A clogged kitchen sink can bring meal prep and cleanup to a halt. Most blockages are caused by grease, food scraps, or debris catching in the pipes. Before you reach for harsh chemicals or call in a pro, try these six DIY methods to get your sink flowing again.
1. Run Hot Water
Begin by running the faucet on the hottest setting for a minute to see if that clears the clog. If water builds up, boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it directly into the sink drain in two or three stages. The heat helps dissolve grease and breaks up light blockages.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. The bubbling reaction helps dislodge debris. Once the fizzing subsides (about 5–10 minutes), flush the drain with another round of boiling water to rinse away loosened grime.
3. Plunge the Drain
Use a cup plunger over the sink drain to apply suction. Cover any overflow vent or second basin opening with a wet cloth. Fill the sink until the plunger lip is submerged, then pump vigorously up and down for 15–20 seconds. Remove the plunger and test the flow. If simple fixes fail, calling a Plumber Corona del Mar may be the quickest solution.
4. Clean the P-Trap
Place a bucket underneath the curved P-trap pipe under the sink. Loosen the slip nuts by hand or with a wrench, and remove the trap. Empty its contents into the bucket, then scrub out any gunk with a bottle brush. This is especially important after any appliance installation—say, a dishwasher or garbage disposal—to ensure all your plumbing connections stay clear and leak-free. Reassemble the trap and test the drain.
5. Use a Drain Snake
For deeper clogs, feed a plumber’s auger (also called a drain snake) into the drain opening or P-trap connection. Rotate the handle to bore through and latch onto the obstruction. Once you feel less resistance, pull the snake back to extract the clog. Flush with hot water to clear any remaining residue.
6. Try a Wet-Dry Vacuum
If you have a wet-dry vacuum, set it to liquid mode. Seal the vacuum hose to the drain opening and turn it on to suck out water and debris. This method works well for soft blockages near the drain entrance.
If these steps don’t clear the blockage or if you prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to call a Plumber Corona del Mar. Tweedy Plumbing offers fast, reliable service to unclog drains and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
