Simple Tips for Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Sink

A clogged kitchen sink can be one of the most frustrating plumbing problems. Inevitably they occur in the middle of preparations for a big holiday get-together or when you are otherwise under some kind of time crunch to get a meal on the table.

And, of course, they never seem to happen during normal working hours for the plumber!

Fortunately there are some simple things you can try to clear the clog yourself before putting in a call to the plumber. (There are also things you can do to keep clogs from happening in the first place. See: 5 Tips for Maintaining Clear Drains Over Thanksgiving)

If you have a garbage disposal, the first thing to do is to check and see if you have a clogged disposal.

If the disposal is clogged, begin by turning off the power to the disposal at the circuit breaker before you attempt to clear the clog. Next, find a pair of long tongs or similar device that will allow you to reach down into the disposal and remove any obstacles from the disposal. (Never, ever, EVER - did we emphasize that enough? - place your fingers inside the garbage disposal. Even if the power is turned off. Just don't do it.) Remove any debris you can and run hot water down the disposal. Switch power back on to the unit and, with the cold water running, try turning on the disposal to see if the clog is removed.

If the sink is still clogged, the stoppage would seem to be further down the line past the disposal. If you're not up for disassembling the pipe work under the sink, it's probably time to call the plumber.

If you don't have a garbage disposal and your kitchen sink is not draining, you can try a plunger.

If you have a double sink, stopper the other side of the sink in order to create a vacuum. Place the plunger over the drain opening being careful to get as good a seal as possible and work the plunger up and down vigorously.

You can use this method whether there is standing water in the sink or not, and it usually clears most clogs pretty quickly - if they're in the sink line or close to it. If the clog doesn't clear, well you'll probably have to call the plumber after all, but at least you can say you tried.

P.S. We usually recommend against using liquid drain cleaners to try and clear a clog. You have to be very careful of splash back when plunging water mixed with drain cleaner, these cleaners can be hard on your pipes, and if the plumber does end up having to come, having caustic liquids in the pipes just makes his job more difficult. So avoid them if at all possible.