Safety first
Do not use caustic drain cleaner or disassemble the trap or other plumbing.
Written steps
- Remove visible food or debris from the strainer using a paper towel or disposable glove.
- Run warm, not boiling, water for 30 seconds.
- If the basin still drains slowly, use a small sink plunger with enough water to cover its rim.
- Stop and request maintenance if the drain remains blocked or water backs up elsewhere.
Stop and request maintenance if
- Water is overflowing or backing up into another fixture.
- You already used chemical drain cleaner.
- There is a leak below the sink.
Optional video
Reviews common sink-clog steps. Stop before any pipe disassembly shown in the video.
How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
Loading shares data with YouTube. The written guide works without the video.
Video summary
Reviews common sink-clog steps. Stop before any pipe disassembly shown in the video. Follow the written DRG guidance above, which defines where residents should stop.