A blocked sink is one of those household headaches that shows up uninvited, usually right when you're trying to get dinner on the table or clean up after guests. Before you panic and ring up an emergency plumber, there’s good news: many blocked kitchen drains can be fixed at home with a bit of know-how, a few simple tools, and a little patience.

Of course, some problems do need professional help, especially when the blockage is stubborn or part of a bigger plumbing issue. If that’s the case, a trusted blocked kitchen sink plumber can save you hours of frustration (and potentially a flood under your cabinets).

In this guide, we’ll explore common causes, DIY fixes, and when to call in the pros—plus tips to prevent clogs in the first place.

What causes a kitchen sink to clog?

Kitchen sinks are put through a lot. We wash, rinse, scrape, and sometimes dump things we really shouldn’t. Over time, this misuse builds up, and you’re left with a stubborn clog that no amount of yelling can fix.

Here are the most common culprits:

  • Grease and oil: They might go down as a liquid, but they cool into sticky gunk.
  • Food scraps: Even with a sink strainer, bits of rice, pasta, and coffee grounds sneak through.
  • Soap scum and detergent residue: These can coat pipes and trap other debris.
  • Foreign objects: Toothpicks, bottle caps, or steel wool bits—yep, they find their way in too.

Knowing what’s going in helps you understand what’s coming out… or not.

My story: That time, the plunger made it worse

About a year ago, our kitchen sink started draining slowly—just a trickle. I did what most people do: grabbed the plunger and gave it a go. Big mistake.

Whatever was stuck further down just shifted… and then came back up with force. Greasy water everywhere. The smell was next-level. Eventually, I caved and called a plumber, who used a drain snake and cleared out a lump of old food scraps and congealed oil the size of a tennis ball.

Lesson learned: Some jobs need more than elbow grease.

DIY fixes to try before calling a plumber

You don’t always need to rush to the phone. If the blockage is mild and water is still draining (albeit slowly), try these home remedies first.

1. Boiling water

Sounds too simple, but it works—especially on greasy build-ups.

  • Boil a full kettle
  • Slowly pour it down the drain in two or three stages
  • Wait a few minutes between pours

If the water sits without draining, move on to the next method.

2. Baking soda and vinegar

A classic combo that fizzes away mild clogs and deodorises your sink.

  • Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain
  • Follow with a cup of white vinegar
  • Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes
  • Rinse with boiling water

3. Plunger (the right way)

If you do plunge, seal the overflow hole and use short, sharp plunges. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger base for proper suction.

4. Drain snake or wire coat hanger

For blockages near the surface, a simple snake or bent coat hanger can dislodge gunk. Be gentle—you don’t want to damage the pipe.

When it’s time to call a plumber

DIY can only take you so far. If any of these signs show up, it’s time to bring in a professional:

  • Water backs up into other drains (like the laundry sink)
  • You’ve tried multiple methods and nothing’s shifting
  • You hear gurgling sounds or smell foul odours from the drain
  • The blockage returns frequently

Persistent issues may point to deeper blockages or even tree root intrusion—something no baking soda will fix.

How pros tackle the problem (and why it’s worth it)

Professional plumbers come equipped with tools that most households don’t have lying around. These include:

  • Electric drain snakes: Far more powerful than manual ones
  • CCTV drain inspection cameras: To locate the exact source of the blockage
  • High-pressure jetters: To blast away grease, debris, and even minor roots

The result? A thorough fix that doesn’t just push the clog further down—it clears it entirely.

Plus, many plumbers provide advice on kitchen plumbing safety, helping you avoid a repeat of the issue in the future.

Prevention: The cheapest plumbing solution

Want to avoid this mess in the first place? A few small habits go a long way in keeping your pipes clear:

  • Wipe greasy pans before rinsing them—don’t pour oil down the sink
  • Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and debris
  • Run hot water after washing up to flush away residue
  • Clean the trap occasionally (or ask your plumber to include it in a routine visit)

Also, brush up on household drain maintenance best practices. Government resources often include helpful checklists and seasonal reminders to keep your system running smoothly.

What about smelly drains?

Even if the water drains fine, a stinky sink is no fun. Odours usually come from:

  • Trapped food particles
  • Mould build-up in the U-bend
  • Dry P-traps that aren’t holding water

To fix it, try flushing with hot water and vinegar, cleaning the trap under the sink, or installing a trap primer. More tips? See our guide on how to clear a smelly drain.

Final thoughts: Know your limits and your options

A blocked sink doesn’t have to ruin your weekend or your wallet. Start with simple fixes, stay mindful of what goes down the drain, and don’t be afraid to call in the pros when needed.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about saving your kitchen from bigger problems. Preventative care and quick action mean less mess, less stress, and more time enjoying your space instead of unclogging it.

So next time your sink starts bubbling, remember: it might just be a DIY job—or a sign to pick up the phone. Either way, you’ve got the tools and know-how to handle it.