How to Unclog Sink: 7 Easy Ways

A clogged sink drain can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem, but it’s one that can often be easily fixed.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a quick and easy solution, you’ll find something in this article that can help with a sink clog.

So, if you’re dealing with clogged drains, read on for 7 easy ways to unclog a sink.

1. Check the garbage disposal

If you have a clogged kitchen sink, unclogging the garbage disposal is one of the first things to try. With the garbage disposal on, run hot tap water for a few minutes to see if that clears the clogged sink drain. If it doesn’t, turn off the disposal and inspect it carefully to make sure it is working properly.

You may have to restart the disposal at the base if it has become too hot. You will find the reset switch underneath the base of the disposal unit.

2. Plunge the sink drain

Using a common household toilet plunger may fix your problem. You can find a small plunger at your local hardware store.

If you have a double sink, the drain on the other side should be sealed with a wet rag or drain stopper. To create a tight seal around your plunger, fill the sink with enough water to completely cover the bell of your plunger. Put the plunger over the drain, and then plunge several times.

Once the suction has cleared the clog, you can remove the plunger and flush the sink with warm water for about a minute.

3. Boiling water

Boiling water is the simplest and most cost-effective way to drain your clogged sink drain. It’s also the best option if the plunger fails.

• Heat up a kettle or a large pot of water on the stove, and let it boil.
• Use a small pot or mug to remove any standing water in the sink.
• After pouring the whole kettle of hot water in the sink let it sit for a few minutes. If the water does not drain from the sink, it is likely that the clog remains.
• Allow the water to cool for five minutes, then scoop out as much standing water as possible using a mug or pot and dispose of it in another sink.
• This method is very effective at clearing many types of blockages, but you may have to do this several times before the blockage clears.

4. DIY drain cleaner

You don’t have to use harsh cleaners every time you unclog your kitchen drain. There may be a natural drain cleaner in your kitchen. Here are some suggestions:

• Use boiling water and salt. Salt can sometimes unclog drains. After draining as much water as possible from the sink, you can pour half a cup of table salt down the drain. Next, add about a quart boiling water. Allow it to sit for a while, and then flush the mixture with hot water.
• Make your own baking soda and vinegar drain cleaner. Before you try this method, remove any remaining water from your sink. You will need to pour about 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, add an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. When the solution bubbles, you can put the stopper in. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. Then run the hot water again to check if the clog has cleared. If the water drains slowly, repeat the process. This indicates that the clog has not fully cleared.
• Mix baking soda with salt. Combine about half a cup baking soda and half a teaspoon salt. Pour this mixture down the sink. Allow the mixture to sit for several hours before flushing with boiling water. Repeat if necessary.

5. Use a coat hanger

If your kitchen sink is blocked, a wire coat hanger could be a useful tool. Although it won’t reach as far into the kitchen sink plumbing as a plumber’s snake, it might be able to reach some clogs.

To push the clog out, insert the straightened coat hanger into the drain. Be careful not to scratch the sink.

6. Use a plumber’s snake

If the coat hanger doesn’t work, go to your hardware store and buy a plumber’s drain snake. A plumber’s snake, also known as an auger is a handy tool that can clear blockages further down the drainage system below your sink drain.

To expose the “stub pipe” behind the cabinet wall, you will need to remove the drainpipe and the P-trap from underneath the sink. You will need to insert the snake into the pipe until you feel resistance to then remove the clog.

7. Clean the P-trap

To clean a P-trap, follow these steps:

1. Put on gloves and locate the P-trap under the sink. The P-trap is a curved piece of pipe that connects the drain to the waste line.
2. Use a bucket underneath to catch any water or debris that may fall out when you remove the P-trap.
3. Loosen the slip nuts on either side of the P-trap using a wrench. Be careful not to over tighten the nuts, as this can cause them to strip.
4. Once the nuts are loosened, carefully remove the P-trap from the pipes.
5. Empty any debris or buildup that may be inside the P-trap into the bucket.
6. Rinse the P-trap thoroughly with water to remove any remaining debris.
7. Reattach the P-trap to the pipes and tighten the slip nuts securely.
8. Turn the water back on and check for any leaks. If the P-trap is properly installed, the sink should be unclogged and draining freely.

Call a plumber

If none of these methods work, or if you are unable to unclog the sink on your own, it may be time to call a plumber.

A plumber has the tools and expertise to remove even the most stubborn clogs and get your bathroom sink flowing again.

Prevent future clogged sink drains

Clogged sink drains are a normal occurrence on both bathroom sinks and a kitchen sinks. However, there are ways you can prevent future clogs.

1. Use a sink strainer to catch food debris, soap scum, hair, coffee grounds and other solid objects. This will prevent them from going down the drain and potentially causing a clog.
2. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. These substances can solidify and cause a clog in your pipes. Instead, let the grease or oil cool and solidify, then throw it in the trash.
3. Don’t flush large or non-biodegradable items down the drain. This includes things like paper towels, wipes, and sanitary products, which can cause clogs in your plumbing.
4. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. These products can damage your pipes and may not be effective at removing clogs.
5. Have your plumbing regularly inspected and maintained by a professional plumber. This will help to identify and address any potential clogs before they become a problem.