water, and have someone hold it down while I plunge the main sink side. However, I notice that a lot of my efforts get wasted due to the vacuum break in the dishwasher line. Is there a trick or best practice for effectively using the plunger in this situation? I don't face clogs often, but when I do, I want to get things sorted out efficiently.
3 Answers
One solid method is to just go under the sink and remove the p-trap to clean out any blockages. It might take a bit longer than plunging, but it’s a proper fix instead of just a temporary solution. Plus, it's an easy way to access the pipes for any future snaking if needed!
Have you thought about why your pipes are clogging in the first place? My parents use a mesh basket to catch food scraps and always toss those in the trash or compost. We also save our cooking fats in containers to throw away instead of pouring them down the drain. It really helps prevent clogs!
If you want a workaround, try taking off the top part of the vacuum break where the inlet and outlet are. Covering it with your palm while you plunge can help push the debris through. Just be careful—it can be a bit uncomfortable! If it’s the P-trap that's slow, disassembling that can really help too.