A slow kitchen sink usually gets worse gradually. Catching it early can save you from a full clog during a busy evening.
Grease is the main cause
Fats and oils go down as liquid and harden in the pipe. Over time, that layer narrows the pipe and traps food particles.
Other common culprits
- Coffee grounds
- Rice and pasta
- Eggshells and vegetable peels
- Soap residue
Safe things to try
- Clear the strainer and the visible part of the drain
- Use a sink plunger (block the second basin if you have a double sink)
- Clean the P-trap under the sink if you're comfortable doing so; place a bucket underneath first
What to avoid
Skip chemical drain cleaners. They often don't dissolve grease clogs fully and can make professional work hazardous. Repeated boiling water can damage some pipes and fixtures.
When to call
If the sink stays slow after cleaning the trap, or the dishwasher backs up into the sink, the clog is likely in the branch line. Our kitchen sink drain cleaning service can clear it.
Related services
- Drain Cleaning — Clearing slow, gurgling and fully blocked household drains.
- Main Drain Cleaning — Clearing the main line that carries all wastewater out of your property.
- Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning — Clearing grease, food debris and recurring kitchen sink clogs.
Have a drain problem now? We're available 24/7.
This article is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment.