How to Unclog a Sink: A Landlord’s Guide to Quick Fixes & Prevention

How to Unclog Your Sink: Stop Drain Disasters in Your Rental Property

A clogged sink is one of the most common—and frustrating—maintenance issues landlords face. Whether it’s from food scraps, grease buildup, or hair, a slow or completely blocked drain can lead to tenant complaints, water damage, and even costly plumbing bills.

This guide covers:

✔ 3 quick DIY fixes (no plumber needed for most clogs!)

✔ When to call a professional

✔ Prevention tips to avoid future blockages

✔ How property managers handle clogs for stress-free ownership

Step 1: Identify the Type of Clog

Kitchen Sinks: 

• Grease, food particles, or soap scum
• Garbage disposal issues (if applicable)

Bathroom Sinks:

• Hair, toothpaste, or product buildup

Pro Tip:

• Slow drain? Likely a minor clog (try DIY first).
• Standing water? May require a pro.

Step 2: Try These DIY Fixes (No Tools Required!)

1. The Boiling Water Method (Best for grease clogs)

What you need: A kettle of boiling water

Steps:

1. Pour half down the drain.
2. Wait 5 minutes (softens grease).
3. Pour the rest to flush it out.

 ⚠️Warning: Don’t use on PVC pipes (can warp them).

1. Baking Soda + Vinegar (For organic buildup)

What you need: ½ cup baking soda + 1 cup vinegar

Steps:

1. Pour baking soda down the drain.
2. Add vinegar (it will fizz—this is normal!).
3. Wait 15 mins, then flush with hot water.

III. The Plunger Trick (For stubborn clogs)

Steps:

1. Cover the overflow hole with a wet rag.
2. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger.
3. Plunge vigorously 10-15 times.

Step 3: When to Call a Plumber

🚨 Call a pro if:

• DIY methods fail after 2 attempts
• Water backs up into other drains (sewer line issue)
• You suspect a foreign object (jewelry, toys) is stuck

Landlord Tip: Keep a list of licensed, affordable plumbers for emergencies.

How to Prevent Future Clogs

✅ Kitchen Sinks:

• Use sink strainers to catch food scraps
• Avoid pouring grease down drains (wipe pans with paper towels first)
• Run hot water weekly to flush buildup

✅ Bathroom Sinks:

• Install hair catchers
• Avoid thick products (e.g., clay masks) going down drains
• For Landlords: Add “no grease/hair down drains” rules in leases
• Include drain screens in your rental’s standard supplies

How Property Managers Handle Clogged Sinks

At Greater Boston Property Management, we:

🔹 Provide tenants with drain care guides to prevent clogs

🔹 Dispatch vetted plumbers for serious blockages

🔹 Handle billing/vendor coordination (so you don’t get overcharged)

Tired of Sink Emergencies?

Let us manage maintenance for you—contact us today at 617-394-8341!