DIY Method: How To Unclog Grease In Kitchen Sink Now

Dealing with a clogged kitchen sink is a common problem, and often the cause is grease poured down the drain. This post shows you simple ways to fix a sink clogged by grease using things you likely have at home or can easily get. You can tackle this frustrating issue yourself and get your water flowing freely again.

When you pour grease, fats, or oils down your kitchen sink drain, they start as a liquid. But as they cool, they turn solid. This sticky mess grabs onto other food bits and debris that go down the drain. Over time, this creates a tough block inside your pipes, leading to a slow draining kitchen sink fix is needed.

Let’s look at why this happens and how you can fight back against this grease buildup in pipes using different methods.

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Fathoming Why Grease Causes Clogs

Think about bacon grease or cooking oil after it cools. It gets thick and solid. The same thing happens inside your drain pipes.

Hot water from washing dishes can push the grease a bit further down the pipe. But eventually, it cools off. It sticks to the sides of the pipes. It builds up layer by layer.

This sticky grease trap catches food particles. It catches soap scum. It catches other things that go down the drain. This mix gets bigger and bigger. It narrows the pipe’s opening. Water slows down. Soon, it stops completely. This is the main reason for a clogged sink in the kitchen.

Preventing kitchen sink clogs is always better than fixing them. But if you have a clog now, there are many home remedies for clogged sink that you can try before calling a plumber.

Preparing to Unclog Your Sink

Before you start, get ready.

• Gather your tools or supplies for the method you’ll try.
• Protect your work area. Put old towels or newspaper around the sink base. This catches spills.
• Wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
• Have a bucket ready. You might need it to catch dirty water from the sink or pipes.

Never mix different cleaning products in the sink. Especially don’t mix chemical drain cleaners. This can create dangerous fumes. It can cause reactions. Try one method at a time.

Simple DIY Ways to Tackle Grease Clogs

You have several options for clearing a grease clog yourself. Start with the easiest ones. Then move to stronger methods if needed.

Method 1: Hot Water Flush

This is the simplest thing to try first. Very hot water can melt grease.

How to do it:

1. Boil a large pot of water. Use about 1-2 liters (quarts).
2. Let the water cool for a minute or two. Do not pour boiling water directly into a porcelain sink. It could crack it.
3. Pour the very hot water slowly down the drain.
4. Pour it in stages. Let the water sit in the drain for a few seconds between pours.
5. Listen for gurgling sounds. Watch if the water level goes down.

This method works best for smaller clogs. It might loosen grease that hasn’t completely blocked the pipe yet. It’s a key part of the hot water and dish soap drain method too.

If the water just sits in the sink, the clog is too tough for plain hot water. Move to the next step.

Method 2: Hot Water and Dish Soap

Adding dish soap helps break down grease. This makes it easier for hot water to wash it away.

How to do it:

1. Pour about 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap into the drain opening.
2. Boil a large pot of water (1-2 liters/quarts).
3. Let it cool slightly.
4. Slowly pour the hot water down the drain. The soap helps the hot water grab onto the grease better.
5. Wait a few minutes. See if the water drains.
6. You might need to repeat this a few times.

This works better than plain hot water for greasy clogs. The soap acts as a degreaser. It helps lift the grease from the pipe walls. This is a popular home remedies for clogged sink.

Table: Hot Water & Soap Method

Pros	Cons	Best For
Simple, uses common items	Might not work on tough clogs	Recent, smaller grease buildup
Safe for most pipes	Requires caution with hot water	First line of defense
Environmentally friendly	Can take multiple tries	Slow draining kitchen sink fix

If the drain is still blocked, or drains very slowly, you need a stronger approach.

Method 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic combo creates a chemical reaction. It makes fizzing and bubbling. This action can help loosen soft clogs like grease and grime.

How to do it:

1. First, try to remove as much standing water from the sink as possible. Use a cup or bucket.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of dry baking soda directly into the drain. Use a spoon if needed.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar into the drain right after the baking soda.
4. Quickly cover the drain opening with a drain stopper or a rag. This keeps the fizzing action inside the pipe.
5. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. You will hear bubbling and fizzing. This means it’s working.
6. After waiting, boil a pot of water. Pour the hot water down the drain. This washes away the loosened debris.
7. You can repeat this method if needed.

The baking soda and vinegar for drain reaction is safe for pipes. It is non-toxic. It’s a common home remedies for clogged sink. It can break down grease and soap scum.

Table: Baking Soda & Vinegar Method

Pros	Cons	Best For
Uses common household items	Less powerful than mechanical methods	Softer clogs, ongoing maintenance
Safe for most plumbing	Requires waiting time	Light grease buildup in pipes
Environmentally friendly	Might not work on hard blockages	Good follow-up after hot water

If these gentle methods fail, you need to use physical force or tools.

Using Tools to Unclog Grease

Sometimes, grease clogs are too solid or too far down for hot water and chemicals alone. This is when tools come in handy.

Method 4: Using a Plunger on Sink

A plunger creates suction and pressure. This back-and-forth movement can dislodge clogs. A sink plunger (with a flat bottom) or a cup plunger works well for sink drains.

How to do it:

1. Make sure there is some water in the sink. It needs to cover the rubber cup of the plunger completely. This helps create a seal. If the sink is empty, add a few inches of water.
2. If you have a double sink, seal off the other drain opening tightly. Use a wet rag, a stopper, or even have someone hold a rag over it. This is very important for the plunger to work correctly.
3. Place the plunger firmly over the clogged drain opening.
4. Push down slowly to push air out. Then pull up sharply to create suction.
5. Plunge up and down about 15-20 times. Keep the seal tight.
6. On the last pull up, quickly pull the plunger away from the drain. This can help pull the clog upward.
7. Listen for water draining. Check the sink.
8. Repeat plunging several times if needed.
9. Once water starts to drain, run hot tap water for a few minutes. This helps flush away anything the plunger loosened.

Using a plunger on sink clogs is often effective for blocks near the top of the drain. It’s a powerful mechanical method. It doesn’t involve chemicals.

Table: Plunger Method

Pros	Cons	Best For
Effective for many types of clogs	Requires physical effort	Clogs relatively close to the drain
No chemicals involved	Can be messy	Grease mixed with other debris
Can dislodge stubborn blockages	Might not reach clogs deep in the pipe	When hot water/soap/vinegar failed

Method 5: Using a Drain Snake

A drain snake, also called an auger, is a flexible metal cable. It has a coil or hook at the end. You feed it into the drain pipe. It can break up clogs or pull them out. This tool is great for clogs further down the line.

There are different types of drain snakes.

• Small hand augers: These are good for sink drains. They are usually about 15-25 feet long.
• Larger closet augers: These are for toilets. Do not use these in a sink.
• Power augers: These are electric. They are for very tough clogs in larger pipes. You might need a professional for these.

For a kitchen sink drain snake is a very useful tool.

How to use a hand drain snake:

1. Get a small hand auger.
2. Place a bucket under the P-trap. This is the curved pipe under the sink. It might hold water and debris.
3. It is often easiest to remove the P-trap to access the pipe directly. Skip this step if you can feed the snake through the drain opening or overflow hole. (If removing the P-trap, have a wrench ready. Be prepared for water and gunk to come out. Wear gloves and eye protection).
4. Feed the end of the snake into the drain opening or the pipe opening if the P-trap is removed.
5. Uncrank the snake cable from its drum. Feed it into the pipe.
6. Push the cable slowly. When you hit a block, you will feel resistance.
7. Turn the handle on the snake’s drum. This rotates the cable and the tip.
8. Turning the snake helps the tip break through the clog. It can also grab onto the clog.
9. Push and turn the snake through the clog. You want to break it up. Or you want to hook it so you can pull it out.
10. Once you think you are past the clog, slowly pull the snake back out. Wind the cable back into the drum.
11. Be careful as you pull it out. It will likely have gunk on it. Have rags ready.
12. Once the snake is out, run hot tap water down the drain for several minutes. This flushes away loosened debris.
13. If the water still drains slowly, repeat the snaking process.
14. If you removed the P-trap, clean it out. Then put it back together tightly. Check for leaks.

Using a drain snake kitchen sink is a very effective way to clear clogs deeper in the pipe. It physically removes or breaks up the block. It requires some effort and can be messy.

Table: Drain Snake Method

Pros	Cons	Best For
Reaches clogs further down	Can be messy	Deep, stubborn clogs
Physically breaks up or removes clog	Requires some skill and practice	Clogs that plunger couldn’t reach/clear
Useful for hair, food, and grease	Can potentially scratch pipes if used wrong	When hot water/soap/vinegar/plunger failed

Considering Chemical and Enzyme Cleaners

Sometimes people reach for drain cleaner for grease right away. These can be helpful, but they also have downsides. Enzyme cleaners are a different type.

Method 6: Chemical Drain Cleaners

These products contain strong chemicals. They are designed to dissolve certain types of clogs. Different cleaners target different things (grease, hair, etc.). Make sure you get a drain cleaner for grease clogs.

How to use (follow product instructions exactly):

1. Read the label carefully. Check if it’s safe for your type of pipes (PVC, metal).
2. Wear gloves and eye protection. Chemical fumes can be strong.
3. Ensure the area is well-ventilated. Open windows if possible.
4. Pour the recommended amount of cleaner into the drain.
5. Wait the time specified on the bottle. Do not leave it in longer than recommended.
6. Flush the drain with hot water as instructed (some use cold water, check label).
7. Do NOT use a plunger after using chemical cleaners. This can splash dangerous chemicals back up.

Important Warnings about Chemical Cleaners:

• They can damage certain pipe materials, especially older or weaker pipes.
• They are toxic and dangerous if swallowed or if they touch skin or eyes.
• Mixing different cleaners is extremely dangerous.
• If they don’t clear the clog, the standing water in the sink is now mixed with chemicals, making other methods (like snaking or calling a plumber) more hazardous.
• They are not good for the environment.

Use chemical cleaners with extreme caution. They should not be your first choice. Many plumbers advise against using them if possible.

Method 7: Enzyme Drain Cleaner

Enzyme drain cleaner is a gentler option. It does not contain harsh chemicals. Instead, it has enzymes and bacteria. These things “eat” away at organic matter like grease, food particles, and soap scum.

How to use (follow product instructions exactly):

1. These usually work best when used overnight or when the drain won’t be used for several hours. The enzymes need time to work.
2. Pour the recommended amount into the drain, usually before bed.
3. Avoid running water down the drain for several hours.
4. Flush with water in the morning.

Table: Chemical vs. Enzyme Cleaners

Feature	Chemical Drain Cleaner	Enzyme Drain Cleaner
How it works	Dissolves clogs with strong chemicals	Uses enzymes/bacteria to break down organic matter
Speed	Faster (minutes to hours)	Slower (hours to overnight)
Safety	Dangerous, toxic fumes/burns	Much safer, non-toxic
Pipe Safety	Can damage some pipes, especially older	Safe for most pipes
Environment	Bad	Better
Type of Clog	Can tackle various clogs (grease, hair)	Best for organic clogs (grease, food, soap)
Effectiveness	Can be powerful, but might not clear tough blocks	Works best on buildup and softer clogs, good for prevention

Enzyme cleaner is a better choice than chemical cleaners for grease buildup in pipes and preventing kitchen sink clogs. It’s safer and less harmful to your plumbing and the environment. However, it’s usually slower and might not clear a total blockage right away. It is often used after clearing a clog to keep the drain running smoothly.

When DIY Isn’t Enough: Calling a Professional

You’ve tried hot water, soap, baking soda/vinegar, plunging, and maybe snaking. The sink is still clogged. Or perhaps it keeps clogging again quickly. This is a sign the problem is bigger. The clog might be very tough. It might be very far down the pipe. Or there could be a different issue with your plumbing.

Don’t keep forcing things. You could damage your pipes. You could make the problem worse.

Call a plumber when:

• None of the DIY methods work after several tries.
• Water is backing up into other drains (like a toilet or shower). This means the clog is in a main drain line, not just the sink pipe.
• You suspect damage to your pipes.
• You are not comfortable using tools like a drain snake.
• The clog returns shortly after you clear it. This suggests a significant buildup or a deeper problem.

Plumbers have powerful tools like larger augers, hydro-jetting equipment, and drain cameras. They can find and fix stubborn clogs safely and effectively. While calling a pro costs money, it can save you from damaging your plumbing, which would be even more expensive.

Preventing Kitchen Sink Clogs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Or in this case, preventing kitchen sink clogs saves you a lot of hassle. Most kitchen sink clogs are caused by things that should not go down the drain. Grease is the number one culprit.

Here’s how to stop grease buildup in pipes before it starts:

• Never pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain. This includes cooking oil, bacon grease, meat fats, butter, and margarine.
  • Collect grease: Pour grease into an old jar, can, or container. Let it cool and harden. Then scrape it into the trash.
  • Wipe pots and pans: Before washing dishes, wipe out greasy pans with a paper towel. Throw the greasy paper towel in the trash.
• Use a drain strainer. This metal or plastic screen fits over the drain opening. It catches food scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, and other debris. Empty it into the trash regularly.
• Avoid putting starchy or fibrous foods down the drain. Pasta, rice, potato peels, and fruit and vegetable skins can expand or tangle in pipes. Put them in the trash or compost.
• Be careful with coffee grounds. Many people think these are okay because they seem fine. But they are dense. They collect in pipes. They contribute to blockages, especially with grease. Throw coffee grounds in the trash or compost.
• Run cold water with garbage disposal. If you have a garbage disposal, always run plenty of cold water before, during, and for about 30 seconds after using it. Cold water hardens grease (making it easier for blades to chop) and helps flush waste away. Don’t use hot water with the disposal, as it can melt grease onto pipes.
• Regularly flush your drain. Even if you are careful, some grease and debris can still get in.
  • Hot Water Flush: Once a week, boil a pot of water (or run the hottest tap water for a few minutes) and pour it down the drain. This can help melt minor grease accumulation before it becomes a problem.
  • Baking Soda and Hot Water: Periodically, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by hot water.
  • Enzyme Cleaner Maintenance: Using an enzyme drain cleaner once a month can help break down any minor grease buildup in pipes and prevent future clogs. Follow the product’s instructions for maintenance use.

By being mindful of what goes down your kitchen drain and doing a little regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce the chances of future clogs and avoid needing another slow draining kitchen sink fix.

Summary Table of DIY Methods

Here is a quick overview of the methods discussed:

Method	Main Ingredient/Tool	How it Works	Speed	Best Case
Hot Water	Hot water	Melts soft grease	Fast	Minor, fresh grease
Hot Water & Dish Soap	Hot water, dish soap	Dissolves/washes away grease	Fast	Minor to moderate grease
Baking Soda & Vinegar	Baking soda, vinegar	Fizzing action loosens grime	Moderate	Softer clogs, light grease
Plunger	Plunger	Suction/pressure dislodges clog	Fast	Clogs near drain opening
Drain Snake	Flexible cable with tip	Breaks up/removes block	Moderate	Deep, stubborn clogs
Chemical Drain Cleaner	Strong chemicals	Dissolves clog	Fast	Specific clog types
Enzyme Drain Cleaner	Enzymes, bacteria	Breaks down organic matter	Slow	Buildup, maintenance

Remember to start with the simplest, safest methods first (hot water, then soap, then baking soda/vinegar). If those don’t work, move to mechanical methods like plunging or snaking. Use chemical cleaners as a last resort, with extreme caution, or better yet, avoid them completely and call a plumber if DIY fails.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even when trying a method, you might run into problems.

• Water still not draining: The clog is likely still there or is harder than you thought. Try a stronger method. If you started with hot water, move to baking soda/vinegar, then plunging, then snaking.
• Plunger not sealing: Make sure there is enough water to cover the plunger cup. Make sure the rim of the cup is fully covering the drain opening. If you have a double sink, make sure the other drain is completely sealed.
• Drain snake won’t go past a point: You’ve hit the clog or a bend in the pipe. Rotate the snake’s handle while gently pushing. This helps it navigate bends and bore through clogs. Don’t force it roughly, or you could damage the pipe.
• Smells coming from the drain: Once the clog is clear, foul smells might linger. Run hot water for a few minutes. Pouring baking soda followed by hot water (no vinegar needed this time) can also help absorb odors. An enzyme cleaner used regularly can prevent odor-causing buildup.
• Clog comes back quickly: The method you used only made a hole through the clog, but didn’t clear it completely. Or there is a large amount of buildup further down. This might require a drain snake used repeatedly or calling a professional plumber.

Be patient when trying these DIY methods. It might take several attempts or a combination of techniques to fully clear a stubborn grease clog.

Safety First When Unclogging

Working on your sink drain can involve hot water, potentially strong chemicals, or tools. Always keep safety in mind.

• Hot water: Be careful not to scald yourself when handling pots of hot water. Pour slowly and steadily.
• Chemicals: If you choose to use chemical cleaners (again, not recommended), wear heavy-duty gloves and eye protection. Make sure the area is very well-aired. Never mix products. Keep children and pets away from the sink area.
• Tools: Use gloves when plunging or snaking. Drains are dirty places. Be careful not to pinch your fingers in the drain snake mechanism. Clean tools thoroughly after use.
• Pipes: Know what kind of pipes you have. Some older pipes can be brittle. Be gentle when plunging or snaking to avoid cracking or disconnecting pipes. If you are unsure, start very gently.
• Ventilation: If using any product with fumes, ensure good air flow.

Taking these simple steps helps you avoid accidents while you work to get your sink draining again.

FAQ: Questions About Kitchen Sink Clogs

Is it really that bad to pour grease down the drain?

Yes, it’s one of the worst things you can pour down a kitchen drain. As it cools, it hardens and sticks to pipes, trapping other debris and causing tough clogs and grease buildup in pipes over time.

What happens if baking soda and vinegar don’t work?

If baking soda and vinegar don’t clear the clog, the blockage is likely too dense or too far down for the reaction to reach or break up effectively. Move on to a mechanical method like using a plunger on sink or a drain snake kitchen sink.

Can I use boiling water instead of hot tap water?

You can use very hot water, close to boiling, from a kettle or pot. However, avoid pouring actively boiling water directly into a porcelain sink, as extreme temperature changes can cause it to crack. Also, avoid pouring boiling water if you have certain types of plastic pipes or connections that might soften. Let the water cool slightly after boiling before pouring.

How do I know if the clog is grease or something else?

Kitchen sinks often get grease, but food particles, soap scum, and sometimes small objects also contribute to clogs. If you regularly pour grease or fatty liquids down the drain, grease is a likely cause. Most of the methods described here (hot water, soap, baking soda/vinegar, plunger, snake) can help with a mix of grease and other organic debris. A drain cleaner for grease is specifically designed for this, but comes with risks.

Will a drain snake damage my pipes?

If used correctly and gently, a drain snake is generally safe for most common plumbing pipes (PVC, copper, cast iron). However, using too much force, cranking too hard, or having older, corroded pipes increases the risk of damage. Be patient and gentle, especially when navigating bends.

Are chemical drain cleaners ever a good idea?

Many plumbers and plumbing experts strongly advise against using chemical drain cleaners due to their corrosive nature, potential damage to pipes, toxicity, and environmental impact. They are often a temporary fix and can make future repairs harder if they don’t clear the clog. Enzyme drain cleaner is a much safer alternative for maintenance or tackling softer organic clogs.

How often should I do drain maintenance?

Doing a simple hot water flush weekly and a baking soda/hot water flush monthly can help prevent grease buildup in pipes. Using an enzyme cleaner periodically (e.g., monthly) is also a good preventative measure, especially if you tend to get slow draining kitchen sink fix issues often. Always use a drain strainer to catch debris daily.

My double sink is clogged on one side. How do I unclog it?

If you are plunging, you MUST seal off the other drain opening completely. Use a stopper, a rag, or have someone hold a rag tightly over it. This allows the plunger to create suction and pressure in the clogged drain line. If using baking soda/vinegar, pour it into the clogged side and quickly cover both drains. If snaking, start from the clogged side.

Getting your kitchen sink draining properly after a grease clog is achievable with these DIY steps. By using simple methods first and knowing when to escalate or call a professional, you can solve the problem and get back to using your kitchen sink freely. Remember the golden rule: keep grease out of the drain to prevent clogs in the first place!