Tips to Unclog a Kitchen Sink After Christmas by Sharp Plumbing
The holiday season in Kansas City is filled with joy, food, and family gatherings. However, the aftermath—especially when it comes to cleaning up after festive feasts—can lead to kitchen sink clogs. Whether it’s from grease, food scraps, or even the holiday leftovers you weren’t expecting, a clogged kitchen sink can quickly disrupt your plans. At Sharp Plumbing, we understand that the holidays don’t pause for plumbing problems, so we’ve put together expert tips on how to unclog your kitchen sink drain and when to call in a professional.
Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Clogs After the Holidays
After Christmas and other holiday meals, your kitchen sink is likely working overtime. Here are the most common culprits of holiday clogs:
Grease and fats: Cooking fats, oils, and grease are frequently poured down the sink after cooking big meals like turkey, ham, and gravy. Once these substances cool, they solidify and can easily block your drain.
Food scraps: Leftovers like mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy are often scraped into the sink, especially when people are busy cleaning up after dinner.
Dish soap buildup: Over time, soap residue can mix with food particles, forming a thick sludge that can clog your pipes.
Foreign objects: Small kitchen tools, pieces of glassware, or even accidentally dropped utensils can make their way into the drain, causing an obstruction.
Understanding the root cause of the clog is key to determining the best solution. Keep reading for DIY tips and when to call a Kansas City plumber for help.
DIY Tips to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain
If your kitchen sink is clogged after the holiday rush, here are a few simple steps to try before calling a plumber:
Boiling Water: The easiest and first step to try is boiling water. Heat a kettle or pot of water until it’s boiling, then carefully pour it down the drain in stages. The hot water can dissolve grease or soap residue that may be causing the clog. If you notice improvement, but the clog isn’t fully cleared, repeat the process a few times.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, try a natural solution using baking soda and vinegar. Here’s how:
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
Follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. You’ll notice fizzing—this reaction helps break down grease and food particles.
Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water.
This eco-friendly method is gentle on your pipes and works well for clogs caused by grease or food buildup.
Use a Plunger: If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, it’s time to get your plunger. Make sure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger’s cup. Place the plunger over the drain, creating a tight seal, and pump vigorously several times. After a few pumps, check the drain to see if the clog has been cleared.
Manual Removal: If you can see the clog near the top of the drain, you might be able to remove it by hand. Wearing gloves, remove any visible food scraps or debris from the drain. You can also use a pair of needle-nose pliers or tongs to carefully remove anything stuck in the drain.
Snake or Auger: If you still have a clog after trying the above methods, using a plumbing snake (or auger) can help. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it as you push it further into the pipes. This will help break through the obstruction. Be careful not to damage your pipes while doing this.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While DIY solutions can solve many kitchen sink clogs, there are times when it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. If your efforts haven’t cleared the clog, or if your kitchen sink is still draining slowly, it may indicate a more serious issue. Here are signs it’s time to call Sharp Plumbing:
Persistent clogs: If your drain keeps clogging no matter how many times you clear it, there could be a deeper issue, such as a problem with your main sewer line.
Unpleasant odors: A bad smell that won’t go away might mean there’s a food or grease buildup deep in your pipes.
Multiple clogged drains: If other drains in your kitchen or home are also slow, this could indicate a blockage further down in your plumbing system.
Damaged pipes: If you’ve tried everything, but the clog persists, your pipes could be cracked, corroded, or damaged in another way. Sharp Plumbing can inspect and repair the damage.
Our professional plumbers in Kansas City are ready to handle tough clogs that require more advanced tools, such as hydro jetting or camera inspections. We have the expertise to quickly and effectively clear any blockage, so your kitchen sink is back to working properly.
Prevent Future Clogs: Tips for Post-Holiday Care
The best way to avoid kitchen sink clogs after Christmas (or any holiday) is by preventing them in the first place. Here are a few simple steps to keep your kitchen sink and drains in top shape:
Dispose of grease properly: After cooking large meals, dispose of grease, oils, and fats in a container, not the sink. You can then throw the container away once it cools.
Use a drain strainer: A drain strainer or stopper can catch food scraps and other debris before they go down the drain, preventing clogs.
Run hot water regularly: After every meal, run hot water down the drain to keep grease from solidifying inside the pipes.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners: While tempting, chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes over time and are often ineffective for tough clogs.
Sharp Plumbing – Here to Help After the Holidays
If your kitchen sink drain is clogged after the holiday season and DIY methods haven’t worked, don’t stress. Sharp Plumbing is your go-to Kansas City plumbing company for kitchen sink repairs, drain cleaning, and emergency services. We’re available year-round to handle plumbing issues quickly and effectively, so you can enjoy a stress-free home.
Get Your Kitchen Sink Back in Working Order!
Whether it's removing food scraps after a holiday dinner or dealing with a stubborn grease buildup, Sharp Plumbing has the tools and expertise to help you unclog your kitchen sink. If you're facing persistent clogs, or if you just want to ensure your pipes are ready for the new year, don’t hesitate to call us at 816.680.4080 or use the chat bubble to schedule an appointment for professional plumbing services in Kansas City.
