Safe first steps

  • Stop running the faucet or dishwasher into a sink that is not draining.
  • If it is safe, remove the sink strainer and wipe away visible food or grease with a paper towel; put it in the trash.
  • Keep cooking fat, oil and grease out of the sink and garbage disposal. The City of San Diego says grease can cling to pipe interiors and contribute to blockages.
  • Avoid mixing drain products or reaching into a disposal. If you already used a chemical product, tell the plumber what it was before service.

For local prevention guidance, see the City of San Diego’s steps for keeping cooking grease out of drains.

When the clog may be deeper than the sink

A blockage may need more than clearing the sink opening when the clog returns, nearby fixtures are slow or backing up, or you hear gurgling after water drains. Stop using affected fixtures if wastewater is coming back up, and arrange an evaluation.

Repeated clogs can come from grease buildup, food debris, a downstream obstruction or another pipe condition. Symptoms alone do not identify the exact location or prove that a line needs replacement.

What a plumber may check

The next step depends on where the blockage is and the drain’s condition. A plumber may assess the accessible trap and branch line, then select a clearing method suited to the pipe and obstruction. If the problem returns or the line condition is uncertain, a camera inspection may help locate the issue before discussing further work.

For a commercial kitchen, grease-removal equipment and maintenance requirements differ from a residential sink. Share the property type and any grease-interceptor history when scheduling.

Still dealing with a slow or blocked kitchen sink?

Tell Scylla Plumbing & Drains, Inc. which fixtures are affected, when the clog began and whether any drain products were used.

Call 619.419.7605

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