Sink Is Clogged?
A clogged sink is a common problem, but not every clogged sink needs the same fix. Sometimes it is just buildup at the drain. Other times the blockage is farther down the line.
Before you make it worse, here are the first things to try.
What to do first
If your sink is clogged, start here:
Stop running water if it is backing up
Remove any standing water so you can work safely
Check the stopper or pop-up assembly for hair, sludge, or debris
Try a plunger made for sinks
Run hot water only if the sink is draining slowly, not fully backed up
Check the garbage disposal if it is a kitchen sink and has one
A lot of bathroom sink clogs are right at the stopper. Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and shaving residue build up there all the time. Kitchen sinks are more likely to have grease, food residue, or disposal-related buildup.
How to plunge a clogged sink the right way
A lot of people own a plunger but do not use it the right way on a sink.
Here is the simple version:
put a little water in the sink basin
cover the overflow opening with a rag if there is one
seal the plunger over the drain
give it several firm up-and-down strokes
test the drain
If it is a double kitchen sink, seal the other side before plunging or you will lose pressure.
What not to do
This is where people often turn a simple problem into a bigger one.
Do not keep pouring chemical drain cleaner down the sink
Do not run the disposal over and over if it is jammed
Do not keep adding water to a sink that is fully backed up
Do not force random tools down the drain
Do not ignore a clog that keeps coming back
Chemical cleaners are a bad habit. Sometimes they do not clear the clog, and then whoever opens the drain next has to deal with hot chemical water and a mess under the cabinet.
Signs it may be more than a simple sink clog
A sink clog is often local to that one fixture. But sometimes it points to a bigger drain issue.
Watch for these signs:
the sink keeps clogging again
more than one sink or fixture is draining slowly
you hear gurgling nearby
water backs up somewhere else
the clog came on suddenly and is severe
If that is happening, the blockage may be farther down the branch line or part of a larger drain problem.
When to call a plumber
Call a plumber if:
the sink is fully backed up and will not clear
plunging did not help
the clog keeps returning
more than one fixture is affected
you think the blockage is deeper in the line
the disposal is jammed and you are not sure how to handle it
For a local fixture clog, our drain cleaning service is often the right place to start. If the backup is affecting more than one fixture or feels urgent, our emergency plumbing page may help too.
Common Drain Cleaning Questions
Should I use Drano or chemical drain cleaner?
Usually no. It often does not solve the real problem and can make the situation worse.
Can a plunger really clear a sink clog?
Yes, sometimes. Especially if the clog is fairly close to the drain opening.
Why does my sink keep clogging back up?
Usually because the line was never fully cleared or the blockage is deeper than it seems.
Is a clogged sink a plumbing emergency?
Usually not, unless it is overflowing, affecting multiple fixtures, or tied to a larger backup.
Call for Plumbing Service
If your sink is clogged up and the basic steps are not getting it done, we help homeowners in Kingwood, Atascocita, Humble, Porter, and nearby areas with straightforward plumbing services.
Call or text 281-409-9799 to schedule service with Brazos Home Services.