How to Solve Sink Blockage in Your House

It may start with subtle clues—perhaps an odour or a slower drain than usual—but with time, you’ll know for certain that your sink has a blockage you need to address. If your sink is clogged, you are likely on the lookout for safe, quick solutions.

If you’ve been wondering how to solve sink blockage, here are eight techniques:

1. Boil Some Water

If you have a blockage in metal pipes, try boiling water to break down certain substances. First, let your sink drain completely. If there is a full blockage, use a glass to drain the sink as much as possible before adding boiling water. In a bathroom sink, this method will likely help to dissolve soap residue.

In a kitchen it will help to remove fat build up. Simply boil a kettle full of water and allow it to sit. Repeat, as necessary, but remember to check first that your pipes are made of metal, rather than PVC, so you do not cause them damage.

2. Reach for Chemical Cleaners

Using chemical cleaners is an effective tip on how to solve sink blockage. There are several commercial drain cleaners available for clearing blockages in your sink. Most brand name cleaners are effective at dissolving hair, grease, soap, food and other build-up.

They tend to work quickly but come with precautions. In general, you should only use these chemicals on organic materials, avoiding use for solid objects. Make sure you use these products with plenty of ventilation and be sure to keep bottles away from children and pets.

3. Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a quick home remedy that might just do the trick, reach for baking soda and vinegar. First, shake baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup or more of white vinegar. After the mixture reacts, creating a fizz of bubbles, wait a few minutes before flushing with hot water. Repeat this process, as necessary, until your blockage clears or until you suspect it is no longer making a difference.

4. Call a Plumber

Perhaps you’ve tried several of the methods above to no avail. Or maybe you are turned off by the very idea of trying them. If a clogged sink has you holding your nose and looking for help, you are not alone. When it comes to a blocked drain, plenty of people opt to call in the experts. Not only will a professional plumber have specialized tools and equipment, but they will have the expertise required to get the job done quickly.

If you’ve just realized you need to figure out how to solve a sink blockage, you’re likely considering many options. If you decide to fix the problem yourself, remember to put safety first, especially with any chemical solutions. If your issue is not easily solved, consider enlisting the help of a professional plumber, who can use a drain camera to properly identify your blockage and high-pressure jets to solve the issue without the risk of damage to your pipes.

5. Grab a Plunger

If your sink is completely blocked, adding hot water, home remedies or chemicals may not do the trick. Instead, you may need force in the way of suction. If you have a double sink, start by plugging the second opening. Then fill your sink with several inches of water—enough to cover the bell-shaped portion of a plunger.

Next, grab a new or clean plunger, ideally one reserved for sinks, not toilets. Plunge until you are able to shift the blockage enough for water to flow. If you are able to remove the blockage, be sure to then flush your pipes with plenty of hot water.

6. Snake the Drain

If you have an auger—or plumber’s snake—in your home, you may have all you need to solve your blockage. First, try running your snake down the drain and twisting slightly. Pull the snake out slowly and see if it pulls out hair or other materials.

If there is no resistance to the snake from the top of the drain, you’ll need to dissemble the drainpipe, remove the P-trap and insert the snake into the exposed pipe. Work slowly and run clean water after you are finished.

7. Find a Coat Hanger

If you are without a plumber’s snake, you may want to try using a coat hanger in a similar way. Simply straighten the metal hanger, remove your sink plug and insert into the drain. Just as you would with your plumber’s snake, twist the wire and pull out gently.

While you won’t be able to reach as far down the drain as you would with a snake, you may get lucky and be able to reach and remove the blockage. When using this method, be careful not to scratch your sink with the metal hanger.

8. Check the Garbage Disposal

If you are working to unplug a kitchen sink, make sure your blockage isn’t caused by your garbage disposal, which can easily stop your regular drainage, when clogged. Run your hot water, then turn on the disposal and let it run for a full minute. Make sure the disposal is turned off if you need to investigate further.