If your kitchen sink won't drain, one of the first things you can try is using a plunger. This tool is not just for unclogging toilets – it can also be effective for removing blockages in your kitchen sink. Make sure to use a plunger specifically designed for sinks, as they have a flat bottom that creates a seal over the drain. Simply place the plunger over the drain and push down and up in a rapid motion to create suction and dislodge the clog. Repeat this a few times until the water starts to drain properly.1. Plunger
If the plunger doesn't work, you can try using a drain snake. This tool is a long, flexible wire with a coil at the end that can be inserted into the drain to break up and remove the clog. To use a drain snake, insert the coil end into the drain and twist and push it in until you feel resistance. Continue twisting and pushing until you reach the clog, then pull the snake out while keeping pressure on it. This should remove the blockage and allow water to flow freely again.2. Drain Snake
A natural and environmentally friendly option to unclog your kitchen sink is using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a pot of hot water down the drain to help loosen the clog. Then, pour half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. Finally, pour another pot of hot water down the drain to flush out the clog. This method can be repeated if necessary.3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another simple yet effective method to try is pouring boiling water down the drain. This can help break up and flush out any grease or food particles that may be causing the blockage. Make sure to use caution when handling boiling water and only use this method for metal or ceramic sinks, as it may damage plastic pipes.4. Boiling Water
If the regular drain snake doesn't work, you can try using a plumber's snake, also known as a toilet auger. This tool has a longer and thicker wire with a different type of coil at the end, making it more effective for tougher clogs. Simply insert the snake into the drain and twist and push it in until you reach the blockage. Then, pull it out while keeping pressure on it to break up and remove the clog.5. Plumber's Snake
This method is similar to using baking soda and vinegar, but instead, you use dish soap and hot water. Start by pouring a pot of hot water down the drain to loosen the blockage. Then, add a few tablespoons of dish soap and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, pour another pot of hot water down the drain to flush out the clog. This method can be repeated if needed.6. Dish Soap and Hot Water
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use it to suck out the clog in your kitchen sink. First, set the vacuum to wet mode and create a seal around the drain with a cloth or plunger. Turn on the vacuum and let it run for a few seconds to create suction and hopefully remove the blockage. This method may not work for tougher clogs, but it's worth a try.7. Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you prefer to use a chemical drain cleaner, an enzyme drain cleaner is a more environmentally friendly option. This type of cleaner uses natural enzymes to break down and dissolve organic materials, such as food particles and grease. Simply pour the recommended amount of cleaner down the drain and let it sit for the specified amount of time before flushing it out with hot water.8. Enzyme Drain Cleaner
If you don't have a drain snake, you can create your own makeshift one using a wire hanger. Straighten out the hanger and bend one end into a hook shape. Insert the hook end into the drain and twist and push it in until you reach the clog. Then, use the hook to break up and remove the blockage. This method may not be as effective as a drain snake, but it can work for smaller clogs.9. Bent Wire Hanger
If all else fails, you can try using caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide. This chemical can dissolve and break down organic materials, but it should be used with caution as it can be harmful to skin and eyes. Follow the instructions on the package and make sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when handling caustic soda. After the recommended time, flush the drain with hot water to remove the clog.10. Caustic Soda