Kitchen Sink Clogged Past Trap? – Let’s Fix It

Last Updated on December 15, 2022

Most people seldom consider sink maintenance until the sink starts to drain agonizingly slowly and the basin fills with filthy standing water. A partially or fully obstructed sink in a kitchen or bathroom is inevitable. Have you ever experienced a kitchen sink clog past the trap? Are the drain pipes in the kitchen sink clear, but you’re the sink isn’t draining?

To clear that stubborn clogged drain, you must know the fastest and easiest method. If the kitchen sink is clogged past the trap, some action may be required.

The purpose of this article is to explain why kitchen sinks get clogged and how to fix them. 

What Is Past P-Trap?

The term “p-trap” refers to the water-catching trap beneath the sink that only drains when enough water arrives from the drain. Although the water obstruction keeps toxic sewage gasses from entering your home, it also frequently catches food scraps, hair, and other trash. The form of the trap makes it one of your plumbing’s most difficult-to-clean components when buildup occurs.

Causes Of Kitchen Sink Clogging Past P-Trap

Even though a clogged sink past the P-trap is a stressful situation, some of the causes are due to negligence. Most homeowners make the mistake of not paying attention to how clean their sink is.

Even though it is a strong and practical method for getting rid of food waste, some veggies should not be put through garbage disposal. Carrot, Potato, or celery peelings should not be put in the garbage disposal. These vegetables are starchy or fibrous, which can jam the garbage disposal motor and consistently block your sink drain pipes. Other foods can occasionally cause the sink to become clogged.

The effects of all of our soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and other lotions and creams are similar to those of cooking oil and grease. Grease that is still hot can solidify when it cools, adhere to the pipes, and eventually block them. To help prevent this, try to scrape as much grease from your dishes into the trash before washing them. Another ideal location for hair to seize and begin producing a blockage is here.

How To Fix Kitchen Sink Clogged Past Trap?

It’s not always necessary to hire a professional to clean out the blockage in the kitchen or bathroom sink. Here’s how to fix the blocked past trap issue in the kitchen sink without hiring a pro.

Clearing The Trap

If a DIYer is confident about taking apart some PVC couplings, the first thing they should do is disassemble the trap and clean it out. Clearing hair or food scraps from this troublesome area of PVC will frequently solve the clogging problem. The material stuck in the trap is the main source of sink blockages.

Using a plunger

If the kitchen has two sinks, block the drain that isn’t clogged with a rag.

• To create a tight seal, place the plunger cup over the clogged drain. Add some water to the sink right away if there isn’t any already. Just enough should be left over to cover the plunger cup.
• Make six consistent, up-and-down thrusts down the drain while maintaining the seal.
• If the water starts to drain after you remove the plunger, the clog has been resolved. If it doesn’t, try it again.

Using boiled water

If a plunger doesn’t work, the best course of action is to attempt boiling water because it is the simplest and least expensive kitchen sink drainer available. The following steps will help you unclog the drain with hot water:

• A kettle or saucepan should be brought to a roaring boil.
• Use a cup or small pot to empty the water from the sink as much as you can while you’re waiting for the water to heat up.
• The entire kettle of water should be poured into the sink, where it should sit for a few minutes. The clog is still present if the water in the sink doesn’t drain.
• Give the water five minutes to cool before removing it. Do this by scooping up as much cooled water as you can with a mug or pot and discarding it in a different sink.

This method frequently works on many different types of blockages, though you might need to repeat the procedure several times to clear the obstruction.

Using Vinegar, Baking Soda and drain cleaner

If you decide to use this procedure, make sure the sink is completely dry so the vinegar and baking soda may reach the blockage more quickly. Using one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar is all that’s needed.

• Pour boiling water down the sink’s drain. Then, using a spatula if required, push the baking soda down the drain. Give it five to ten minutes to sit.
• Pour vinegar down the drain. By inserting the stopper into the sink, you may direct the vinegar toward the obstruction and prevent the mixture from rising again.
• Finally, run boiling water through the drain once again.

Using a drain cleaner such as Pequa Drain Cleaner or Green Gobbler Drain Cleaner is also a good option. A drain cleaner can work better. If you want to know how a drain cleaner works then click here.

Using a Snake to Clear the Drain

If a plunger won’t work to unclog a difficult blockage, use a sink auger. Start by inserting the auger into the sink drain and pushing it there until it stops.

Turn the auger handle while applying light forward pressure. In doing so, the head engages with the substance causing the obstruction. After roughly a minute of turning, remove the auger from the sink. The material ought to be extracted alongside it.

Taking care of garbage disposal

Removing the garbage is one of the most frequent causes of clogged sinks. Perhaps a spoon or some food is supporting it. You should adhere to these recommendations to stop the sink from clogging up once more.

• Don’t put certain foods, such as coffee grounds, bones, pasta, or potato peels through the garbage disposal. They might ruin or dull the blades, or they might make them sticky and clogged.
• Cold water should always be used when using a garbage disposal. Grease is kept in a solid state by the cold water, which prevents it from adhering to the pipe walls. It could be melted by hot water, leaving a slippery residue that sticks to the pipes.
• Grease should never go into the drain. Instead, transfer it to an old glass jar and, once it has cooled, throw it away in the trash.

Wrapping Up

If the P-trap is not reinstalled correctly, you may experience sewer gas leaks and water leaks. A professional should be contacted when snaking the drain doesn’t resolve the issue.