How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Without Calling a Plumber
If your kitchen sink is clogged, think twice before calling a plumber. There are ways to unclog your kitchen sink that cost less and take less time. If they fail, call a professional, but at least try this first. The activities below are listed in order of severity and effort.
Dip the sink
Start by preparing your sink, remove any standing water with a cup, and pour it into a bowl. Then use a small plunger if you have one. The answer may be as simple as using suction to push through the clog.
Tool you’ll need: Korky Beehive Mini Sink Plunger ($13.99, Target).
Use boiling water
If you can’t break through the clog, it may be too big—for now. Boiling water can shrink or break up some debris, and that may be all you need to get everything flowing again. Bring a pot of water to a boil and then pour it straight down the drain. If the water does not start to drain from the basin, wait until it cools, remove it with a cup and try again. If it leaks out, but slowly, use the plunger back on it and see if you can push it out.
Tool you’ll need: Farberware 2-quart saucepan ($16.99, Target).
Try home remedies such as baking soda.
Baking soda is widely used in the home and is generally gentler to use than other chemical products ( although it should not be used on some surfaces ). Baking soda and white vinegar are fizzy and sparkling best friends that work together to clear up clogs. Pour a cup of each down the drain, give the pair 15-20 minutes to work their magic, and then try pouring the hot tap water down the hole.
Tools you’ll need: Arm & Hammer pure baking soda ($1.89/lb, Target) and white distilled vinegar ($4.69/128 oz, Target).
Enlist the help of chemicals to remove clogs.
If these remedies don’t work, you can always try store-bought chemicals. Drano Max Gel ($24.96 for a two-pack, Home Depot) is highly rated and generally effective, but a building manager I know swears by Pequa ($9.98 for 64 ounces, Home Depot) and calls it a “miracle.” Whatever you decide to use, read the package instructions carefully and keep the plunger handy so you can adjust it if necessary.