How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink With Standing Water

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink by Hand

1. Remove the Standing Water

   Use a bucket to remove as much of the standing water as possible. Dump the collected water in a functional drain or outside the home.

2. Inspect the Drain

   In some cases, the drain is simply blocked by food and other debris that has collected in the bottom of the sink. If the clog is further down the drain, use a flashlight to try to get a visual of the clog so you know what you are working with.
   

3. Extract the Clog

   Put on a set of rubber gloves and reach into the drain to physically pull out any hair, chunks of food, paper towel, or any other debris that is causing the clog. If this doesn't clear the clog, proceed to the next drain clearing method.
   

Unclog the Drain With a Plunger

1. Remove the Standing Water

   The water left in the sink will splash all over the kitchen if you attempt to plunge the drain without removing the water. Use a bucket to scoop out as much water as possible and dump it in a functional drain or outdoors.

2. Plug the Unclogged Sink

   If your kitchen has a double sink, then it's necessary to plug the drain that isn't clogged with a rag. This will help ensure that the air forced into the drain line won't simply exit through the second sink.

3. Plunge the Drain

   Place the plunger over the clogged drain so that it forms a strong seal. Thrust the plunger up and down about five to 10 times, keeping the seal intact. Make sure that you are not too forceful with your efforts, as using excessive force can cause the drain line under the sink to disconnect from the drain.
   

4. Test the Drain

   Remove the plunger and run some water into the sink. If it drains away without an issue, then the problem is resolved, but if the water collects in the sink, you will need to attempt the next method.
   

Unclog the Drain With a Natural Drain Cleaner

1. Remove the Standing Water

   Remove as much water as possible from the sink using a bucket and a sponge to collect the standing water, then dump it down an unclogged drain or outside the home.

2. Pour Baking Soda and Vinegar Into the Drain

   Measure one cup of baking soda and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Pour the baking soda into the drain first, then pour the vinegar into the drain and cover it with a rubber plug or stopper. Allow the mixture to combine and clean the pipes for about an hour.
   

3. Test the Drain

   Turn on the hot water to rinse the drain and test to see if the water drains away. If it does, the problem is resolved, but if the water backs up again, you may need to remove the P-trap to clear the clog.

Remove the P-Trap to Unclog the Drain

1. Remove the Standing Water

   Use a bucket to scoop out as much standing water as possible, then dump the water outside or down a different drain.

2. Detach and Clean the P-Trap

   Place the empty bucket under the P-trap and use channel lock pliers to loosen the nuts on either side of the trap. Remove the P-trap and inspect it for any clogs or obstructions. Clean out any material or debris that may be causing the clog.

3. Reattach the P-Trap and Test the Drain

   Realign the P-trap with the drain line and fasten the nuts on either side of the trap to secure it to the drain. Turn the faucet on to test if the water will flow freely down the drain. If the water still backs up in the sink, the problem is located further down the drain line.
   

Unclog the Drain With a Drain Snake

1. Remove the Standing Water

   Empty the sink with a bucket and sponge, then dump the collected water outdoors or into a functional drain.

2. Detach the P-Trap

   Set up the empty bucket under the P-trap, then use your channel lock pliers to loosen the nuts on either side of the trap. Remove the P-trap and set it aside.

3. Use the Drain Snake to Dislodge the Clog

   Feed the drain snake into the drain line until it comes into contact with the clog. Using an auger head on the snake, you can rotate the drain snake while continuing to feed it into the drain line to break up the clog. If the clog is created by an object, try to pull it out of the drain by grabbing it with a hooked head on the drain snake.
   

4. Reattach the P-Trap

   When you feel like the clog has been broken up or removed, pull the drain snake out of the drain line. Realign the P-trap and secure it with the nuts on either side of the trap.
   

5. Test the Drain

   Turn on the faucet to run water into the sink. If the water drains freely, the problem is resolved, but if the water continues to back up into the sink, you will need to contact a plumber to handle the issue.