How do I get my kitchen sink drain to open up?

I have tried drano and plunging it but nothing seems to do the trick. Anyhow have any good advice besides call a plumber which can be very costly.

Anonymous2011-02-20T01:54:24Z

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Remove the p-trap under the sink, these tend to get clogged with grease, clean it out and put it back.

Do you have a diposal that might be clogged too?

Ray2011-02-19T19:15:12Z

If it is only the sink - then try removing as much water out of the sink as possible -

Under neath the sink is a U shaped trap.

From here you usually have 2 options.

If there is a small bolt (usually plastic or metal) you can unscrew it (turn ccw to open) and it might clear (drain) the drain but that is only really good for draining any water still remaining in the sink.

You will have to get a big wrench (unless it is plastic) to loosing both ends of the U (trap) drop it down and you may find your problem there - If you must go deeper into the plugged area - further down the drain you will need a snake - They cost about $10 to $100 - but you usually don't need a
very long one to complete the job.

It is a dirty job but it can save you money.

Now if none of this fixed the problem then you may have to call a plumber - it starts getting into digging up the yard, possibly a plug toilet from kids throwing things into it and the backing up to the sink or roots in the underground pipes etc.

That should cover most of it.

No, I am not a plumber but I also like saving a buck here and there.

Good luck

?2011-02-19T19:09:55Z

Unfortunately, Drano is not a very good product except for light-duty applications and maintaining. Go to a hardware store and purchase a drain opener chemical like "Clear-All". Your area my carry the same thing, but with a different name. This drain opener chemical has "sulfuric acid" in it. You will need to remove the p-trap below to remove the water that is sitting there. Re-attach the p-trap. Before pouring the drain opener down the drain, READ & FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Be sure to wear a face mask and gloves when using the chemical.
The other option, is to go rent a plumber's snake. It you do not know how to use, I would stick to the chemical as you could break your hand, finger, etc..

John M2011-02-19T19:29:52Z

If a plunger or drano will not open line a cable needs ran down line to open.Rent a small eel from rental store if you feel confident.Can be messy and rental machines are not very good.
Call around to several Drain cleaning companies.Does not have to be a plumber to clean a drain.If only Kitchen drain is clogged it should not be too bad. 75-100 $

?2011-02-19T19:20:12Z

Remove as much water from the sink as possible, watch out for the chemicals, as they may burn your skin. Carefully remove the P trap inspect it for blockage. Clean as needed, this is probably where the problem is. If not rent a snake 50 foot electric at any rental place. Push the snake into the pipe going downwards and turn it on and rought out the pipe pushing the snake in as you go. Wear gloves.

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