Emergency Plumber Barrie

1-833-201-7755

A clogged sink is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Whether it’s your kitchen sink backing up with greasy water or your bathroom sink draining slowly, a clog can disrupt your day and, if ignored, lead to bigger plumbing issues.

At Emergency Plumber Barrie, sink clogs are one of the top service calls we handle for families across Barrie, Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Essa, and Simcoe County. The good news is that with the right steps, many sink clogs can be cleared quickly. Here’s a complete guide on what to do when your sink is clogged—and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Step 1: Stop Using the Sink

When you notice your sink isn’t draining properly:

  • Avoid running more water—this can make the clog worse.
  • Don’t use chemical drain cleaners right away. These can damage pipes, especially older plumbing systems common in Barrie homes.
  • If it’s a double kitchen sink, check both sides to see how severe the blockage is.

Step 2: Try Hot Water Flush

Sometimes, a clog is caused by grease, soap scum, or minor buildup. A simple hot water flush can help:

  1. Boil a kettle of water.
  2. Slowly pour it down the drain in stages.
  3. Wait a few minutes to see if the water drains faster.

💡 Tip: Do not use boiling water on PVC pipes—it can soften them. Instead, use very hot tap water.

Step 3: Use a Plunger

A plunger isn’t just for toilets—it works on sinks too. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Use a cup plunger (flat-bottom), not a toilet plunger.
  • If plunging a kitchen sink, block the other drain with a wet cloth for a proper seal.
  • Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
  • Place the plunger over the drain and pump forcefully for 20–30 seconds.
  • Test by running water. If it drains, you’ve cleared the clog.

Step 4: Try a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

For natural drain cleaning:

  1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
  2. Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.
  3. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to force the fizzing action downward.
  4. After 15 minutes, flush with hot water.

This eco-friendly method can break down organic buildup like grease, soap, or toothpaste scum.

Step 5: Clean the P-Trap

If plunging and natural cleaners don’t work, the clog may be in the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink). To clean it:

  1. Place a bucket under the trap to catch water.
  2. Unscrew the slip nuts on both ends of the trap.
  3. Remove the trap and clear out debris, grease, or hair.
  4. Rinse it thoroughly before reinstalling.

💡 Pro tip: Keep plumber’s tape handy in case you need to reseal the threads.

Step 6: Use a Drain Snake or Auger

For deeper clogs further down the line:

  • Insert the auger into the drain or wall pipe.
  • Rotate the handle while feeding the cable forward.
  • When you feel resistance, crank to break up or hook the blockage.
  • Pull back the snake carefully and dispose of the debris.

Step 7: When to Call a Licensed Plumber in Barrie

Not all sink clogs can be fixed with DIY methods. Call a licensed plumber in Barrie if:

  • Your sink backs up repeatedly.
  • Multiple drains in your home are clogged at once (could be a main sewer issue).
  • You smell foul odours coming from the drain.
  • The clog won’t clear with plunging or snaking.

At Emergency Plumber Barrie, we use professional equipment such as motorized augers and drain cameras to locate and remove stubborn clogs quickly and safely.

How to Prevent Future Sink Clogs

Kitchen Sink Tips:

  • Avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain.
  • Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps.
  • Run hot water after washing dishes to keep grease moving.

Bathroom Sink Tips:

  • Use a mesh drain screen to catch hair.
  • Avoid flushing toothpaste caps, floss, or cotton swabs down the sink.
  • Clean stoppers regularly to remove soap scum and buildup.

Final Thoughts

A clogged sink may seem like a small issue, but it can quickly escalate if ignored. By following these steps, many clogs can be cleared at home. But for recurring or severe blockages, professional help is the safest option.

At Emergency Plumber Barrie, we specialize in sink unclogging, drain cleaning, and 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Whether it’s your kitchen sink full of greasy water or a bathroom sink draining slowly, we’ll get your plumbing back to normal—fast.

📞 Call Emergency Plumber Barrie 1-833-201-7755 today for professional drain cleaning and sink repair services across Barrie, Innisfil, Midhurst, Oro-Medonte, Essa, and Simcoe County.