Kitchen Sink Clogged? 7 Easy Fixes Every Homeowner Should Try

When a kitchen sink clogged problem pops up, it often feels like the whole kitchen comes to a standstill. You can’t wash dishes, food prep gets harder, and before long you’re left staring at a sink full of dirty water. The good news is there are several simple tricks you can try to get things moving again.

At Drake Plumbing, we’ve cleared thousands of sinks across St. Tammany Parish and surrounding areas, and we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t.

Let’s go step by step through 7 easy fixes every homeowner should try before the clog gets worse.

1. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Start With Boiling Water

Sometimes the blockage is nothing more than grease or soap buildup clinging to the pipes. Pouring a pot of boiling water directly into the drain can loosen it.

• Be sure the sink is clear of standing water first. If it’s completely full, scoop the water into a bucket.
• Boil a full kettle or large pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain in two or three rounds.
• Give it a few minutes, then run hot tap water to see if the clog has cleared.

This works best on minor clogs, but it’s quick, safe, and worth trying first.

Pro Tip: Add a small amount of dish soap to the boiling water before pouring it in. The soap helps break down grease buildup and can give the hot water an extra boost in loosening the clog.

2. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

A natural cleaning combo, baking soda and vinegar can help break down residue.

• Start by pouring about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow it with half a cup of vinegar. You’ll hear fizzing and bubbling—that’s the reaction working.
• Cover the drain with a stopper or plate to trap the reaction inside the pipe.
• Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

It’s not always strong enough for tough clogs, but it can loosen buildup and keep pipes cleaner.

3. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Use a Plunger the Right Way

Plungers aren’t just for toilets—they work on sinks too. But many homeowners don’t get the right seal.

• Make sure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the rubber part of the plunger.
• Place the plunger over the drain and pump with strong, quick thrusts.
• If your sink has two basins, block the other side with a wet cloth or stopper so the pressure stays where you need it.

A few strong plunges can push the clog through, especially if food scraps are the culprit.

4. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Clean the P-Trap

The P-trap is that U-shaped pipe under your sink. Food scraps, grease, and debris often collect there.

• Place a bucket under the trap to catch any water.
• Loosen the slip nuts holding the trap in place.
• Remove the trap and clean it out with a brush or wire.
• Reattach it, making sure the seals are snug.

This is a little messy, but it’s one of the most common problem spots.

5. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Snake the Drain

A drain snake, or auger, reaches deeper into the pipe when plunging or cleaning the P-trap isn’t enough.

• Insert the snake into the drain and twist as you push it forward.
• When you feel resistance, keep turning to break up the clog.
• Pull the snake back out to remove debris.

Even a basic hand-crank snake from the hardware store can help with stubborn clogs.

6. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Check the Garbage Disposal

If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, sometimes the clog is in the disposal itself.

• First, make sure it’s off and unplugged.
• Shine a flashlight down to check for large food scraps, utensils, or anything stuck.
• Use tongs or pliers to remove objects—never your hands.
• Reset the disposal button, plug it back in, and run cold water while turning it on.

If the disposal hums but doesn’t spin, it may be jammed or burned out. That’s when calling Drake Plumbing is the safest move.

7. Kitchen Sink Clogged? Know When to Call a Plumber

If none of these fixes work, the problem may be further down the line. Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or grease buildup in the main drain can all cause blockages. At this stage, store-bought chemicals won’t help and can actually damage your pipes.

That’s where our team comes in. Drake Plumbing has the right equipment to clear clogs safely and prevent future issues. Whether you’re in St. Tammany Parish, Madisonville, Mandeville, Covington, Hammond, or Ponchatoula, we’re ready to help.

Contact Drake Plumbing for Kitchen Plumbing Services

Dealing with a kitchen sink clogged is frustrating, but with these seven fixes, you’ve got a fighting chance to clear it yourself. If the water still won’t drain or the problem keeps coming back, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Drake Plumbing has helped families across Louisiana handle everything from small sink clogs to major plumbing repairs. Call us at (985) 703 0477 or use our Contact Page to schedule service today.

Don’t let a clogged sink slow down your kitchen—we’ll get the water flowing again in no time.

FAQs About a Kitchen Sink Clogged

Why does my kitchen sink clog so often?

Most clogs come from grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods like celery and potato peels. Over time, these stick to the pipes and block water flow.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe?

Many store-bought cleaners are harsh and can damage pipes or disposals. We recommend safer methods like baking soda and vinegar or calling a licensed plumber. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also warns about chemical disposal risks.

How can I prevent future clogs?

Run hot water after using the sink, avoid pouring grease down the drain, and use a sink strainer to catch scraps. Regular maintenance helps prevent buildup.

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