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Plunge the Clogged Drain (Optional) — Use a Plunger

Beginner

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How to Unclog a Double Kitchen Sink · Step 2 of 5

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In this video

If the drain remains slow, the clog is likely further down. To plunge it, first, use a damp rag to completely cover the sink's overflow hole. Fill the sink with a few inches of water, enough to submerge the cup of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain to create a tight seal and then push and pull rapidly and forcefully to create pressure and dislodge the clog.

Goal: Clear clogs located further in the drain pipe

  • Covering the overflow hole is critical; otherwise, the air and water pressure from plunging will escape through it instead of pushing down on the clog.
  • Having water in the sink helps the plunger create a better seal and adds weight to help push the clog through.

Used in this video

  • Plunger (Plunger Type: Cup plunger) — To create hydraulic pressure to dislodge a clog in the drain pipe.
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FAQs

Do I need to buy all the specialized tools, especially the drum auger, to unclog my double kitchen sink?

Not necessarily for every clog. Start with simpler tools like the HDX Sink and Drain Plunger. If that doesn't work, cleaning the P-trap requires basic pliers and a bucket. The Plumber's Choice 25 ft. Drum Auger is only needed for deeper, more stubborn clogs further down the drain line.

What are the most critical safety precautions I should take, especially since my double sink has a garbage disposal?

The absolute most critical step is to always disconnect power to the garbage disposal at the circuit breaker before performing any work near or inside the drain, even if you're working on the non-disposal side. Additionally, wear Heavy Duty Latex Gloves to protect your hands from grime and potential drain cleaner residue if any was previously used.

How long should a beginner expect this project to take, and is it genuinely a 'beginner' difficulty project?

For a simple clog cleared with a plunger, it might take 15-30 minutes. If you need to clean the P-trap, allocate 1-2 hours for setup, cleaning, and reassembly. Snaking a deeper clog can extend the project to 2-3 hours for a beginner. It's beginner-friendly in terms of steps, but patience and attention to detail are key.

When I try to plunge one side of my double sink, water just backs up into the other basin. How can I fix this?

This is a very common issue with double sinks due to shared drainage. To create effective suction with the plunger, you must completely seal off the drain opening of the non-clogged sink. Use a Universal Sink Stopper or have a helper firmly press a wet rag over the opening while you plunge the affected side.

Transcript
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So if at this point you wanted to plunge, you wanted to use a plunger because you had noticed that there was stuff down in the drain. It wasn't just the pop-up that had hair. I'm going to give you a couple of tips on that. Number one, if you just start plunging this, you're going to feel the sink like halfway with water. And you're going to plunge. But the thing is this is the overflow. It could be over here on the sink. It could be here. They're in different spots. But it's an overflow. And it connects to the drain pipe underneath. So if you just plunge, all the air pressure comes out here. So what you want to do is take a rag and a little wet. Make it damp and hold it over the hole with one hand. And with your other hand, then to sink hair full of water, then you could plunge away. I'm going to link right now to a video I have on plunging. You know, plunging 101, basically everything you want to know about plunging. But sink hair full of water plunge really fast and hard. But first, of course, covering the hole with one hand with a wet rag. Sink hair full of water. I'm going to let someone water down the pipe, then plunge really fast. Let someone water down, then plunge really fast. That's basically the quick primer on plunging a sink.

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