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A clogged kitchen sink can bring your daily routine to a standstill. Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain or a complete blockage, it’s frustrating and inconvenient. At AeroFlow El Cajon Plumber, we help homeowners throughout El Cajon, CA, tackle stubborn sink clogs safely and efficiently—without unnecessary damage or stress.
Option 1: Use a Natural Drain Cleaner
Skip the harsh chemicals and go eco-friendly. Try this simple baking soda and vinegar method:
Remove the drain cover or stopper.
Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
Wait 10 minutes as the fizzing reaction loosens debris.
Finish with boiling water to flush it clean.
Tip: After clearing the clog, consider flushing the drain with an enzyme-based product to help prevent future backups.
Option 2: Plunge It Out
If you have standing water in your sink, a kitchen plunger might be your best bet.
Double sink? Plug the other drain with a wet cloth to maintain pressure.
Add a bit of water to the clogged side.
Use strong upward motions to break the blockage (avoid pushing down too hard).
This method is especially effective for clogs caused by food or paper waste.
Option 3: The Wire Coat Hanger Trick
Don’t have a drain snake? Grab a wire coat hanger and follow these steps:
Use pliers to bend a small hook at the end.
Insert it into the drain and wiggle it gently to dislodge the clog.
⚠️ Never insert anything into a garbage disposal unless power is turned off at the fuse box.
Option 4: Try a Drain Snake
When the clog is deeper in the pipe, you’ll need a drain auger (snake):
Insert the snake into the drain opening and feed it until resistance is felt.
Rotate the handle to grab or break up the blockage.
If needed, disassemble the P-trap and snake deeper.
Place a bucket below to catch dirty water. Wear gloves!
Drain snakes are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.
💨 Option 5: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum (Shop-Vac)
A wet/dry vacuum can sometimes pull a clog right out of your drain:
Set the vacuum to “liquid” mode.
Create a tight seal around the drain opening.
Cover the overflow hole with a wet rag.
Turn the vacuum on full power.
This method is also great for recovering small items, like jewelry, stuck in the drain.
📞 Final Step: Call AeroFlow El Cajon Plumber
If none of the above methods work—or you simply don’t want to risk damaging your plumbing—it’s time to call in the pros. Our licensed plumbers at AeroFlow El Cajon Plumber bring years of experience, industry-grade equipment, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.
👨🔧 Help With Kitchen Sink Backups
Here’s a common question we get from homeowners in El Cajon:
“My kitchen sink is backed up on both sides, and running the dishwasher makes it worse. What do I do?”
This usually indicates a clog in the branch line caused by grease, soap, or food buildup. If you’ve already removed the trap and the problem persists, a professional drain cleaning service is required. We use precision equipment with the correct blade size for your pipe diameter, ensuring your line is fully cleared without damage.
💡 Pro Tip:
When using a drain snake, make sure the cutting blades match your pipe size. For example, a 2-inch pipe should be cleared with 2-inch blades—not smaller.
📍 Serving El Cajon and Beyond
We proudly serve El Cajon, CA and nearby communities with fast response times, honest pricing, and guaranteed results. Whether it’s a minor clog or a full pipe replacement, AeroFlow El Cajon Plumber is the team to trust.
📞 Call us now at (619) 983-0084
🌐 Visit: http://aeroflowelcajonplumber.com
