6 Easy and Creative Ways to Fix a Clogged Kitchen Sink

It happens to the best of us, we start running water to clean a sink full of dirty dishes and discover that the sink won’t drain.

Now you have a sink full of both dirty water and dirty dishes, and no clue how to solve the problem. First, immediately turn off the faucet so you don’t have water overflowing onto your floor. Then, take a deep breath, there are easy ways to fix your problem.

Keep reading to discover the common causes of clogged kitchen sinks and easy ways to unclog them.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Before we get into the ways you can unclog a kitchen sink, you should know what leads to a clogged sink in the first place.

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is cooking grease. Under no circumstances should you let grease enter your drains. Instead, always throw out the grease in the garbage.

You should also let as few food products enter your drain. Yes, even if you have a garbage disposal.

These are just a few of the common causes. This article will help you find out more about what all you should avoid putting down the drain.

But, sometimes even with all that knowledge, you’ll still end up with a clogged sink. Below are a few easy ways you can unclog your drains.

1. Try a Plunger

One of the most common ways how to unclog a kitchen sink is with a plunger.

You’ll want to make sure you’re using a sink plunger instead of a toilet plunger. You can identify a sink plunger by its shallow dome and the bottom ring that sits tight against your drain.

Then, position the plunger so it completely covers the drain. Then, thrust the plunger up and down in a quick, forceful motion. You can then pull the plunger from the drain and see if your water clears.

If not, just continue the plunging until the drain is clear. If it still doesn’t work, try one of the other methods below.

2. Use a Snake or Clothes Hanger

A drain snake is another popular weapon against clogged drains.

A drain snake is essentially a skinny piece of metal rope that can fit down your drain and hopefully through whatever is causing the clog. If you don’t have an official drain snake handy, you can also straighten out a wire hanger.

You can then use the snake in two different ways. You can either use the snake to separate the clogged material and push it down through the pipe. Or, use it to grab ahold of the clogged material and pull it out of your sink.

3. Mix Hot Water and Dish Soap

While not everyone has a drain snake or plunger nearby, we bet you have access to hot water and dish soap. And when combined, these two liquids can unclog your kitchen sink. This method is particularly effective when dealing with a grease clog.

First, start by squirting a large amount of dish soap into the clogged drain. While the soap is sitting, heat up a pot full of water until it’s boiling. Then, pour the pot of boiling water down the drain.

This should break up the clog and clear your drain within seconds.

4. Combine Baking Soda, Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are also useful pantry items when it comes to unclogging drains.

Start by pouring 3/4 cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Then, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your drain. As soon as the two liquids are poured in, cover the clogged drain with a dishcloth or plug.

Let the mixture sit in your drain for about half an hour. Then, remove the cloth or plug and run a small amount of hot water out of your faucet.

If your drain is still clogged after the first attempt, you can try it again. Sometimes an especially pesky clog will take two rounds of baking soda and vinegar.

5. Grab Your Wet and Dry Vac

If you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, a wet and dry vac is also a great way to clear a clogged drain.

Turn your vacuum on to its liquid setting. Place the hose of the vacuum at the base of your sink drain.

You’ll want to make sure you have the tightest seal possible so you don’t have drain residue flying around your kitchen. You can wrap the end of the hose with a rag and hold it secure with your hands for an easy seal.

Then, simply turn your vacuum on. It should have enough pressure to easily suck out any clogged materials from your drain.

Just make sure to empty and clean your vacuum afterwards.

6. Pick up the Phone

If you prefer a completely hands-off method, you can try to unclog your sink with your phone!

Just pick up your phone and search for a plumber in your area. Call them up and explain the issue. They should be able to come out and unclog the drain quickly and effectively.

While this will cost you money unlike the other methods mentioned, sometimes it’s worth it to hire someone to do the job right!

Tackle That Clogged Kitchen Sink in No Time

The next time you encounter a clogged kitchen sink, don’t panic. Instead, try one of these easy methods and you’ll be using your sink in no time.

But remember, most times a clogged drain can be avoided. By being aware of what should and shouldn’t enter your drain, you can stop a clog from ever happening.

New to homeownership and need more help around the house? Browse the rest of this blog for more DIY home tips and Kitchen design ideas.