Step-by-Step Guide: Unclogging Your Kitchen Sink Without Calling a Plumber
There's nothing more frustrating than standing in front of a kitchen sink full of murky water that just won't drain. Whether it's food scraps, grease buildup, or mystery gunk, a clogged kitchen sink is one of the most common plumbing problems Singapore homeowners face—especially in our busy HDB and condo kitchens.
The good news? You don't always need to call a professional plumber immediately. Many kitchen sink clogs can be fixed with simple DIY methods using tools you already have at home. At SwyftFix, we've helped thousands of Singapore residents with drainage issues, and we're sharing our expert knowledge so you can try fixing it yourself first.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through 7 proven methods to unclog your kitchen sink, from the simplest (takes 2 minutes) to more advanced techniques. We'll tell you exactly what works, what doesn't, and when it's time to call in the professionals.
⚠️ Before You Start: Important Safety Tips
- ✗ Never mix chemical drain cleaners (can cause dangerous reactions)
- ✗ Don't pour boiling water into PVC pipes (can damage them)
- ✗ Avoid using excessive force (can damage pipes or fixtures)
- ✓ Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands
- ✓ Place a bucket under pipes before disconnecting anything
- ✓ Turn off garbage disposal before working near it
Understanding Why Kitchen Sinks Clog in Singapore
Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Clogs:
- Cooking oil and grease: Solidifies in pipes, especially common after Chinese cooking
- Food particles: Rice, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea leaves
- Soap scum buildup: Dish soap residue accumulates over time
- Small utensils or debris: Accidentally washed down the drain
- Pipe corrosion: Older HDB flats may have corroded pipes that trap debris
- Inadequate water flow: Not running enough water while using disposal
In Singapore's climate, grease solidifies quickly in cooler pipes, making kitchen clogs particularly common after cooking with oil.
7 DIY Methods to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink (From Easiest to Most Advanced)
1 The Boiling Water Method ⭐ Easiest
Best for: Minor clogs, grease buildup, soap scum
Success rate: 60-70% for light clogs
Time required: 2-5 minutes
What You Need:
- Kettle or pot of water
- That's it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Boil water: Fill your kettle or large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil (about 2 liters)
- Remove standing water: If your sink is full, scoop out most of the water first (leave the drain area wet)
- Pour in stages: Pour about 1/3 of the boiling water directly down the drain. Wait 10-15 seconds.
- Repeat: Pour another 1/3, wait, then pour the final portion
- Test: Run hot tap water to see if drainage has improved
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Check if you have PVC pipes before using boiling water (most modern Singapore HDB kitchens have them)
- For PVC pipes, use very hot water instead of boiling (around 80°C)
- This method works best for grease clogs, less effective for solid blockages
2 Baking Soda + Vinegar Method ⭐ Easy
Best for: Moderate clogs, organic buildup, odor removal
Success rate: 65-75% for moderate clogs
Time required: 15-30 minutes
What You Need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Kettle of hot water
- Sink plug or wet cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove standing water: Bail out water so you can access the drain
- Pour baking soda: Pour 1 cup of baking soda directly down the drain. Use a spoon to push it down if needed.
- Add vinegar: Pour 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. You'll hear fizzing—this is good!
- Plug the drain: Immediately cover the drain with a plug or wet cloth to keep the reaction below
- Wait: Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. The chemical reaction helps break down the clog.
- Flush with hot water: Remove plug and pour a kettle of hot water down the drain
- Test: Run the tap to check if water drains freely
💡 Pro Tips:
- For stubborn clogs, repeat the process 2-3 times
- This method is safe for all pipe types and won't damage anything
- Bonus: Also helps eliminate bad smells from your drain!
- Available at any NTUC, Sheng Siong, or Giant supermarket in Singapore
3 The Plunger Method ⭐⭐ Moderate
Best for: Most types of clogs, especially solid blockages
Success rate: 75-85% when done correctly
Time required: 5-10 minutes
What You Need:
- Cup plunger (flat-bottomed, not toilet plunger!)
- Petroleum jelly (optional, for better seal)
- Wet cloth or tape
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill sink partially: Add 3-4 inches of water (enough to cover plunger head)
- Block overflow hole: If your sink has an overflow hole near the rim, block it with a wet cloth or tape. This prevents air escape.
- Apply petroleum jelly: Optional but helpful—apply to plunger rim for better seal
- Position plunger: Place plunger directly over drain hole, ensuring it covers completely
- Create seal: Press down firmly to create airtight seal
- Plunge vigorously: Push down and pull up rapidly 15-20 times. Use force on both push and pull!
- Check drainage: Remove plunger and see if water drains
- Repeat if needed: If water drains slowly, repeat 2-3 more times
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ✗ Using a toilet plunger (wrong shape)
- ✗ Not blocking the overflow hole (breaks the seal)
- ✗ Plunging without enough water (needs water for pressure)
- ✗ Being too gentle (you need vigorous action)
4 Wire Hanger Snake Method ⭐⭐ Moderate
Best for: Clogs deeper in the pipe, hair or debris clogs
Success rate: 70-80% for accessible clogs
Time required: 10-15 minutes
What You Need:
- Wire coat hanger
- Pliers or wire cutters
- Flashlight
- Rubber gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Straighten hanger: Unwind wire coat hanger and straighten it as much as possible
- Create hook: Use pliers to create a small hook at one end (about 1cm)
- Insert into drain: Feed the hooked end down the drain slowly
- Feel for resistance: When you hit the clog, rotate and push gently
- Hook and pull: Try to hook onto the clog and pull it out
- Remove debris: Pull out whatever you've caught and dispose properly
- Repeat: Continue until no more debris comes out
- Flush: Run hot water to clear remaining particles
💡 Pro Tips:
- Be gentle—don't force it if you hit strong resistance
- This method is particularly good for clogs visible near the drain opening
- Available coat hangers at any Daiso store in Singapore ($2)
- If you can't reach the clog, it might be deeper—try Method 5 or call a professional
5 P-Trap Cleaning Method ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Best for: Stubborn clogs in the P-trap, solid objects stuck
Success rate: 90-95% for P-trap clogs
Time required: 20-30 minutes
What You Need:
- Large bucket or basin
- Adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
- Old towels
- Rubber gloves
- Wire brush or old toothbrush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare work area: Place bucket under P-trap (U-shaped pipe under sink). Lay towels around.
- Locate P-trap: Find the curved pipe directly under your sink drain
- Loosen slip nuts: Use wrench to loosen the slip nuts on both ends of P-trap (turn counter-clockwise)
- Remove P-trap: Carefully remove the P-trap. Water and debris will spill into bucket.
- Empty contents: Pour contents into bucket. Check for solid objects causing clog.
- Clean thoroughly: Use wire brush to scrub inside of P-trap. Remove all grease and buildup.
- Rinse: Rinse P-trap with hot water in another sink or with hose
- Check connecting pipes: While P-trap is off, check the pipes it connects to for clogs
- Reassemble: Put P-trap back, hand-tighten slip nuts first, then use wrench to secure (don't over-tighten)
- Test for leaks: Run water and check for leaks. Tighten if needed.
⚠️ Important Safety Notes:
- The P-trap will be full of dirty water—bucket is essential
- Take a photo before disassembling if you're worried about reassembly
- Don't lose the rubber washers/gaskets—you'll need them
- If pipes are corroded or won't loosen, stop and call a professional
- This is normal maintenance—worth learning for future issues
6 Wet/Dry Vacuum Method ⭐⭐ Moderate
Best for: Solid objects, stubborn clogs, when other methods fail
Success rate: 80-85% if you have the right equipment
Time required: 10-15 minutes
What You Need:
- Wet/dry shop vacuum (can handle water)
- Old towels
- Duct tape (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set to wet mode: Ensure vacuum is set for liquids (remove paper filter if needed)
- Empty vacuum: Start with empty vacuum canister
- Create seal: Cover overflow hole with tape. Place vacuum hose directly over drain opening.
- Seal connection: Use old towel wrapped around hose to create tight seal with drain
- Turn on vacuum: Set to highest suction and run for 1-2 minutes
- Listen for success: You may hear the clog get sucked up
- Remove and check: Turn off vacuum, remove hose, check if water drains
- Repeat if needed: Try 2-3 times if first attempt doesn't work
- Flush: Once unclogged, run hot water to clear any remaining debris
💡 Why This Works:
A wet/dry vacuum creates much stronger suction than a plunger and can literally suck out clogs. This is especially effective for solid objects accidentally dropped down the drain.
Where to buy in Singapore: Homefix, Home-Fix, Courts, or online at Lazada/Shopee ($80-$200)
7 Chemical Drain Cleaner (Last Resort) ⭐ Easy But Risky
Best for: When physical methods have failed
Success rate: 70-75% but with risks
Time required: 15-30 minutes (plus waiting time)
⚠️ Why This Is Last Resort:
- ✗ Can damage pipes, especially older or PVC pipes
- ✗ Harmful to environment
- ✗ Dangerous if splashes on skin or mixed with other chemicals
- ✗ Often doesn't work on severe clogs
- ✗ Can make professional repairs harder if it fails
We recommend trying all other methods first before using chemicals.
If You Must Use Chemical Cleaner:
- Choose carefully: Select enzyme-based cleaners when possible (safer than caustic chemicals)
- Read instructions: Follow product directions exactly
- Protect yourself: Wear gloves and eye protection. Ensure good ventilation.
- Pour carefully: Pour recommended amount directly into drain
- Wait: Let sit for recommended time (usually 15-30 minutes)
- Flush thoroughly: Run plenty of cold water to flush cleaner through
- Never mix products: Don't combine different drain cleaners or add other chemicals
Better Alternatives in Singapore:
- Bio-enzymatic cleaners: Use natural enzymes to break down organic matter (safer)
- Available at: Popular brand is Mr Muscle at FairPrice, NTUC, Watsons
- Eco-friendly options: Look for biodegradable formulas
Tried Everything and Still Clogged?
Don't waste more time and risk damaging your pipes. Our professional plumbers can fix it fast.
📞 Call Now: +65 8852 8484