A slow kitchen sink is one of the most common calls we get. Most of the time, you can fix it yourself in about 15 minutes with things you already have.
Why skip the drain cleaner?
Strong drain cleaners can damage older pipes and are dangerous if they splash. If they don't work, the plumber then has to work with a sink full of chemicals.
Step 1: Boiling water
Grease clogs often melt with hot water. Slowly pour a kettle of very hot water down the drain. If the pipes under your sink are white plastic (PVC), use very hot tap water instead, since boiling water can soften the joints.
Step 2: Baking soda and vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then a cup of white vinegar. Cover it and wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Step 3: Use a plunger
Use a cup plunger, not a toilet plunger. Fill the sink with a few inches of water and plunge hard 10 to 15 times. If you have a double sink, plug the other side first.
Step 4: Clean the trap
Put a bucket under the U-shaped pipe below the sink. Unscrew it by hand, clean it out, and put it back.
Help it stay clear
- Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
- Use a sink strainer to catch food.
- Run hot water for 30 seconds after using the disposal.
Still clogged? The clog may be deeper in the line. Book a drain clearing online and we'll take care of it.
