Express Sewer & Drain Blog

Whether your home’s kitchen sink has a garbage disposal or not, it is still bound to clog at some point. A clogged kitchen sink can be a homeowner's nightmare, disrupting daily routines and turning meal preparation into a frustrating ordeal. 

Whether caused by an accumulation of food debris, grease, or other common culprits, a blocked sink requires prompt attention to restore the flow of water and maintain a hygienic environment.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to tackle this issue without resorting to harsh chemicals that could damage your pipes. In this guide, we will explore four practical and eco-friendly ways to unclog your kitchen sink, ensuring it remains in optimal working condition and saving you from costly plumbing bills.

Common Causes of Kitchen Clogs

If you have a garbage disposal, its misuse—such as overloading it or disposing of non-grindable items like bones or fruit pits—can lead to serious clogs. Understanding these common causes can help in taking preventive measures to maintain a smoothly running kitchen sink.

Think about all the stuff that it disposes of daily. Some things that your kitchen sink in California gets exposed to on the regular include:

• Dirt
• Soap scum
• Food debris
• Hair

Over time, these substances can solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes, creating a stubborn blockage. There are plenty of ways that you can unclog it; maybe you use the garbage disposal or douse chemical unclogging liquids down the drain.

However, these aren’t necessarily the best methods to remedy your sink back to smooth draining because those harsh chemicals can begin eroding your pipes if used too often.

4 Ways to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink

So, what’s your alternative? Well, the following details 4 different ways that you can try to unclog your kitchen sink.

1. Handy Plunger to the Rescue

Your plunger is arguably the handiest plumbing tool for decades now. While it might not repair leaking or broken pipes, it’s tried and true for unclogging your bathroom fixtures (i.e. toilets, tubs, and sinks).

However, it’s a pretty handy tool for your kitchen sink as well. Next time you find dirty dishwater pooling up in your kitchen sink, try using your plunger.

2. Vinegar & Baking Soda

When it comes to unclogging your kitchen sink, baking soda offers a less abrasive solution that is both eco-friendly and efficient.

Start by pouring ½ cup of this remarkable powder down the sink drain. Next, add ½ cup of white vinegar, a natural acid known for its ability to break down stubborn buildup and neutralize odors. The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzy reaction that helps to dislodge and dissolve debris within the pipes.

After allowing the mixture to work its magic for a few minutes, flush the drain with hot water to wash away any remaining residue and restore the smooth flow of water. This simple yet effective method not only unclogs your sink but also ensures a fresh and clean drainage system.

3. Baking Soda and Salt

Again, baking soda is the DIY unclogging ingredient to remedy your sink. However, this recipe is a little different—it uses salt instead of vinegar.

This recipe calls for 1 cup of baking soda and ½ cup of salt. Just pour both down your sink drain and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then boil two cups of water and pour that down the drain.

4. Homemade Snake

Create your own drain snake using a simple metal wire hanger. Begin by unraveling and straightening out the hanger until it forms a long, flexible tool. Once you have a straight piece, fashion one end into a small hook shape that can effectively grab onto debris. Carefully insert this homemade snake into the drain, gently maneuvering it through the pipes.

As you twist and turn the wire, it will either latch onto the clogging material, allowing you to pull it out, or it will help dislodge and push the blockage further down the drain, clearing the pathway for water to flow smoothly once again.

Contact Express Sewer for Pesky Kitchen Sink Clogs

While these 4 methods for unclogging your kitchen sink are great quick and cheap fixes, they may not work if it is a severe clog.

So, if you find your kitchen sinks aren’t unclogging and you’ve exhausted all the above options, it may be time to contact a professional plumber. There are non-invasive methods, such as hydro-jetting, to unclog even the toughest of drain clogs.