Unlike tubs or showers, sinks cannot be snaked from above.

Sink openings are designed to prevent objects from getting into the pipes.

Even if the cable fits, thedrain trapswill make it difficult to get the snake though.

Hand auger held up in front of kitchen sink drains and bucket

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The trap is held together by friction washers and slip nuts.

If the trap is made of plastic then nuts will only be hand tighten and should come off easily.

If the trap is chrome-plated then channel locks or apipe wrenchwill be needed to loosen the nuts.

Materials and tools to unblock a kitchen sink with a snake or auger

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If it looks clean then the clog is further down the line.

Push Cable Into Drain Line

Pull 12 to 15 inches of cable out of the snake.

Push the cable into the drain line.

P-trap removed from drain pipe under kitchen sink

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

They will be able to hear it if it is going up the vent.

When you hit theclog, tighten the set screw at the front of the snake.

Push Cable Forward

Next, push the cable forward while cranking the handle clockwise.

P-trap and drain inspected for clogs

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Reset the screw and continue steadily cranking clockwise.

You will know that the clog is cleared when you no longer feel any resistance on the cable.

It is done by feeding the cable in about three feet and then pulling it back two feet.

Snake cable pushed into drain pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Then, feed the cable back in four feet and pulling out two.

Continue this process until you feel the blockage break.

Remove Cable From Pipe

After the clog is broken, you will begin retrieving the cable.

Snake cable cranked into T-fitting down drain pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Do so by pulling one to two feet of line out at a time.

As you pull it back, continue using a clockwise motion.

Reversing the direction may unwind the blockage and leave it behind to re-clog the pipe.

Set screw tightened on snake after hitting drain clog

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If you notice any,replace the trap.

A plastic trap is a suitable replacement.

They are relatively inexpensive and easy to cut.

Snake handle being cranked to push cable forward in drain

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If the trap is exposed a chrome-plated trap can be used for aesthetic purposes.

Turn on Water

With the trap back in place, run a fair amount of hot water.

This will keep any debris you may have freed from forming a new clog.

Set screw loosened on top of snake to pull more cable

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

If a new clog does form a simple plunging should clear it.

If not, snake it out again making sure to feed the snake further into the pipe.

Tips for Unclogging a Kitchen Sink

Snake cable pushed into drain pipe with bucket underneath

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Snake cable pulled back to break up drain clog

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Snake cable pulled back and removed from drain pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Snake cable wiped clean with white towel

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

P-trap reassembled on to drain pipe under kitchen sink

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Kitchen sink faucet running water down drain to test for clogs

The Spruce / Kevin Norris