License #12173
A kitchen sink clog usually starts small, with slower draining, bubbling water, and maybe a bit of an odor. But when left untreated, those early signs can quickly lead to a full-blown blockage. When that happens, dirty water pools in the basin, making it impossible to cook, clean, or go about your day without frustration. If you’re dealing with a clogged kitchen sink, the key is understanding what caused it so you can apply the right solution.
Most clogs happen due to a buildup of grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, or soap scum that gets stuck in the pipe. Over time, these materials collect on the inside of your plumbing lines, creating a narrow passage where debris gets trapped and water can’t drain properly. Even homes with garbage disposals aren’t immune—in fact, they can be more prone to clogs if used improperly.
In other cases, a clog might indicate a larger plumbing issue. If your kitchen sink is backing up unexpectedly or you notice standing water without any recent use, it could be a sign of a blocked main drain, poor venting, or deteriorated pipes. Whatever the cause, it’s important to act quickly because a clogged sink isn’t just a nuisance; it can lead to serious plumbing damage if ignored.
A clogged kitchen sink with standing water can feel overwhelming. That dirty pool of water just sitting there not only looks unsanitary but also makes it impossible to use the sink. Fortunately, you don’t need to panic. With the right tools and process, you can usually break the clog yourself, or at least buy yourself time until a plumber arrives.
Start by bailing out as much water as possible using a cup, bowl, or shop vacuum. Don’t try to plunge a sink full of water; it won’t create the suction you need to dislodge the clog. Once the majority of the water is removed, place a plunger over the drain, making sure to create a firm seal. If your sink has two basins, plug the other side with a wet rag to maximize pressure.
Plunge with quick, firm motions for 15–30 seconds, then lift the plunger to see if the water drains. If it doesn’t, repeat the process a few more times. If plunging fails to move the clog, the blockage may be deeper in the pipe. At this point, consider using a drain snake or a natural cleaning method like baking soda and vinegar (covered in the next section).
When your sink isn’t completely blocked, natural remedies can be surprisingly effective. If you’re wondering how to unclog a kitchen sink with standing water or just looking to maintain clear pipes, a baking soda and vinegar flush is a safe and eco-friendly way to dissolve buildup and neutralize odors.
Start by pouring about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the dry drain, using a funnel or spoon if needed. Follow it with 1/2 cup of vinegar, then immediately cover the drain with a stopper or cloth to contain the fizzing reaction. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 15–30 minutes—it needs time to work on the grime inside your pipes.
Once the time is up, flush the drain with a kettle of hot (not boiling) water. This final step helps wash away the loosened debris. You can repeat this method weekly to prevent clogs, especially in households that use garbage disposals frequently. If your sink still isn't draining, the clog may be too compacted or located too deep for this method to reach.
A clogged kitchen sink with a disposal adds another layer of complexity. Garbage disposals can get jammed easily by fibrous vegetables, grease, or foreign objects like silverware and bottle caps. When blocked, they can prevent water from draining even if the clog is relatively minor.
Before doing anything, always cut power to the disposal—either by unplugging it under the sink or flipping the breaker. Safety should always come first. Shine a flashlight inside the drain opening and check for visible obstructions. Use tongs or pliers to remove anything stuck. Never reach into the disposal with your hands, even if the power is off.
Next, press the red reset button located at the bottom of the disposal unit. After restoring power, test it by running cold water and turning the unit back on. If the disposal hums but doesn’t spin, the internal flywheel may be jammed—in that case, you can use a hex key in the bottom socket to manually free it. If none of these steps work, it’s time to call in Majewski Plumbing for a safe and effective repair.
If natural methods and disposal fixes don’t do the trick, the clog may be trapped in the P-trap; you’ve seen it—it’s that U-shaped pipe under your sink. This section is designed to hold water and block sewer gases, but it’s also a common location for trapped food, grease, or even small utensils that fell down the drain unnoticed.
To clear it, start by placing a bucket underneath to catch water and debris. Use pliers to unscrew the slip nuts at both ends of the P-trap and remove them carefully. You’ll likely see (and smell) a buildup of thick gunk inside. Scrub it clean with an old brush or bottle cleaner, then rinse thoroughly before reinstalling the trap.
Once the trap is reassembled, turn on the faucet and check for leaks. If the water drains properly, you’ve successfully cleared the clog. If the water still won’t move, the problem may lie farther down the line—in which case, a drain snake or professional hydrojetting may be required to restore full flow.
| Clog Type | Common Signs | Best DIY Method | When to Call a Pro |
| Grease or food buildup | Slow drainage, gurgling, and minor odors | Baking soda + vinegar + hot water | Clog recurs after DIY fix |
| Standing water with no drainage | Full basin, water not moving | Manual water removal + plunging | Plunging fails after multiple attempts |
| Garbage disposal jam | Humming sound, no drainage, stuck food | Reset disposal, remove debris, and use a hex key | The disposal motor won’t reset, or it spins loudly |
| Trap blockage | Water drains slowly or not at all | Remove, clean, and reinstall the P-trap | Pipes leak after reassembly |
| Deep blockage (post-trap) | Recurring backups, water backs up in other fixtures | Use a hand auger if accessible | Main-line or venting issues |
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of repair—and that’s especially true for kitchen sink maintenance. With a few smart habits, you can dramatically reduce the chances of experiencing another clog. Prevention not only saves you time and money but also protects your plumbing system from long-term damage.
Start by being mindful of what you put down your drain. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG) down the sink, as they solidify and trap other debris. Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps and empty it regularly. When using your garbage disposal, always run cold water and only feed in small, manageable scraps.
Once a week, flush the drain with hot water and a drop of dish soap to help break down early buildup. If you notice your sink starting to drain slower than usual, act quickly—the sooner you intervene, the easier it is to prevent a total clog. For homeowners in Stone Harbor with seasonal properties, consider a yearly drain cleaning from Majewski Plumbing before and after peak usage months.
Even the most diligent homeowners can run into a stubborn clog. If you’ve tried everything and still don’t know how to fix a backed-up kitchen sink, don’t hesitate to bring in the professionals. Persistent blockages, foul odors, or signs of a deeper plumbing issue all require expert attention and equipment that goes beyond what’s available at the hardware store.
Majewski Plumbing offers camera inspections, hydrojetting, and professional drain clearing services for residential and commercial properties. We’ve built our reputation on providing fast, honest, and effective solutions, especially for homes in coastal areas where older plumbing systems and weather-related wear and tear can complicate clogs.
Let us restore full flow to your kitchen and peace of mind to your home. With same-day service and seasoned technicians, Majewski Plumbing is your go-to team for clearing even the most frustrating clogs—and helping you prevent the next one.
There’s no good time for a clogged sink. Whether your kitchen sink is clogged, your disposal is jammed, or you’re stuck with standing water that won’t budge, the team at Majewski Plumbing is here to help. We provide professional, no-hassle solutions designed to get your kitchen back in working order quickly.
👉 Call us today or schedule your service online for expert plumbing support backed by years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
