How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

If your sink has a garbage disposal, turn it on and run hot water. If the disposal hums but doesn't spin, it's jammed — turn it off and insert the hex wrench (usually 1/4 inch) into the bottom of the disposal unit and turn it back and forth to free the flywheel. If the disposal works fine but water still won't drain, the clog is further down the pipe.

Boil a full kettle of water and pour it directly down the drain in two or three stages, waiting a few seconds between pours. Boiling water can melt and flush grease buildup that's narrowing the pipe. This works surprisingly often for slow drains caused by grease accumulation. If the water drains freely after this, you're done.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz and bubble — that reaction helps break up organic clogs. Cover the drain opening with a wet cloth to keep the pressure directed downward. Wait 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat once if the drain is still slow.

If the clog persists, fill the sink with 3-4 inches of water. Place a flat-bottom sink plunger (not a flange toilet plunger) over the drain opening, ensuring a complete seal. If you have a double sink, stuff a wet rag into the other drain to prevent air from escaping. Plunge vigorously 15-20 times with sharp, forceful strokes, then pull the plunger away quickly to break the suction.

If plunging doesn't work, feed a 25-foot drain snake into the drain opening. Push it forward while cranking the handle clockwise. When you feel resistance, you've hit the clog — keep cranking to break through it or hook it. Pull the snake out slowly, wiping it with a rag as it comes. Run hot water for a minute to flush loosened debris.

Place a bucket directly under the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink). Loosen the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap by hand or with tongue-and-groove pliers — turn counterclockwise. Carefully lower the P-trap and dump its contents into the bucket. Clean the inside of the trap with a bottle brush or old toothbrush. Inspect the pipe going into the wall for blockages. Reinstall the P-trap, hand-tighten the slip nuts, then snug them a quarter turn with pliers.

Run hot water for a full minute to confirm the drain flows freely. Check under the sink for any leaks at the P-trap connections. To prevent future clogs, always run hot water after washing greasy dishes, use a sink strainer to catch food particles, and never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Once a month, flush the drain with the baking soda and vinegar method as preventive maintenance.