Plumbing · checked 5 Oct 2026
The kitchen sink won't drain
Safety first
- Stop the faucet, dishwasher, and disposal.
- Keep hands out of the disposal.
- Don't add drain cleaner, bleach, or boiling water.
Fix it nowEight steps
- If drain cleaner was added, stop; call a plumber before touching anything.Trapped cleaner can splash. Never plunge or add other chemicals.
- With dry access, unplug disposal; otherwise switch off its labeled breaker.Prevent accidental starting. Never put hands inside the disposal.
- Wear waterproof gloves; scoop excess water into a bucket.Reduce spills; leave enough water to cover the plunger cup.
The other five steps
- Lift the removable strainer; clear visible scraps without reaching into the disposal.Surface debris can block drainage.
- For double sinks, firmly plug the other drain.The seal directs plunging pressure toward the blockage.
- Seal a clean, flat-cup sink plunger over the blocked drain.Keep its cup submerged for an effective seal.
- Plunge gently for 20 seconds; check drainage. Repeat once if needed.A nearby clog may release; stop if pipes leak.
- If cleared, briefly run cool water; check underneath for leaks.If water rises again or leaks, stop and call a plumber.
When to stop
Stop and get a plumber if:
- Cleaner remains in the blocked sink: stop DIY; tell the plumber what you used.
- Other fixtures back up or sewage appears: stop household water use; call a plumber now.
- Water leaks underneath, enters the dishwasher, or reaches electrical equipment: stop; keep clear and call a plumber.
- Two plunging attempts fail, or the disposal only hums: leave it off; call a plumber.
- Cleaner exposure: call poison-control, 1-800-222-1222. Rinse exposed skin or eyes immediately. For fumes, move to fresh air. Call 911 for trouble breathing, unconsciousness, or not breathing.
What it probably is
Blocked strainer or drain entranceVisible scraps cover the strainer; removing them may restore drainage.You can check
Food or grease clogDrainage slowed before stopping; gentle plunging may clear a nearby blockage.You can check
Jammed disposalDisposal hums without grinding. Leave it off; arrange service.For a pro
Deeper drain or sewer blockageBoth bowls remain blocked, or other fixtures also back up.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- Allow 10–20 minutes; stop after two plunging attempts.
Fair price, if a pro does itUnited States
$45–455per job
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one plumber.
The plumbers we’d call in Tyler & Longview · Clogged drain: what to do
Checked against
- Manufacturer safety instructions for food waste disposals
- Poison Control: Immediate assistance and first aid
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.