Trusted Hills District Plumbers since 2018
BLOG

Simple DIY Solutions for Unblocking a Kitchen Sink

What Causes a Blocked Kitchen Sink?

Blocked kitchen sinks are often caused by things we put down the drain. Here are some common culprits:

  • Food Scraps: Even tiny bits like coffee grounds, rice, or veggie peels can build up over time and cause stubborn clogs in your pipes. It doesn’t take much!
  • Grease and Oil: When you pour fats and oils down the sink, they cool and solidify, turning into a blockage magnet that traps all kinds of other debris. 
  • Hair and Soap Scum: While this stuff usually clogs bathroom drains, soap scum and hair can also find their way into your kitchen sink—especially if long hair sneaks in there. The combo creates a tough blockage that’s hard to clear.
  • Foreign Objects: Things like utensils, bottle caps, or even small toys can accidentally fall into the sink and block the drain, causing a sudden clog that stops water from draining altogether.

Signs Your Sink is Blocked

Noticed something off with your sink? It might be on its way to a full blockage. Here are a few telltale signs to watch out for:

  • Slow Drainage: If the water’s taking its sweet time to go down, there’s probably some gunk building up in the pipes. This could turn into a full-on blockage if you don’t catch it early.
  • Bad Smells: Got a funky smell coming from your sink? That’s a sign something—like food scraps—is stuck in the drain and starting to rot. If it smells bad, it’s time to take action.
  • Gurgling Noises: Hear weird gurgling sounds when the water drains? That’s air trapped in the pipes because of a blockage. It’s a heads-up that something’s not right and could get worse soon.

Sometimes a kitchen sink blockage can be fixed with a little elbow grease. Here are a few DIY methods you can try, along with when each one works best:

1. Plunging

Use a plunger when you’ve got a clog that’s slowing or completely stopping the water from draining. This method works well for basic blockages caused by food particles or other small debris near the surface of the drain.

  • Fill the sink with enough water to cover the drain.
  • If you have a double sink, block the other drain with a wet cloth.
  • Place the plunger over the clogged drain and pump up and down vigorously.
  • Check if the water drains. Repeat if necessary.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Reach for this natural method when dealing with minor clogs, particularly if the blockage is deeper in the pipes but not too severe. It’s a great first step before trying harsher methods.

  • Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
  • Follow it with one cup of vinegar.
  • Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes as it fizzes and breaks up the clog.
  • Flush with hot water to clear the debris.

3. Drain Snake

This method is your go-to for tougher clogs that are deeper down the pipes or caused by things like hair or small foreign objects. It’s also useful if plunging hasn’t worked.

  • Remove the drain stopper to access the pipe.
  • Insert the drain snake into the drain and turn it until you feel resistance.
  • Twist the snake to latch onto the clog and then pull it out.

4. Hot Water

If you suspect the blockage is grease-related (like after cooking), hot water can help break down and flush out the solidified fats.

  • Heat water until it’s hot but not boiling.
  • Slowly pour it down the drain in stages, allowing it to work through the blockage.

5. Chemical Drain Cleaners

Use chemical drain cleaners as a last resort when nothing else seems to work. These products can be effective, but they should be used sparingly as they can damage your pipes over time.

  • Follow the instructions on the product carefully.
  • Use sparingly, as frequent use can wear down your pipes and cause long-term damage

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to keeping your sink clog-free. Here’s how to stay ahead of blockages:

Preventing Future Blockages

Regular maintenance

  • Make sure to run cold water when you’re using the garbage disposal. It helps flush everything through.
  • Skip the grease—never pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain. It solidifies and causes major clogs.
  • Use a drain strainer to catch food particles before they can sneak into your pipes.
  • Give your sink a regular clean with baking soda and vinegar to break up any buildup before it becomes a problem.

Watch what goes down the drain

  • Avoid putting fibrous foods like celery or potato peels down the drain. They can easily get tangled up and block things.
  • Coffee grounds are a no-go too—they can pile up and cause a blockage in no time.
  • Toss eggshells and bones in the bin instead of the sink. They’re too tough for your pipes to handle.

When to Call a Plumber

While a lot of kitchen sink blockages can be cleared with some DIY effort, there are times when it’s best to call in the pros. If you’ve tried the methods above and the blockage is still hanging around, it’s a sign that something bigger might be going on in your plumbing.

If you’re noticing multiple drains backing up in your home at once, it could mean there’s a problem with your main sewer line. Bad smells that just won’t go away or strange noises coming from your pipes are also red flags. Getting a plumber in early can help prevent further damage and save you a lot of hassle (and possibly bigger headaches) down the road.

Keep Your Kitchen Sink Flowing Smoothly

Unblocking a kitchen sink is usually pretty straightforward if you know what to do, but sometimes a stubborn clog needs a professional touch. Regular maintenance and jumping on any issues early can save you from bigger blockages down the line. But if you’re dealing with a clog that just won’t budge, don’t worry—we’re here to help!

Call Swish Plumbing today and let our expert team take care of your plumbing needs, ensuring your kitchen sink runs smoothly.