How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

A clogged kitchen sink is one of those problems that always seems to happen at the worst time—right before guests arrive or when you're in the middle of cleaning up. The good news? Most sink clogs can be fixed quickly without calling a plumber. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to get things flowing again.

✅ 1. Boiling Water Flush

Start with the easiest fix. Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. This can dissolve grease or soap buildup, especially in metal pipes. If your sink is partially draining, do this in stages and let the water work through.

✅ 2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This natural reaction can break down organic matter and loosen minor clogs.

✅ 3. Plunge It

If water is standing in the sink, try using a standard cup plunger. Make sure you cover the drain fully and create a strong seal before plunging with short, forceful motions. It’s often enough to dislodge food or air pockets.

✅ 4. Check the Trap

If none of the above works, it might be time to go under the sink. Place a bucket underneath the P-trap (the curved pipe), then unscrew the connectors to remove it. Clean out any debris, gunk, or buildup inside. Reattach and test.

✅ 5. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

While tempting, chemical cleaners can damage your pipes over time and may not even fix the clog. Stick to safe, non-corrosive methods unless you're dealing with a serious blockage.

If you’ve tried everything and your sink is still clogged, the problem might be deeper in your plumbing lines. In that case, don’t wait—call a professional before water damage becomes part of the issue.

At I Hate My Sink, we help homeowners fix, replace, or upgrade their sinks with ease—and yes, we unclog them too. If your sink is driving you crazy, we’re here to help get things flowing again.

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