We’ve all been there you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth and suddenly the water just…stops going down. You jiggle the tap, poke around with your finger and hope for the best. But that slow drain (or worse, standing water) usually means one thing: your sink is clogged.
If you’re wondering how to unclog a sink drain without calling in the cavalry right away, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective at-home methods for unclogging a sink drain, using tools and items you probably already have in your kitchen. And if those don’t work, don’t worry we’ll also talk about when it’s time to call in the pros.
Why Does My Sink Keep Getting Clogged?
Before we jump into solutions, let’s quickly look at why sink drains clog in the first place.
Common culprits:
Food debris and grease (kitchen sinks)
Hair and soap scum (bathroom sinks)
Toothpaste buildup
Foreign objects (like jewelry, bottle caps, or kids’ toys)
Over time, all of this builds up and restricts water flow. The good news is, many of these clogs are simple to fix no plumbing license needed.
How to Unclog a Sink Drain
Different methods, for different clogg isues.
1: Boiling Water
Let’s start simple.
Boil a full kettle of water.
Slowly pour it down the drain in stages, giving each pour about 10-15 seconds to work.
Run warm tap water to see if it’s cleared.
Why it works: Boiling water can melt grease or soap residue that’s causing the clog.
Best for: Mild clogs and early signs of blockage.
2: Baking Soda & Vinegar
This method is a go-to in many households, and for good reason.
Pour the baking soda down the clogged drain.
Follow it with vinegar (it’ll fizz don’t worry, that’s normal).
Let the mixture sit for 15–30 minutes.
Flush it with boiling water.
Why it works: This combo helps break down gunk, soap scum, and mild buildup naturally.
Best for: Eco-conscious households or moderate clogs.
3: The Plunger
Yes, plungers aren’t just for toilets. A good sink plunger can be your best friend.
How to use it:
Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
Block the overflow hole with a rag (if your sink has one).
Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously for 30 seconds.
Remove the plunger and see if water drains.
Best for: Stubborn clogs that won’t budge with liquid methods.
4: Remove the Trap
Warning: This is a bit messier and best done if you’re comfortable under the sink.
What to do:
Place a bucket under the U-shaped pipe (called the P-trap).
Unscrew the connectors by hand or with pliers.
Remove the trap and clean out any visible gunk.
Reassemble and test your drain.
Best for: Visible clogs in the trap, or when other methods fail.
5. Check the Shower Arm Threads
Inspect the threads of the shower arm (the pipe coming out of the wall). Clean them with a cloth and apply new plumber’s tape (also known as Teflon tape) by wrapping it around the threads clockwise 2–3 times. This helps prevent leaks when reattaching the shower head.
6. Reattach the Shower Head and Test
Screw the shower head back on by hand, then gently tighten it with the wrench (again, using a cloth to protect the finish). Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If it’s still dripping, the issue might be deeper within the valve.
When You Should Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above and your sink is still draining slowly or worse, not at all it may be time to wave the white flag and bring in the pros.
Signs it’s time to call:
Recurring clogs (even after cleaning)
Foul smells that won’t go away
Gurgling sounds in other drains
Water backing up in other parts of the house
You just don’t want to deal with the mess!
A professional plumber can use tools like drain snakes or hydro-jetting to clear even the most stubborn blockages without damaging your pipes.
Pro Tips to Prevent Clogs in the First Place
Once you’ve managed to unclog your sink drain, let’s keep it that way!
Don’t pour grease down the drain. Wipe oily pans with paper towels before rinsing.
Use a sink strainer to catch food and hair.
Run hot water after using the sink, especially after doing dishes.
Clean your drains monthly using the baking soda and vinegar trick.
Final Thoughts:
Unclogging a Sink Drain
Learning how to unclog a sink drain is one of those homeowner skills that really comes in handy. Most clogs can be sorted with just a little patience, some basic tools and everyday household items.
But if you’re dealing with a really stubborn blockage or you’ve had the same issue more than once, there’s no shame in calling a professional plumber. Sometimes, the fastest (and least stressful) way to unclog a sink drain is to let the experts handle it.
Need help now? Don’t let a clogged sink ruin your day get in touch with your local plumbing professional for fast, reliable service.
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