What is the best product for flushing out the drains of a kitchen sink?

Question

Our sink is not clogged- but we do not have a garbage disposal and do have occasional mishaps with food being rinsed down the drain. What is the best product that will be sure to clear up any potential problems before they happen?

Answer 1

A pipe wrench or a pair of channel-lock (aka tongue-and-groove) pliers. :-) Remove and clean the P-trap then put it back on (http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/home/article/0,2019,DIY_13952_2272189,00.html).

Otherwise, as preventative maintenance just fill the sink completely full with water and then pull the plug. The rush of that much water will rinse things along.

It's always best to avoid putting chemicals down the drain--for your wallet, for your health, and for the environment.

To keep the main waste pipes clear in your house, do the same thing on a larger scale--fill up all the sinks, then pull their plugs and flush all the toilets at the same time (get others to help so it's simultaneous).

Answer 2

Try not to use any chemicals, especially if you have a septic tank. Something that works a lot of the time is to boil a large pot of water (like a stock pot full) and pour it down the drain.

Answer 3

My plumber said use a half cup of bleach once a month. He said it keeps them clear and is cheaper than Drano.