How long does it take a plumber to unclog a kitchen sink?

Author: Leonor Prohaska  |  Last update: Monday, May 5, 2025

For an easy clog, your plumber may get the job done in mere minutes. For a more stubborn or deep-seated clog, the process may take multiple hours.

How long does it take for a plumber to unclog a sink?

This method can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to almost an hour, depending on how complex your clog is. For more severe or deeper blockages, your plumber might use hydro-jetting. This method uses high-pressure water to clear your pipes, and it usually takes around an hour to complete.

How do you unblock a badly blocked kitchen sink?

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Pour a cup of baking soda into the clogged sink and wait for about four minutes. Afterwards, pour a cup of vinegar down the same sink. Plug the sink and leave it for 10 minutes to break down the blockage. Afterwards, run hot water to see if the clog is gone.

How much do plumbers charge to unclog a kitchen sink?

Cost for Plumber to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

The average cost to unclog a kitchen sink is around $300. About $200 of this cost are the labor costs, while the remaining $100 are attributed to the materials used.

How long does it take to unblock a sink?

How long it takes to unblock the sink will depend on the type of blockage: if the blockage is in the waste, your job will be a quick one (10 to 15 minutes at most). if the blockage is further down in the pipe, the problem will take more time to deal with (up to 45 minutes).

Kitchen Sink Clogged? DON'T Call the Plumber!

How much does it cost for a plumber to unblock a kitchen sink?

The cost of unblocking drains will depend on the issue and the method required. For example, unblocking a clogged toilet, bath or sink will cost around £50 to £70, while general draining cleaning is generally priced at £80 to £100.

Will a clogged sink eventually drain?

While it's not the end of the world, it won't cause immediate damage to your home and the water will eventually drain away, a slow drain is still a problem that needs to be fixed. A drain that is slow to empty will mean there is already a clog in the system and, over time, one that will only get worse.

What is the strongest thing to unclog a sink?

The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.

How much does Roto Rooter charge to unclog?

You'll likely pay between $300 and $450 to unclog your toilet with Roto-Rooter. However, the price could change depending on if the clog has caused a lot of damage, which your plumbing pro will want to inspect during your service appointment.

Will Drano fix a clogged kitchen sink?

You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.

Why is my kitchen sink clogged but pipes are clear?

Causes of a Non-Draining Sink Despite Clear Pipes

Incorrect Pipe Installation or Design: In some cases, the issue may not be with the objects or debris in your pipes, but rather with the pipes themselves. If they're installed at an incorrect angle or have design flaws, it can impede the flow of water.

How do you unclog a sink ASAP?

All you need to do is simply bring a pot of water to a boil, and then slowly pour it down the drain once it has reached a rolling boil. You may have to repeat this a few times to fully clear the drain clog. Boiling water won't hurt your pipes in the bathroom sink, and you can repeat this method as many times as needed.

What happens if you leave a sink clogged?

Clogged drains typically cause plumbing leaks in pipes connected to sinks, tubs, and garbage disposals. Clogs cause water to back up in the drainpipe of these plumbing fixtures. The standing water in the pipe causes leaks through the caulking and seals.

Does Roto Rooter unclog kitchen sinks?

Roto-Rooter's plumbers are experts in sink repair and are ready to fix your clogged sink, make sink faucet repairs, or perform a sink installation to meet your needs. Fast, Friendly and Professional Service.

What happens if Roto-Rooter doesn't work?

If the Roto-Rooter machine can't get through the pipe, your service technician can request a video camera inspection of the sewer pipeline to ascertain where the blockage is and its cause. A trained eye will then be able to recommend repair options to the homeowner.

How much should a plumber charge to unclog a drain?

Across the nation, if you were going to hire a professional plumber, the average amount you can expect to spend is approximately $250. However, if your clog is minor, plumbers may charge as little as $100. Of course, if your clog is substantially more complex, this could increase your costs to upwards of $400.

How long does hydrojetting take?

Once the hydro jetting hose is inserted into the pipe, they'll begin to pump 20 gallons of water per minute into the pipe. Hydro jetting appointments can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on the severity of the clog.

What do professionals use to unblock drains?

Drain snakes also called drain rooters or augers, use a long cable with a spiral-shaped head.

What does a plumber use to unclog a kitchen sink?

A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.

Does green gobbler drain cleaner really work?

Customers say that Green Gobbler is an effective and eco-friendly solution for clearing slow drains and clogs, particularly those caused by hair and soap scum.

Why is my kitchen sink not draining but pipes clear?

Well, if it's not a clogged sink causing the slow drainage, it's probably a plumbing vent issue. Plumbing vents help regulate air pressure in your plumbing system by allowing air to enter the pipes. However, over time, plumbing vents can become clogged with debris, which can lead to slow drainage and even foul odors.

Will a clog eventually unclog itself?

Yes, a toilet can unclog itself over time, but it depends on what is causing the blockage. If the clog is made up of water-soluble materials, like toilet paper or fecal matter, then eventually they will begin dissolving if you give them enough time.

What clogs pipes the most?

Hair and animal fur are often to blame for a drain blockage, especially in bathroom and laundry drains. Hair can knot up and attach to parts of the drain pipes by joining other substances such as soap and grease. Use drain guards in sinks and showers to catch hair from slipping down the drain, cleaning them often.

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