How to unclog a sink

Clogged sinks are one of the most common household headaches that disrupt our daily routines. Whether you’re dealing with a slow draining bathroom basin or a kitchen sink clogged with kitchen scraps, you’re not alone. A clogged drain is a common plumbing issue that many face. Homeowners and renters often reach for chemical cleaners when, really, the fix is right under your nose.

At Izzy Plumbing, we believe in empowering you with safe, reliable, do-it-yourself solutions, including effective methods and natural remedies, that solve the problem and prevent future plumbing headaches. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of how to unclog a sink, using tools and items you probably already have.

If these DIY solutions don’t work, we’ll also cover when to call in the professionals.

Why Sinks Get Clogged

Before we get to tools and techniques, it helps to know what’s causing the problem. Clogging in your sink can result in a slow draining sink or even a completely clogged kitchen sink. These issues are often caused by a buildup of various materials in your pipes.

• Grease, fat, and oil: Common culprits in kitchen sinks, these substances stick to pipes once they cool and solidify
• Food debris: Coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, and fibrous veggies can build up over time
• Other debris: Small utensils, bits of plastic, or miscellaneous objects can also clog
• Hair, soap scum, toothpaste: Typical in bathroom sinks, these materials tangle and build up in P-traps
• Combination clogs: Often multiple factors combine, grease + food, or hair + soap, leading to clogging that creates stubborn blockages.

By knowing what type of clog you have, you can choose the best method, guaranteeing faster results and fewer do-overs.

Safety First & Prep

Before you get started, take a minute to prep:

Wear the right gear

• Gloves are essential for safety: use them to protect your hands from harsh chemicals, hot water, or sharp tools during the unclogging process.* Safety glasses if using plungers or handling pipes

Clear standing water

• Use a small bucket or wet/dry vacuum to remove water so your tools can work directly on the clog.
• Use a wet rag or wet cloth to cover the overflow opening or seal off one side of a double sink before plunging to prevent water from splashing back and to create a tight seal.

Protect surfaces

• Place old towels or a bucket under the P-trap in case of leaks when disassembling plumbing.
• A wet rag or wet cloth can also be used to protect surfaces from spills or splashes.

Avoid harmful chemicals

• Strong chemical cleaners can damage pipes and harm health

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any plumbing tools to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Tools and Supplies to Unclog Your Sink

Tackling a clogged sink starts with the right tools and supplies. Many of these items can be found at your local hardware store, so you can be prepared for any plumbing issue. The right tools can make the difference between a quick fix and an expensive call to your plumber. Let’s get into the most effective tools and supplies every homeowner or renter should have on hand for sink clogs, including eco-friendly options like a natural drain cleaner to clear clogs without harsh chemicals.

Plungers

The most accessible and efficient tool in your DIY arsenal, a plunger uses suction and pressure to dislodge clogs. There are two types of plungers you should know:

• Cup Plunger (Standard Plunger): Good for flat surfaces like sink drains and bathtubs. The wide, flat rubber cup provides good suction around drains. Use this plunger for most kitchen and bathroom sink clogs, including double sink setups—just make sure to block the other drain with a wet cloth to maximize pressure.
• Flange Plunger (Toilet Plunger): Has an extended rubber flap (flange) that fits into toilet drains. Although designed for toilets, the flange can be folded inwards, making it good for creating an airtight seal on larger sink drains, especially those connected to garbage disposals.

Best practices:

• Make sure to get a good seal between plunger and sink drain.
• Make sure standing water covers the plunger head.
• Use short, vigorous plunges to push water and dislodge the clog. If you feel resistance while plunging, it’s engaged—keep plunging until the blockage moves.
• For double sink drains, block the second drain to improve suction and plunging.

Recommended:

• Neiko 60166A Toilet Plunger with patented all-angle design (dual-purpose)
• MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger and Brush Combo (good suction, multi-use)

Plumbing Snakes and Augers

When plungers don’t work, a plumber’s snake (also known as a plumbing snake or drain auger) is your next best bet. This tool is designed to clear deep or stubborn clogs by physically removing blockages that can’t be dislodged with other DIY methods. It works by snagging or breaking up blockages deep in pipes.

• Manual Plumbing Snake: 15-25 feet long, these flexible steel cables with corkscrew tips are good for minor clogs like hair, soap scum and food debris near P-traps or trap arms. Manually rotated to grip the clog.
• Powered Drain Auger (Electric Snake): 25-50 feet long, motorized snakes provide more torque. Good for tougher, deeper clogs or kitchen debris. More expensive but worth it if you have frequent clogs in your home.

Tips:

• Rotate slowly and carefully to avoid damaging pipes.
• If you feel resistance while using the plumber’s snake, it’s hit something—proceed gently to avoid damaging the pipe.
• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when using a plumber’s snake to ensure safety and proper use.
• Clean and remove after every use to keep the tool effective.

Recommended:

• RIDGID Power Spin+ Drain Cleaner (manual or drill-powered)
• Cobra Products 30500 Drain Auger (affordable and user-friendly)

Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners like Liquid-Plumr should be used with caution as they are powerful and designed to dissolve stubborn clogs. But safer, eco-friendly options, often called natural drain cleaners or natural remedies, can maintain pipe health without harsh chemicals:

• Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners:
  These eco-friendly options use natural bacteria and enzymes to eat away organic matter in your drains. Good for maintenance rather than emergency clog clearing.
• Eco-Friendly Degreasers:
  Citrus-based or plant-derived cleaners for removing grease and fat buildup without harsh chemicals.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Mixture:
  A natural drain cleaner and one of the most effective natural remedies. Baking soda and vinegar break down grease, hair and soap scum. Non-toxic and gentle on your plumbing.

Tips:

• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Don’t mix drain cleaners with plungers to prevent splashing harmful substances.

Recommended:

• Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner (natural enzymes)
• Bio-clean Drain Septic Bacteria (eco-friendly and effective)

Wet/Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum is a tool you likely have at home. Use it for powerful suction to clear certain sink clogs.

• Best For:
  Surface-level blockages or removing standing water before using mechanical methods.
• Pro Tip:
  Use vacuum in wet mode, seal off other openings like overflow drains or secondary basin outlets to maximize suction.

Recommended:

• Shop-Vac 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum (reliable and affordable)
• Craftsman 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac (powerful and versatile)

Household Items (Baking Soda, Vinegar, Salt)

Simple household items can be surprisingly effective. A cup of baking soda followed by vinegar is a classic DIY remedy for minor clogs. The vinegar baking soda mixture creates a chemical reaction that helps clear blockages and freshen drains.

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Natural cleaner and deodorizer; breaks down organic matter. Use a cup of baking soda.
• White Vinegar: Acidic helps dissolve greasy residue and creates a fizzing reaction when combined with baking soda, forming a vinegar baking soda mixture that loosens minor clogs.
• Table Salt: Mixed with baking soda, adds abrasive texture to scrub pipe walls clean.

Tips:

• Pour baking soda first, then vinegar to trigger the reaction and create the mixture.
• Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before flushing with hot water.

Pipe Wrench and Adjustable Pliers

For more serious clogs, you’ll need to disassemble plumbing under the sink. These tools are required:

• Pipe Wrench:
  Designed to grip and turn rounded pipes without slipping. Essential for removing stubborn slip-nuts.
• Adjustable Pliers (Channel-lock Pliers):
  Versatile tool for gripping various pipe sizes and tightening slip-nuts during reassembly.

Tips:

• Wrap jaws with tape or cloth to avoid scratching plumbing fixtures.
• Don’t overtighten to prevent damage to pipes and fittings.

Recommended:

• RIDGID Heavy-Duty Pipe Wrench (professional-grade)
• ChannelLock Adjustable Pliers (grip and versatility)

Drain Protectors (Preventive Tools)

To minimize future clogs, drain protectors, small mesh covers, or strainers are necessary:

• Mesh Screens (Kitchen):
  Prevent food particles, coffee grounds and debris from entering the drain.
• Hair Catchers (Bathroom):
  Designed to catch hair and soap residue before they enter drainpipes.

Recommended:

• OXO Good Grips Silicone Drain Protector (easy to clean, effective trapping)
• TubShroom Hair Catcher (innovative design for bathrooms)

Having the right plumbing tools and supplies on hand saves time and money. Each tool and supply serves a purpose, from quick unclogging to preventive maintenance, providing long-term value and protection for your home’s plumbing system.

By knowing these tools, you’ll be more confident in managing and preventing sink clogs yourself, reducing the need for professional plumbing help unless absolutely necessary.

Method 1: Plunger — The Fastest Fix for Most Clogs

For kitchen and bathroom sinks with accessible drains.

Steps:

1. Make sure about ½–1 inch of water covers the plunger head.
2. Seal the plunger over the drain hole.
3. Push the plunger down firmly to create pressure, then plunge vigorously—about 10–12 times—then lift sharply to break the clog.
4. Test drainage; repeat if needed.

Pro tip for double sinks: If you have a double sink, seal the other basin with a wet cloth or stopper—this helps focus plunging pressure and prevents water from bypassing the plunger.

Why it works: Creates the pressure differential needed to dislodge blockages without chemicals.

When to skip: Don’t use with garbage disposals unless you seal the disposal inlet to avoid backflow

Method 2: Boiling Water (Grease Buster)

For minor grease/sebum clogs.

Steps:

1. Boil 2–3 cups of water in a pot.
2. Carefully pour the boiling water from the pot into the drain and let sit a few minutes.
3. Run tap water to check flow.
4. Repeat if slow drainage remains

Caution: Avoid with PVC pipes—they may soften under high heat

Why it works: Melts and flushes grease and soap layers.

Method 3: Baking Soda + Vinegar—Natural Reaction

Eco-friendly for light clogs, using a baking soda and vinegar mixture. This is a safe chemical reaction and one of the most popular natural remedies for drain cleaning.

Steps:

1. Make sure drain is mostly empty.
2. Pour 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup white vinegar to create the mixture.
3. Cover the drain and wait 10–15 minutes.
4. Flush with hot (or boiling, if safe) water.
5. Repeat once or twice if needed.

Add-ons:

• Half a cup of salt for extra grit.
• A squirt of degreasing dish soap before hot water helps dissolve fats.
• For stubborn clogs, let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit for about an hour before flushing with hot water.

Why it works: This natural remedy uses the fizzing carbon dioxide from the baking soda and vinegar mixture to dislodge buildup, while heat flushes it down.

When it doesn’t work: Not effective for solid particles like food chunks or hair—mechanical tools may be needed.

Method 4: Wet/Dry Vacuum Trick

For tough clogs near the drain entrance.

Steps:

1. Set vacuum to liquid mode.
2. Create a tight seal at the drain—use duct tape or a plunger head.
3. Cover other openings (overflow, garbage disposal).
4. Vacuum at max pressure; run for 30 seconds
5. Test drainage and repeat if necessary.

Why it works: Strong suction can pull clogs upward instead of pushing them deeper.

Limitations: Requires a wet/dry vacuum and good sealing setup.

Method 5: Drain Snake or Wire Hanger

Tougher clogs deeper in the line—think hair, soap, or food debris intertwined in a clogged sink drain. A plumber’s snake is ideal but a wire coat hanger can be used as a DIY alternative.

For clogs deeper in the line.

Steps:

1. Clear standing water and insert the plumber’s snake or straighten a wire coat hanger and insert it into the drain.
2. Feed it a few inches into the drain until you feel resistance, which indicates the tool has reached the blockage.
3. Rotate to hook debris.
4. Pull out slowly and clear the blockage.
5. Flush with hot water

Why it works: Physically breaks up or retrieves the clog—effective for common P-trap blockages and more stubborn clogs in a clogged sink drain.

Watch-outs: Straightened coat hangers risk damaging pipes; a proper plumber’s snake is recommended for more stubborn clogs.

Method 6: Remove & Clean the P-trap

For clogs located under the sink where debris gathers.

Steps:

1. Place a bucket beneath the P-trap.
2. If present, check and remove the drain plug to access and clear any blockages.
3. Loosen slip-nuts with pliers, then remove the trap.
4. Inspect the drain line connected to the P-trap for additional debris, especially if connected to a dishwasher.
5. Clean debris inside and wipe the pipes.
6. Reassemble securely and test drains

Why it works: Clears the most common clog location totally.

Chemical Cleaners: A Last Resort

If home methods fail, you may consider chemical cleaners like Liquid-Plumr, which is a popular option for dissolving tough clogs in kitchen sinks and garbage disposals.

Guidelines:

• Choose EPA Safer Choice products if possible
• Follow instructions and safety gear (gloves, goggles).
• Avoid overuse—can corrode pipes over time
• Consider using a natural drain cleaner as an alternative to chemical options, as these eco-friendly solutions are less harsh on pipes and the environment.

Environmental & pipe safety: Repeated use can harm PVC and metal pipes; explore safer options like a natural drain cleaner first.

Preventive Measures for Homeowners in San Luis Obispo

At Izzy Plumbing, we recommend these effective tips to save water:

1. Don’t pour grease down the drain—collect in jars, toss cold
2. Use drain screens—kitchen and bathroom
3. Monthly baking soda flushes—pipe maintenance
4. Don’t rinse hair down bathroom sinks—dispose of properly
5. Hot water rinse after dishes—prevents grease buildup
6. Keep your kitchen sink drain clear—no food scraps, grease, or debris.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: If the sink still won’t drain?

A: If basic methods don’t work, you may have stubborn clogs that need extra help. Try a drain snake after baking soda or disassemble the P-trap if necessary to clear clogs deeper in the line.

Q: Can I use boiling water with PVC pipes?

A: No, use hot tap water instead to avoid damaging pipes.

Q: Will baking soda/vinegar harm pipes?

A: No, it’s safe and non-toxic for metal and PVC pipes.

Q: How often should I do maintenance?

A: Every 3-6 months: baking soda flush and hot water rinse prevents buildup.

When to Call a Plumber

Despite your best efforts, some clogs require professional help from plumbers—especially when dealing with stubborn clogs that resist DIY methods. These situations include:

• Recurring clogs after DIY attempts
• Multiple fixtures backing up (indicating main sewer issue)
• Leaks from worn or damaged trap connections
• Complex blockages beyond homeowner tools

At Izzy Plumbing, we can help with drain snaking, hydro-jetting, and pipe repairs, with transparent pricing and friendly service.

Repair Your Sink With Izzy Plumbing

Unclogging a sink doesn’t have to be a hassle or too expensive. With our DIY methods, from plungers and boiling water to vinegar flushes and P-trap cleaning, you can get quick results and avoid unnecessary calls.

But if you hit a wall, Izzy Plumbing is just a call away. We’re your local trusted source for reliable service in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding areas. Give us a call!