Unclogging a Kitchen Sink Using a Plunger

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated January 11, 2019)

Before beginning any home improvement project you want to make sure that you have all of the tools necessary to complete the job. For this activity you are going to need a plunger, some petroleum jelly, and a few hand towels. The plunger is the main tool that you are going to be using to fix this problem. The petroleum jelly is going to be used to form more of an air-tight seal than you would normally be capable of. Finally, you want to use the towels for cleaning up any dirty water that may get splashed around while using the plunger.

You are going to need a plunger that has a large suction cup. This is so that it can completely cover the entire drain opening in your sink and provide the proper amount of suction needed to remove the blockage in the drain.

Check the water level in the sink. There needs to be enough water to cover the cup of the plunger. It's not just the bottom of the cup, but the entire cup. If there is not enough water to do this, then add some water.

You are going to want to make sure that any and all extra drains are blocked up. If you have one of the popular double-sink models, this means that you want to use the stopper or something else like a wet rag to block the drain in the other sink. This provides maximum amounts of air pressure to build up and be used against the blockage.

After checking the water level, and making sure that all other connected secondary drains are blocked, follow these steps:

  1. Smear some petroleum jelly around the edge of the plunger cup. This, as mentioned earlier, enables a tighter seal to form when you use the plunger.
  2. Place your plunger into the sink around the drain's opening. You are going to want to angle this so that there is no air under the cup once you have placed it into the water.
  3. Utilizing around twenty repetitions thrust the handle up and down repeatedly. This should remove the blockage, but in the event that normal water flow does not resume immediately repeat this process a few more times before moving onto a different method.
  4. After either removing the blockage, or deciding to use a different method to do so, use the towels to clean up any and all mess made during your project.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

MORE FROM DORIS

Using Mirrors to Decorate

If you are looking for inexpensive, effective decorating tips, this article is for you. Learn to use mirrors as a great ...

Discover More

Restoring Light Fixture Covers

Over time everything get's a little dirty, and it is no different with light covers either. When time passes, and you ...

Discover More

Deep Frying a Turkey

It is becoming more and more popular for people to deep fry turkeys rather than bake them in the traditional sense. If ...

Discover More

Cordless, Compact, and Powerful! DeWalt's 20-volt drill-driver kit packs a big punch in a small package, with a powerful high-performance motor tucked away inside a compact design. A great addition to the tool chest of any professional or DIYer! Check out DeWalt 20-Volt Drill/Driver Kit today!

More Home Improvement Tips

Preventing Clogged Drains

Perhaps one of the most common plumbing problems that a homeowner can experience is a clogged drain. After all, this is ...

Discover More

Unclogging a Kitchen Sink Using a Drain Snake

Snaking a drain is one of the more sure-fire ways to clear a clog out of any drain. Follow these simple steps, and you ...

Discover More

Unclogging a Bathroom Sink Using a Plunger

Bathroom sinks seem to be susceptible to a large number of clogs or blockages. If you are interested in performing your ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 3 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)