Sink Won’t Drain? How To Unblock It In 10 Minutes (No Plumber Needed)

You are washing dishes or brushing your teeth and suddenly the water is not going down. It just sits there, pooling in the sink, and you are left staring at murky water wondering how long this has been building up.

Clogged sinks are frustrating, but the good news is most sink clogs are easy to fix yourself in about 10 minutes without calling a plumber or using harsh chemicals.​

Let me show you exactly how to unblock a sink, whether it is your kitchen sink full of grease and food bits or your bathroom sink clogged with hair and toothpaste.

Why sinks get clogged in the first place

Kitchen sinks usually clog because of grease, food scraps, and soap buildup. Even if you are careful about not pouring grease down the drain, it still accumulates over time and traps other debris.​

Bathroom sinks clog from hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and that weird gunk that somehow builds up around the drain stopper. If you have long hair or multiple people using the same sink, clogs happen fast.​

The key is catching it early. If your sink is draining slower than usual, that is your sign to act before it stops draining completely.

Method 1: Try a sink plunger first

Yes, there is a difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger. A sink plunger is smaller and flat, designed to create suction over a flat drain opening.​

Before you start, remove the drain stopper or strainer so you have direct access to the drain. Fill the sink with a few inches of water so the plunger cup is submerged.​

If your sink has an overflow hole near the top (common in bathroom sinks), plug it with a wet rag or your hand. Otherwise, the suction will not work because air escapes through the overflow.​

Place the plunger over the drain, press down to create a seal, then plunge up and down vigorously for about 15 to 20 strokes. Pull the plunger off quickly and see if the water drains. Repeat if needed.

This method works great for clogs that are close to the drain opening and not too compacted.

Method 2: Use a drain snake or hair removal tool

If plunging does not work, the clog is probably farther down or tangled up with hair. That is when you need a drain snake.​

For bathroom sinks, a simple plastic drain snake or hair removal tool works wonders. The FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is an 18-inch flexible tool with tiny hooks that grab onto hair and gunk as you twist and pull it out.​

Remove the drain stopper, insert the snake into the drain, twist it as you push it down, then slowly pull it back out. You will probably pull up a disgusting clump of hair, soap, and who knows what else. It is gross, but it works.​

For kitchen sinks, you might need a longer or sturdier drain snake if the clog is deep in the pipe. The Amazon Basics 6-pack drain snake set includes both plastic and stainless options for different types of clogs.​

If you are dealing with clogged drains regularly, you might also want to read about why your kitchen stays dirty even after cleaning, because sometimes the issue is bigger than just one clogged drain.

Method 3: Baking soda and vinegar (the natural option)

If you prefer to avoid chemicals and the clog is not too severe, the baking soda and vinegar method can help break things up.​

Pour about half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow it with one cup of white vinegar. You will hear fizzing and bubbling as the two react. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if the clog is stubborn.​

After waiting, flush the drain with hot water (not boiling, especially if you have PVC pipes). The combination helps dissolve grease, soap scum, and some organic buildup.​

I will be honest, this method works best as a maintenance routine or for minor slow drains. It is not strong enough to break through a fully blocked pipe packed with hair or heavy grease buildup.

Method 4: Check the P-trap under the sink

If none of the above methods worked, the clog might be in the P-trap, which is the curved pipe under your sink. This is where debris tends to get stuck.​

Put a bucket under the P-trap to catch water. Use a wrench or your hands (if it is a plastic trap with hand-tighten fittings) to loosen the slip nuts on both sides of the curved pipe and remove it.​

Dump out whatever is inside (prepare yourself, it smells bad), then use a bottle brush or old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the pipe. Rinse it out, put it back together, and test the drain.

This sounds intimidating, but it is actually one of the easiest plumbing fixes once you do it the first time. If you have never tackled basic home repairs before, simple home repairs every parent should learn breaks down beginner-friendly fixes like this.

Method 5: Try hot water and dish soap (kitchen sinks)

For kitchen sink clogs caused by grease buildup, sometimes all you need is hot water and dish soap.​

Squirt a generous amount of dish soap (the kind that cuts grease) directly into the drain. Boil a kettle or pot of water, let it cool slightly so it is hot but not boiling, then pour it down the drain in one steady stream.​

The combination of soap and heat can dissolve and flush out grease clogs. Wait a few minutes, then run hot tap water to see if it drains.

This method works best as a preventative step or for early-stage clogs. If your sink is completely blocked, you will need one of the other methods.

What not to do when your sink is clogged

Do not use chemical drain cleaners as your first option. They are harsh on pipes, especially older metal pipes, and they do not always work. Plus, if the clog does not clear and you have to remove the P-trap, you will be dealing with caustic chemicals sitting in the pipe.​

Do not ignore slow drains. A slow drain is a warning sign. If you catch it early and clean it out, you avoid a full blockage later.

Do not pour grease or oil down your kitchen sink. Even if you run hot water while doing it, grease cools and hardens in your pipes over time. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel and throw it in the trash instead.​

And if you are trying to save money on home repairs and avoid expensive plumber calls, you might like how we saved $400 a month with 5 simple changes.

When to call a plumber

If you have tried plunging, snaking, and cleaning the P-trap and the sink still will not drain, the clog is probably deeper in your main drain line. That is when you need a professional.​

Also call a plumber if multiple drains in your house are clogged at the same time, if you hear gurgling from other drains when you run water, or if you smell sewer gas coming from the sink. Those are signs of a bigger plumbing issue.​

But for most everyday sink clogs, you can handle it yourself and save the $100 to $200 service call.

How to prevent sink clogs

Use a drain strainer or stopper with holes to catch hair, food scraps, and debris before they go down the drain. Empty it regularly.

Run hot water down the drain after every use, especially in the kitchen after washing greasy dishes.

Once a month, pour a kettle of hot water mixed with a little dish soap down the drain to flush out buildup before it becomes a clog.​

Brush or wipe hair out of bathroom sinks instead of letting it wash down the drain.

Avoid putting coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, and fibrous vegetables like celery down your kitchen disposal. Even with a garbage disposal, these items cause clogs.​

And if you are dealing with a bigger home organization challenge, like keeping your kitchen functional and clean, check out the pantry organization method that actually stays organized.

Sink clog FAQs

Can I use Drano or Liquid-Plumr in my sink?
You can, but it is not the best first option. Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes over time, and they do not always work on tough clogs. Try plunging or snaking first.​

How long does it take to unclog a sink?
Most sink clogs can be cleared in 10 to 20 minutes using a plunger or drain snake. If you need to remove the P-trap, it might take 30 minutes the first time you do it.​​

Why does my bathroom sink smell even after I unclog it?
The smell is usually from buildup in the drain or P-trap. After unclogging, pour a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water down the drain to clean and deodorize.​

Can I prevent clogs if I have a garbage disposal?
Yes, but you still need to be careful. Run cold water while using the disposal, avoid fibrous or starchy foods, and clean the disposal regularly with ice cubes and citrus peels.​

Most sink clogs are quick fixes once you know what to do. Keep a drain snake and a sink plunger under your sink, and you will be ready the next time water starts pooling.