702-564-6697It’s every Thanksgiving host’s nightmare: the sink backs up right in the middle of cooking the feast. Between greasy pans, potato peels, and leftover stuffing scraps, your kitchen drain can get overwhelmed fast. If you find yourself facing a stubborn clog on the biggest cooking day of the year, take a deep breath—there are safe, simple steps you can try before calling for backup. But if those DIY efforts don’t clear things up, a professional plumber in Las Vegas, NV is ready to save your holiday (and your plumbing).
Step 1: Try a Sink Plunger
Before you panic or start dismantling pipes, grab a sink plunger. This tool can work wonders for minor clogs caused by food buildup. Make sure you’re using a cup-style plunger (not the flange kind used for toilets), and seal it over the drain opening. Fill the sink with just enough water to cover the plunger’s lip, then plunge up and down rapidly for about 20–30 seconds.
The goal is to create pressure changes that dislodge the blockage. If you have a double sink, plug the other drain with a rag or stopper to get the best suction. If this doesn’t work, move on to Step 2.
Step 2: Use a Plastic Drain Snake
If plunging doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to go a little deeper. A flexible plastic drain snake (often referred to as a hair clog remover or zip tool) can be inserted into the drain to capture debris, such as food scraps or grease buildup. Gently push the snake down, twist it, and pull it back out. You may be surprised at what comes up! These inexpensive tools are available at most hardware stores and are great for quick fixes without damaging your pipes.
Step 3: Try a Hand-Cranked Drain Auger
Still stuck? For tougher clogs, a hand-cranked drain auger (also known as a plumber’s snake) can reach deeper into your plumbing. Feed the cable down the drain while slowly turning the handle. When you feel resistance, keep cranking gently—it may break up the clog or latch onto it so you can pull it out. Just be cautious not to force it too hard; applying too much pressure can damage pipes, especially older metal ones.
Why You Should Never Use Liquid Drain Cleaner
It’s tempting to reach for that bright bottle of chemical drain cleaner, but it’s one of the worst things you can do for your plumbing. These harsh chemicals can corrode metal pipes, soften PVC, and release toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe—especially in a steamy kitchen full of cooking. The short-term fix can turn into a long-term problem, leaving you with costly pipe damage or leaks down the line. Stick to mechanical methods (plunger, snake, auger) for safe, effective unclogging.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
If you’ve tried everything and the sink still won’t drain, don’t lose precious holiday time battling it alone. That’s when it’s time to call a professional plumber. We have the tools, training, and experience to clear even the toughest Thanksgiving clogs safely and efficiently—so you can get back to what matters most.
For a limited time, we’re offering a free diagnostic service (normally $79) to help get your plumbing back on track before the next holiday meal. Don’t let a clogged sink ruin your Thanksgiving—reach out today, and let’s get things flowing again!
When your HVAC system or plumbing isn’t looking so hot, it’s time to get Johnny On the Spot.