How to unclog a kitchen sink

For anyone with a backed-up kitchen sink, so you can restore flow using tools already in the house.

IJR · Sep 26, 2026 · 2 min read

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Most kitchen clogs sit in the curved P-trap under the sink where grease and scraps collect. Working that spot free restores the drain without extra cost.

Have ready rubber gloves, a cup, a bucket, a sink plunger, a wet rag, half a cup of baking soda, one cup of white vinegar, and a hand-crank drain snake.

1: LOOK into the drain opening and pull out any loose scraps with gloved fingers. — **1: LOOK** into the drain opening and pull out any loose scraps with gloved fingers.

Drop the scraps straight in the trash. A clear opening lets the plunger and snake reach the real clog. If the pipe wall feels smooth and empty, move on.

2: BAIL standing water into the bucket until one inch remains in the basin. — **2: BAIL** standing water into the bucket until one inch remains in the basin.

Scoop with the cup in steady lifts. The thin layer left gives the plunger a wet seal. Glance at the bucket so it does not spill on the floor.

3: SEAL the second basin or dishwasher opening with the wet rag pressed flat. — **3: SEAL** the second basin or dishwasher opening with the wet rag pressed flat.

Air leaking sideways kills plunge pressure. Hold the rag with a mug if you need both hands free. A light test push should feel firm, not spongy.

4: PLUNGE straight up and down ten times with the cup tight over the drain. — **4: PLUNGE** straight up and down ten times with the cup tight over the drain.

Feet shoulder-width, handle vertical, rubber flush to the porcelain. After the tenth stroke lift the plunger and watch the water. A falling level means the clog has shifted.

5: POUR half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then one cup of white vinegar. — **5: POUR** half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then one cup of white vinegar.

Cover with the rag and wait five minutes while it foams. The fizz loosens grease in the trap. When the bubbling quiets you are ready to flush.

6: FEED the snake cable into the drain until you meet resistance, then crank clockwise. — **6: FEED** the snake cable into the drain until you meet resistance, then crank clockwise.

Turn the handle three full rotations against the stop. Pull the cable out slowly and wipe gunk into the bucket. Stop if you hit hard metal so you do not crack the pipe.

7: RUN hot tap water for sixty seconds while you watch the basin empty. — **7: RUN** hot tap water for sixty seconds while you watch the basin empty.

Open the tap halfway on hot. A steady gurgle and falling level mean the pipe is clear. Fill and drain one more time to confirm it stays clear.

The most common mistake

Plunging with the second opening open lets air escape. Press a wet rag over every other hole before the first stroke.

Pro tip

Flip the garbage-disposal wall switch off before you start so the unit cannot spin while you work.

Say it every time

Look, bail, seal, plunge, pour, feed, run.

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The most common mistake

Pro tip

Say it every time

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