Blocked Kitchen Sink | Perth Local Plumbing Services

Discover 5 Easy DIY Methods to Clear a Clogged Sink Before Calling a Plumber

A blocked kitchen sink can quickly ruin your evening plans, slow down cooking, and create a smelly mess. But before you call in a professional, there are a few simple tricks that might clear things up fast.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through quick, effective ways to unblock your kitchen sink — using tools and ingredients you likely already have at home. These tips are especially useful for Perth homes, where food scraps, grease, and even sand can easily build up in pipes.

1. Try Boiling Water First

Sometimes, a clog just needs a little heat.

Boil a full kettle or pot of water
Slowly pour it down the drain in stages, allowing it to work
Repeat 2–3 times if necessary

Works best for: Grease or soap scum build-up.
Avoid: if you have PVC pipes, as boiling water may warp them.

2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural combination can break down mild blockages.

Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain
Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar
Cover the drain and wait 15–30 minutes
Flush with hot water

The fizz helps dislodge grime — it’s eco-friendly and safe for most pipes.

3. Plunge the Sink

If the blockage is stubborn, use a plunger.

Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger head
Seal the plunger over the drain and plunge firmly up and down
Repeat for 30 seconds, then lift

Pro Tip: Block the overflow hole (if present) with a damp cloth to improve suction.

4. Clean the Trap

Food often gets caught in the U-bend (trap) under the sink.

Place a bucket underneath
Unscrew the trap carefully
Remove debris and rinse with water
Screw it back on tightly

No fancy tools needed — just gloves and a wrench or pliers.

5. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

It’s tempting, but store-bought drain cleaners can damage your pipes — especially older ones common in Perth suburbs like Subiaco and Fremantle.

They may give short-term results but often don’t solve the root cause. Instead, try safer methods first, or call a blocked drain plumber in Perth if the issue persists.

When to Call a Perth Plumber

If your kitchen sink is still blocked after trying these fixes — or if the blockage keeps coming back — it may be a sign of a deeper plumbing issue, such as:

Tree roots in outdoor pipes
Broken or collapsed drains
Grease solidified further down the system

At Perth Local Plumbing & Gas, our licensed team uses advanced methods such as CCTV drain inspections and high-pressure jet blasting to clear blockages safely. We’re trusted local plumbers in Perth for all types of residential and commercial plumbing.

Kitchen & Drain Services We Offer in Perth

We don’t just clear kitchen sinks. Our licensed team handles a wide range of Perth plumbing services, including:

Blocked drain plumbing for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor drains
Emergency plumber Perth WA – available 24/7 for urgent blockages or overflows
Residential plumbing services – from leaking taps to bathroom renovations
Hot water system repairs Perth – in case your sink issue connects to low hot water pressure
General plumbing services – reliable solutions for Perth homes and businesses

FAQs – Unblocking Kitchen Sinks

1. What causes most kitchen sink blockages?

In Perth homes, it’s usually grease, oil, coffee grounds, rice, and food scraps. Never pour fat or cooking oil down your drain.

2. Is baking soda and vinegar safe for my pipes?

Yes — it’s one of the safest DIY methods and won’t damage plumbing.

3. My sink is gurgling but draining slowly. What does that mean?

Gurgling sounds indicate a partial blockage or venting issue. It’s best to get it checked before it gets worse.

Final Thoughts

A blocked kitchen sink doesn’t always mean you need a plumber straight away. With a few quick DIY methods, you can often clear the blockage yourself.

But if the problem keeps coming back, it may point to a deeper issue in your drains. For reliable, same-day plumbing help across Perth — from kitchen sink repairs to emergency plumbing — Perth Local Plumbing has you covered.