Have you ever gone to use your kitchen sink only to find that the water will not go down?
You start to panic, thinking of all the things you need to use the sink for that day.
You try running the disposal, but it only makes a loud grinding noise. You grab a plunger and give it a few good pumps, but the water stays put.
What to do now? How to remove a stuck kitchen sink drain flange? Well, that’s what we’re here for.
Fortunately for you, this frequent problem can be easily solved, and you can incorporate multiple methods to ensure that it will not get stuck again.
Why does the kitchen sink drain flange become stuck?
A kitchen sink drain flange may become stuck for a few reasons.
Grease, hair, and food particles can accumulate over time and cause a blockage. The flange can also become corroded or damaged.
How to Remove a Stuck Kitchen Sink Drain Flange?
Things you will need to remove a stuck kitchen sink drain flange:
Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Knife
Materials
- Penetrating oil
- Hammer
- New sink flange
Step 1: Remove the nut
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the locknut that secures the drainpipe to the sink.
Step 2: Use penetrating oil
Spray some penetrating oil on the area where the flange is stuck. This will help loosen the flange.
Step 3: Unbind the plumber’s putty
Use a screwdriver to loosen the plumber’s putty that surrounds the drain.
Step 4: Tap the board gently
Gently tap the board that the flange is mounted on with a hammer. This may also help to make the flange lose.
Step 5: Use a knife if necessary
If the flange is still stuck, insert a knife between the flange and the kink. This may help to loosen the flange.
What to do when the sink drain lock nut is stuck?
If the sink drain lock nut is stuck, you may need to use a hammer and chisel to remove it.
How to avoid blockage in my kitchen drain flange?
To avoid the kitchen drain flange blockage, clean the flange regularly with a brush. Remove any grease, hair, or food particles that have been collected.
How to Replace a Sink Strainer?
If the problem persists even after unclogging the sink, then you may need to replace the sink strainer.
This may seem like a daunting task, but it is a lot easier than you think assuming that you have the right tools for the job.
Step 1: Remove the Current Sink Strainer
To remove the existing sink strainer, unscrew it from the sink using a screwdriver or wrench.
If the strainer is difficult to remove, you may need to use some pliers.
Step 2: Clean out debris
Once the strainer is removed, clean out any debris that may be stuck in the drain. This can be done with a plunger or a snake.
Step 3: Place the new strainer
Place the new sink strainer over the drain and screw it into place using a screwdriver or wrench.
Step 4: Evaluate the new strainer
Test the strainer by running water through it to make sure it is properly sealed.
If water leaks through the strainer, you may need to adjust it or replace it with a different size.
More tips for unclogging a kitchen sink
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Check the garbage disposal.
If the sink is clogged, the garbage disposal may be the culprit. Clear any debris that may be blocking the disposal.
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Clean the P-trap
The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Remove the P-trap and clean it out.
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Try the plumber’s snake
If the sink is still clogged, try using a plumber’s snake to clear the blockage.
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Use a plunger
Cover the drain with a plunger and try to push the clog through.
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Use commercial products
There are many commercial products and chemicals available that can help to unclog a sink.
Use these with caution as they can be corrosive to your drains and can be bad for you to breathe in.
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Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner
If the sink is full of water, try using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove the water. This will make it easier to unclog the sink.
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Baking soda and vinegar
Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour down the drain. The mixture will fizz and help to break down the clog.
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Attack with boiling water
Boil a pot of water and pour it down the drain. The hot water will help to break down the clog.
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Call a plumber
If the sink is still clogged, you may need to call a plumber.
A plumber will be able to properly unclog the drain and make sure that you will not have more problems in the future, assuming you take diligent care of your kitchen sink and drain.
FAQs
Q. Should I use Drano to unclog my kitchen sink?
Drano is a product that can be used to unclog a kitchen sink, but it should be used with caution.
Drano can damage pipes and should only be used as a last resort.
Q. How do I prevent a kitchen sink drain from clogging?
There are a few things you can do to prevent a kitchen sink drain from clogging:
- Clean the flange regularly. Remove any grease, hair, or food particles that have been collected.
- Avoid putting coffee grounds, eggshells, or other hard-to-break-down items down the drain.
- Run hot water down the drain after each use. This will help to break down any build-up in the pipes.
Q. Will Bleach unclog the sink drain?
Bleach can be used to unclog a sink drain, but it should be used with caution.
Bleach is corrosive and can damage pipes. It should only be used as a last resort.
Q. What causes a kitchen sink drain to become clogged?
There are a few things that can cause a kitchen sink drain to become clogged:
- Grease, hair, and food particles can accumulate over time and cause a blockage.
- The flange can become corroded or damaged.
- The P-trap can become blocked with debris.
