Unclog a Blocked Kitchen Sink
Trying to clear a clogged kitchen sink, toilet, or main sewer line on your own? Our master plumber at Anta Plumbing shares expert-approved steps below. These safe and simple at-home techniques may help restore flow—especially in areas like Toronto, where hard water buildup and aging pipes are common culprits.
Not sure what’s causing the clog or hesitant to try DIY? Call our team anytime at 416‑231‑3331 for trusted, no-pressure advice.
With over 21 years of experience unclogging drains across Toronto, Oakville, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, and beyond, we know every cause—and every fix.
✔️ Licensed & Insured Drain Cleaning Experts
✔️ Same-Day Service Available
✔️ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee — Or We Return Free
- Inspect & Clear the Trap
- Snake the Drain Pipe
- Try the Plunger Method (Double Sink Variation)
- Use a cup plunger to plunge vertically 10–15 times
- Flush with Boiling Water
- If water still drains slowly or backs up again within a few hours, it may indicate a deeper clog or sewer line obstruction—call Anta Plumbing at 416‑231‑3331 for a fast professional solution.
How to Clear a Clogged Kitchen Sink Using the Plunger Method
- Fill the sink with about 4 inches of warm water to help create suction.
- If you have a double-basin sink, seal the second drain tightly with a plastic bag or wet cloth to focus the plunging pressure.
- Place a cup-style plunger over the clogged drain and plunge forcefully in an up-and-down motion for 30–60 seconds.
- If the water begins to drain freely, remove the plunger and flush the line by running very hot water for several minutes—this helps dissolve fat, grease, and food residue.
- Still slow? The clog may be deeper in the pipe. In that case, it's time to call Anta Plumbing’s drain cleaning experts.
Drain Snaking vs. Electric Auger Tools
While a standard auger snake can dislodge basic sink and shower drain clogs, it’s often not long or powerful enough to clear blockages in your main sewer line. That’s where Anta Plumbing’s electric drain snaking equipment comes in—capable of reaching up to 200 feet, including the City Main Line.
Our certified technicians use:
Powered cable machines for deep snaking into residential and commercial systems
Cutting heads to remove tree root intrusions inside old clay or iron pipes
Camera inspections to confirm full clearance after every job
For grease-packed kitchen lines, recurring blockages, or root-damaged sewer pipes, we recommend upgrading to our hydro jetting service—a high-pressure water jetting method that scrubs pipe interiors clean for long-term performance.
📞 Need precision drain snaking or hydro jetting? Call 416‑231‑3331 for immediate help.
Plunger, Auger, Toilet snaking
Not every clog needs a machine—sometimes, the right manual technique can restore flow quickly. Here’s how to tackle common sink, toilet, and basin blockages using basic tools before you reach for the phone.
Step-by-Step: Plunging & Manual Snaking
Remove obstructions: Take out the sink strainer or pop-up drain plug (most can be lifted or twisted out).
In double kitchen sinks, bail out water from the garbage disposal side and seal that drain with a plastic bag-wrapped rag to direct pressure.
Add enough water to cover the plunger cup base.
Apply petroleum jelly to the plunger rim for a tighter seal.
Lower the plunger at an angle, compress it to expel air, and seat it firmly over the drain.
Plunge vigorously 10 times, then pull away quickly. Repeat 2–3 times if necessary.
Still blocked? If the drain refuses to clear or backs up again, it may be a deep-line clog, pipe obstruction, or venting issue. Call Anta Plumbing for a City of Toronto-licensed drain cleaners who brings the right snaking gear and camera diagnostics for a permanent fix.
Sewer pipe Blocked?
Video sewer inspection (CCTV) can detect drain blockages from the inside of your drain. Your master plumber will be able to see the cause of blocked drains using this modern technology and then use special detection equipment to find the spot for excavation. When it comes to repairs or pipe replacement, we keep the excavation to a minimum, and we prefer to use trenchless technology.
Warning Signs Your Drain Is Clogged — Act Before It Backs Up
Blocked drains are hard to ignore, because your toilet will no longer flush properly, and gullies outside may overflow. There will probably be a bad smell, too.
Clogged drains aren’t subtle. If you notice:
Toilets flushing slowly or backing up
Gullies or outdoor drains overflowing
Persistent foul odors near floor drains or sinks
…your system likely has a blockage that needs immediate attention.
Blockages can stem from:
Aging or broken drain pipes
Tree root intrusions into cracked lines
Grease, oils, or food waste in kitchen drains
Improper flushing of toys, plastic, or DIY materials (like plaster)
If your basement floor drain smells, check the water trap—if it’s dry, dangerous sewer gases may be entering your home. In that case, call Anta Plumbing right away.
Quick Plumbing Tips from Anta's Master Technicians
Get Plumbing Help Near You
When you hire Anta Plumbing, you’re protected by our Service Satisfaction Guarantee: if you’re not completely happy, we’ll send a licensed master plumber back, free of charge, to put things right. That’s how we’ve kept Toronto drains flowing and water heaters humming for 21 years.
Call our team of plumbers in Toronto right now at (416) 231-3331.