🛠️ 8 Ways to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink (Before Calling a Plumber!)

 

Don’t pour money down the drain—try these simple solutions first.

Your kitchen sink is one of the hardest-working spots in your home. So when it suddenly clogs, it can throw your whole routine into chaos. Before you reach for the phone and call a plumber, try these 8 DIY tricks to get the water—and your kitchen—flowing again.

1. 🗑️ Garbage In, Garbage Not Out?

Start with your garbage disposal. Run it for a minute or two while letting hot water flow. Still clogged? Turn it off and inspect it to make sure it’s working properly. If it’s overheated and shut off automatically, look for the reset switch—usually on the bottom or side of the unit.

2. 🪠 Take the Plunge

If the disposal’s clear but the sink still won’t drain, grab a sink plunger (they’re smaller than the toilet kind). For double sinks, block the other drain with a stopper. Add enough water to cover the plunger bell and give it a few strong pumps. If you hear suction, you’re making progress. Once it’s clear, run warm water for a couple of minutes to flush it out.

3. 🔥 Boiling Water to the Rescue

Boiling water is one of the simplest—and cheapest—clog-busters. Boil a pot or kettle of water, scoop out any standing water in the sink, and slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes. If it doesn’t work the first time, let it cool, remove the water, and try again.

4. 🧪 Make a Homemade Drain Solution

Skip the harsh chemicals. Try these natural (and pantry-friendly) mixtures:

• Salt + Boiling Water: Pour ½ cup of salt down the drain, followed by 1 quart of boiling water. Let it sit, then flush with hot tap water.
  
  

• Baking Soda + Vinegar: Add 1 cup of baking soda, followed by 1 cup of vinegar (white or apple cider). When the bubbling stops, cover the drain, wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
  
  

• Baking Soda + Salt: Mix 1 cup baking soda with ½ cup salt. Pour down the drain, wait a few hours or overnight, then flush with boiling water.
  
  

5. 🪝 Snake It, Don’t Break It

No plumber’s snake? A wire coat hanger can do the job in a pinch. Use pliers to unwind and straighten it. Carefully insert it into the drain to push or pull out the clog. Avoid scratching the sink! You can also try a plastic drain-cleaning tool—great for catching hair and gunk.

6. 🐍 Use a Plumber’s Snake

Still stuck? Pick up a plumbing auger at your local hardware store. Remove the P-trap under your sink to access the wall pipe. Insert the snake into the pipe and crank it until you hit the clog. Twist, break it up, and pull it out.

7. 🧰 Clean the P-Trap

Sometimes the clog is sitting right in the P-trap—the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Place a bucket beneath it to catch any mess, then unscrew the trap. Clear out any debris, reassemble the pipes, and run warm water to test it.

8. 🚫 Prevent Future Clogs

The best fix? Avoid clogs in the first place. Here’s how:

• Don’t overload the garbage disposal—feed waste slowly.
  
  

• Never pour grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the drain.
  
  

• Rinse with plenty of water after using the disposal.
  
  

• Consider a drain strainer to catch food scraps.
  
  

Final Thoughts:

Clogs happen—but they don’t always require a professional. With a little patience and a few household tools, you might save yourself both time and money. Just remember: if you’ve tried everything and your sink is still backed up, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber. Some clogs are just too deep or stubborn to tackle alone.