How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink With Lye
- 1). Scoop out any standing water with a large spoon, vase, or mug. Try to get out as much water as possible so the lye can work its way down into the kitchen sink's drain. Remove any obstructions, as well. Put on gloves and dig out food particles.
- 2). Open the windows to vent the kitchen. Turn on the stove fan, if you have one, to pull more fumes out of the space. With gloves on, pour 1 cup of lye with 1 cup of hot water down the kitchen sink drain. Do not boil the water. The water's temperature should be warm or hot, but not so hot that it dilutes and breaks up the lye.
- 3). Wait for the lye to work through the clog in the drain and U-channel, where most clogs occur; let the lye sit in the drain for at least 2 to 3 hours. During this time, do not pour more lye or water down the drain or attempt to remove anything from the drain. Rinse the sink thereafter with warm water.
- 4). Attempt to dig out any remaining obstruction if the drain is still clogged. Apply a second cup of lye and warm water if necessary. Rinse thoroughly after treating the drain again to remove any residue left by the lye.
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