How To Unclog A Double Kitchen Sink With Standing Water

I might be one of the few people who loves doing the dishes by hand instead of popping it in the dishwasher. 

Needless to say, my husband and many friends find this ludicrous. There is something calming and oddly therapeutic about washing them by hand. However, the issue for me is not cleaning but the inevitable clogging of my kitchen sink. Since the house and plumbing system are old, these clogs tend to happen too often and hinder my otherwise calming dish-washing experience. 

Some of my worst times include standing water in the sink that I had to put my hand into to unclog the sink. However, after years of trying multiple liquids, home remedies, and tools, I finally narrowed down some of the best ways to unclog kitchen sinks. These methods have made unclogging so much easier that now I can finally look forward to the washing.

I figured these methods might help some people who are still trying to find that perfect method for fast and efficient de-clogging. This is why I put together this short guide on how to unclog a double kitchen sink with standing water.

Now, let’s get right to it, shall we?

Why Do Sinks Clog?

Kitchen sinks tend to clog much faster due to the amount of food waste that, intentionally and unintentionally, tends to go into it. It is crucial to remember that even tiny morsels of food might not fully dissolve and get clogged in the drain causing it to clog.

Furthermore, oil is a big reason behind a blockage. Despite being liquid, it causes blockages as it slows down the capacity of the sink to get rid of the waste. It is more of a facilitator for blockage than a direct reason. 

Another reason why sinks tend to get blocked is because of the water. If you get hard water in your area, chances are there will be a residue deposit in the pipes and drains. This will inevitably cause the sinks to clog. In such a case, it is best to call a professional to get it fixed.

Unclogging A Sink

Since there are multiple reasons for a sink to get clogged, the solutions are also just as diverse. You will know that the sink is clogged once the water starts rising and you end up with a sink full of standing water. But when it comes to a double sink, food waste is one of the most common reasons for clogging. 

Here are a few steps you can take if your double sink has standing water...

1. Plunge Away

Using a plunger is probably the first and most logical answer whenever there is a clog in my house. So naturally, when I first experienced a sink clog, I turned towards my trusted plunger. I tried to plunge just one side in the first go, hoping it would drain both sides out, but that did not work. 

So, I tried the other sink and then decided to alternate between the two sinks to see if any pressure was being created. Thankfully, my little experiment worked, and I could see the water slowly draining out.

2. Hot Water Cleanse

It may seem like a bad idea to add water to a standing water sink, but it is quite helpful in making the process faster. If the sink is filled to the brim, I suggest manually removing some water using a mug and bucket. 

Once the water has gone down significantly, turn on the hot water tap or pour some hot water down the sink. This will help because, as mentioned, grease and oil also slow down the drainage process. Hence, the hot water will get rid of the stickiness much faster.

Alternative Methods

1. Plumber’s Snake Or Coat Hanger

Since there is standing water, finding the drain by hand can be uncomfortable and messy. This is why using a wire hanger can help in this situation to a certain extent. Alternatively, a plumber's snake can also be used to clear out any waste that is stuck in the drain. 

Remember that a coat hanger is a better option for surface cleaning of the sink while the plumber’s snake is made to go in deeper.

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2. Vinegar/Salt Plus Baking Soda

If you have removed the standing water but have not successfully unclogged the drain fully, you can use vinegar/salt along with baking soda.

It is no secret that baking soda has many properties that help clean anything from teeth to drains. This is why it can help in unclogging the sink, mainly when used with vinegar or salt. All you need to do is add either vinegar or salt to a cup filled with baking soda (1/3 of the cup).

Once this mixture has been made, it needs to be poured into the sink. The one with vinegar can sit for a short time (15-60 mins), while the one with salt can stay for 4-6 hours. In both cases, it is best if you let the mix stay in the drain overnight.

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