Sink full of standing water?
Clogged Kitchen Sink
Kitchen clogs are almost always grease. Fat and oil go down warm, cool in the pipe, and coat the walls until food scraps catch and the line closes. A cable punches through. Jetting cleans the grease off so it doesn't come back next month.
(555) 123-4567Free to call. A licensed local plumber picks up and tells you the price before any work starts.
See the signs- Licensed local plumbersIndependent pros who work your area
- Price before workYou hear the cost before they start
- No formsOne phone call and a real person answers
- Free to callNo fee to use this service
Signs it's time to call
- The sink is draining really slowly and sometimes backs up
- The kitchen sink backs up into the laundry room sink
- The disposal is backed up
- You can't get it clear with Drano
How the Plumber Handles It
Check the trap and disposal
The plumber rules out the trap, disposal and dishwasher hose first.
Cable the kitchen line
A cable reaches through the wall to the clog in the branch line.
Jet heavy grease
For repeat grease clogs, jetting scours the pipe wall clean.
Clogged Kitchen Sink, Explained
Why grease is the problem
Cooking fat, butter, oil and sauces stay liquid while hot, then stick to the pipe as they cool. Each layer catches more. Pouring hot water down the drain only moves the grease a few feet further before it sets again.
Garbage disposals and clogs
A disposal grinds food into small pieces, but starchy and fibrous foods like rice, pasta, potato peels and celery still pack together in the line.
When the clog is further down
If the sink and a nearby laundry or basement drain back up together, the clog is in the shared line or the main, not under the sink.
Do This First
Skip the chemical drain cleaner. It can splash back and it can't clear a main line.
- Stop running the dishwasher and disposal.
- Plunge one side while holding the other side closed with a wet rag.
- Don't pour chemical cleaner into standing water.
- Wipe greasy pans with paper towel before washing.
Why do both sides of my sink back up?
Both sides share one trap arm. A clog past that point backs up both sides.
Can I pour boiling water to clear grease?
It may help briefly, but the grease usually sets again further down the line.
Does the disposal cause clogs?
It can, when starchy or fibrous food packs together in the pipe.
How do I stop grease clogs?
Let grease cool, scrape it into the trash, and wipe pans before washing.
Sink full of standing water?
Call now and talk to a local plumber about getting it cleared.
Free to call. Price before work starts.