Why Your Kitchen Sink Isn’t Draining (And How to Fix It)

4 Jun 2025

A slow or completely clogged kitchen sink is a common issue faced by many Seattle homeowners. Whether you’re preparing dinner or cleaning up, a non-draining sink can bring your kitchen to a standstill. At F&M Construction and Remodeling, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons your kitchen sink isn’t draining and offer easy fixes you can try before calling a professional.

1. Clogged Drain – The Most Common Culprit

Over time, food particles, grease, soap residue, and coffee grounds can build up in your drainpipe, forming a blockage. This is the most common reason your kitchen sink won't drain.

How to fix it:

Pour boiling water down the drain to dissolve grease buildup.
Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar (½ cup of each), wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Try using a plunger designed for sinks. Seal the overflow hole and plunge vigorously.

2. Garbage Disposal Issues

If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, a jammed or faulty unit may be blocking drainage.

How to fix it:

Turn off the power to the unit.
Use the hex key (usually provided with the unit) to manually turn the disposal from underneath and clear jams.
Press the reset button on the bottom of the unit.

3. Blocked P-Trap Under the Sink

The P-trap is the curved pipe beneath your sink designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. It’s also a common place for blockages.

How to fix it:

Place a bucket under the sink.
Unscrew the P-trap using pliers and inspect for clogs.
Clean it out thoroughly and reattach.

4. Air Vent Blockage

Your plumbing system needs air to flow smoothly. If the air vent (often on your roof) is blocked, it can create suction that stops water from draining.

Solution:

Vent blockages usually require a plumber to inspect and clear the system.
In older Seattle homes, this issue is more common due to aged plumbing setups.

5. Main Drain Line Clog

If you notice that multiple drains in your home are slow, the issue could be in the main drain line. This requires professional inspection.

What to do:

Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they may damage your pipes.
Call a licensed plumber to inspect the line using a drain camera or auger.

How to Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs

Here are a few habits to keep your sink draining smoothly:

Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
Use a sink strainer to catch food debris.
Avoid sending fibrous foods like celery or potato peels into the garbage disposal.
Run hot water for a few seconds after using the sink or disposal.

Need Help with Your Kitchen Plumbing in Seattle?

At F&M Construction and Remodeling, we do more than remodel kitchens—we help solve the daily problems that come with owning a home. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent clog or planning a full kitchen upgrade, our team is ready to help.

Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule a visit.