You step away for just a minute, and suddenly you hear strange gurgling noises. You return to the kitchen only to find your sink filling up with water.
What should you do first?
If you're fortunate, you catch the sink before it completely floods your kitchen. However, you still need to stop the water, clear the sink, and clean up the mess.
Our team regularly restores Chicago homes affected by overflowing sinks. This guide will help you navigate the situation.
Don’t let water damage linger! For immediate assistance, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba today at 773-647-1985.
Key Takeaways
An overflowing sink can quickly flood your kitchen, damaging your cabinets, floors, and more.
If your kitchen sink is flooded, unclog the drain, remove standing water, and thoroughly clean and dry all surfaces.
If you can't identify the source of the flooding, contact a skilled plumber who can help resolve the issue.
For complete water removal and cleanup, contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for professional water removal services.
Taking Control of a Flooded Kitchen Sink
Your home’s sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances all function on a shared plumbing network. A clog in this system is often the primary cause of water backing up into your kitchen sink.
Quickly identify what's draining elsewhere in your home. If the dishwasher or washing machine is running, shut it off.
If no appliances are running, turn off your main water valve to stop the flow.
5 Steps to Unclog a Kitchen Sink with Standing Water
Scoop out as much water as you can from the sink, and evaluate the damage. If it's significant, contact your insurance provider to start a water damage claim.
Try these five steps to unclog the kitchen sink. It may take several attempts or a combination of methods to achieve success.
1. Check the Disposal
Run enough water to allow for safe disposal operation. Turn on the disposal and let it run along with the water for a few minutes.
If the sink starts draining, you’ve dislodged a clog in the disposal line.
2. Try Boiling Water
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Wearing oven mitts, pour the boiling water directly into the clogged drain.
If the clog doesn’t clear right away, let the standing water cool and try again.
Pro Tip: Pour half a cup of table salt down the drain before adding the boiling water.
3. Use Simple Chemistry
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture bubble up and settle down, then pour a pot of hot water down the drain.
4. Grab the Plunger
If none of the above methods work, it’s time to use the plunger. Ensure there's enough water in the sink to cover the plunger bell and create a tight seal. Work the plunger with steady, firm movements to minimize splashing.
Pro Tip: For double sinks, seal the clear drain before plunging the clogged side.
5. Clean the P-Trap
Place a bucket beneath the curved P-trap under the sink. Detach the trap by unscrewing the coupling nuts, then clean it out using a stiff bottle brush or wire hanger.
Pro Tip: After cleaning the P-trap, run a plumber’s snake through the exposed stub pipe to remove any clogs deeper in the system.
Cleaning Up After Kitchen Sink Flooding
After unclogging the sink, it's crucial to address water damage quickly to prevent long-term issues with flooring, walls, and cabinets, as well as mold growth.
Thoroughly mop floors, pantries, and cabinets
Wipe all surfaces with mild detergent
Set up fans for cross-ventilation to dry the room
Leave pantry and cabinet doors open during the drying process
The Dangers of Sewage Backing Up in the Kitchen Sink
While most sink flooding is due to clogs in your plumbing system, damaged sewer lines can cause severe problems.
If you suspect sewage is backing up into your sink, locate the sewer clean-out line behind your house.
Carefully unscrew the clean-out cap with an adjustable wrench to release water pressure, but be cautious, as this will send sewage into your yard.
Never attempt to handle sewage cleanup alone. Call in professionals who specialize in biohazard-certified cleanup.
Dealing with an Overflowing Kitchen Sink in Chicago, IL? We Can Help!
Professional flood restoration specialists thoroughly dry your property after an overflowing sink.
While you can handle most sink leaks and clogs, we're here to provide expert backup. Our emergency water leak repair services in Chicago cover everything from kitchen sinks to water heaters.
You can rely on us for flood damage and plumbing leak cleanup too. If your sink is threatening to flood your kitchen, give us a call at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: (773) 647-1985. We'll arrive at your property within 90 minutes and start the process of water damage restoration & recovery.
FAQ
Q: How can I stop my kitchen sink from overflowing?
A: Most kitchen sink overflows occur due to slow or clogged drains. Regularly clean the drain grate and avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain. Once a week, pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing it with hot water.
Q: How do I unclog a double sink filled with standing water?
A: Begin by working on the sink connected to the garbage disposal. Plug the other drain to prevent splashing, then use a plunger on the disposal sink before moving to the other sink. If this method fails, bail out both sinks and pour a mix of salt and boiling water down each drain.
Q: How do I prevent clogs in the garbage disposal sink?
A: If anything other than food falls into the disposal, unplug the unit before removing it. Avoid forcing leftovers down the disposal too quickly. Always run the disposal with plenty of water and flush it for several minutes after each use.
