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HDB Kitchen Sink Completely Blocked?

Don't panic! Learn when to try DIY solutions vs when to call a professional plumber. Save money and prevent damage with our complete guide.

7-minute read
Try DIY first for simple blockages
Last reviewed: · ContractorSG editorial team

How do I unblock a kitchen sink in an HDB flat?

Remove standing water, then plunge the drain with a cup plunger for 2–3 minutes; if that fails, try a drain snake. Call a plumber if DIY fails, there is a sewage smell or other drains back up, and report it to your Town Council if neighbours' drains are affected too, as the blockage may be in a common pipe (HDB). Regulated sanitary plumbing work must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber (PUB).

By the ContractorSG editorial team · Last reviewed: · ContractorSG editorial team · Sources

Should I try DIY or call a plumber?

Try DIY First If:

  • Only your kitchen sink is affected
  • Water drains slowly but still goes down
  • No sewage smell
  • Recent grease or food debris buildup
  • First time experiencing this blockage

💰 DIY Cost (estimate): $15-30

Call Plumber If:

  • Water backs up into other drains
  • Sewage smell from drain
  • Water level rises when you run tap
  • Multiple drain attempts failed
  • Affecting neighbor's drainage

💰 Professional Cost: $80-150 | Prevents Damage

How do I clear a blocked sink myself, step by step?

1

Plunger Method (Most Effective)

Try first

What You Need:

  • Cup plunger (about $10-15 at hardware shops)
  • Old towels for cleanup
  • Rubber gloves

Steps:

  1. 1. Remove any standing water with cup/bowl
  2. 2. Place plunger over drain opening
  3. 3. Plunge vigorously for 2-3 minutes
  4. 4. Pour hot water to test drainage
  5. 5. Repeat if partially successful

Pro Tip: Plunging works best on blockages close to the sink caused by grease and food debris. Block the overflow hole with a wet cloth for better suction.

2

Natural Cleaning Method

Mild build-up

What You Need:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • Hot tap water
  • Drain plug or cloth

Steps:

  1. 1. Pour baking soda down the drain
  2. 2. Add vinegar slowly
  3. 3. Plug drain immediately for 30 minutes
  4. 4. Flush with hot tap water
  5. 5. Test with running water

Best For: Mild grease build-up. It will not clear a solid blockage. Avoid pouring boiling water into plastic pipes.

3

Drain Snake (Advanced DIY)

If plunging fails

What You Need:

  • Drain auger/snake ($20-30)
  • Rubber gloves
  • Bucket for debris

Steps:

  1. 1. Insert snake into drain opening
  2. 2. Turn handle while pushing down
  3. 3. Feel for resistance (blockage)
  4. 4. Pull up debris carefully
  5. 5. Flush with hot water

Caution: Be gentle to avoid damaging HDB pipes. Stop if you feel strong resistance.

How much does it cost to unblock a sink? (ContractorSG estimates)

ContractorSG editorial estimates for planning only (last reviewed Oct 2026) — not official rates or survey data. PUB advises asking Licensed Plumbers for itemised quotations and getting at least three quotes (PUB).

DIY Solutions

Plunger$10-15
Drain snake$20-30
Baking soda + vinegar$5-8
Total DIY Cost$15-30

✅ One-time purchase, reusable tools

Professional Service

Standard call-out$80-120
Severe blockage$150-250
Pipe clearing within your flat$200-400
Typical Cost$80-150

✅ Ask what warranty, if any, is included

Emergency Service

Night, weekend and public-holiday call-outs usually cost more; surcharges vary, so ask for them in writing first.

Emergency Total$150-300

⚠️ Higher cost but prevents major damage

When is DIY not enough?

Red Flags: Call Plumber Immediately

  • Multiple drains affected: Indicates main pipe blockage
  • Sewage backup: Health hazard requiring immediate attention
  • Foul smell: Indicates sewage pipe issues
  • Water backing up: Risk of flooding
  • Recurring blockages: Deeper pipe problem

What Professionals Can Do

  • Hydro jetting: High-pressure water clears major blockages
  • Camera inspection: Identifies exact blockage location
  • Pipe repair: Fixes damaged or corroded sections
  • Shared pipes: blockages in common pipes serving several flats are common property — report them to your Town Council

Find plumbers listed on ContractorSG

ContractorSG is a directory: we do not rank, endorse or guarantee any contractor. Compare a few listings, ask for a written quote, and check pipe work will be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber (search PUB's online listing) before any work starts.

Plumbers in Singapore →Browse all listingsHow to check a licence

How do I stop my sink from blocking again?

Daily Habits

  • Pour grease into plastic bags, not down the drain
  • Use sink strainer to catch food debris
  • Run hot water after each use
  • Avoid washing large food particles down drain
  • Clean strainer daily

Weekly Maintenance

  • Flush the drain with hot tap water weekly
  • Use baking soda + vinegar monthly
  • Check for slow drainage early
  • Remove and clean sink strainer thoroughly
  • Run water for 30 seconds after use

Prevention Tip

Cooking oil and grease cool and harden inside pipes. Let used oil cool, wipe greasy pans with kitchen paper, scrape plates into the bin, and bag grease before throwing it away rather than pouring it down the sink.

Still Can't Clear Your Blocked Sink?

Browse plumbers listed on ContractorSG. If neighbours' drains are also blocked, contact your Town Council first.

Plumbers offering emergency service →Plumbing services guide

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my HDB kitchen sink is completely blocked?

Remove standing water, then use a cup plunger on the drain for 2-3 minutes. If that fails, try a drain snake. If other drains in your flat or your neighbours' drains are also backing up, the blockage may be in a shared pipe: report it to your Town Council. For work on the pipes themselves, PUB requires regulated sanitary plumbing works to be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber. ContractorSG estimate: DIY tools $15-30; a plumber call-out roughly $80-150.

How much does it cost to fix a blocked kitchen sink in Singapore?

ContractorSG estimates (not official figures, Oct 2026): DIY tools cost about $15-30 (plunger, drain snake). A plumber typically charges roughly $80-150 for a standard blockage and more for severe blockages or after-hours call-outs. Ask for an itemised written quote first; PUB advises getting at least three quotes.

When should I call a plumber instead of trying DIY for my blocked sink?

Call a plumber if: water backs up into other drains, sewage smell is present, multiple attempts with plunger fail, water level rises instead of draining, or you suspect main pipe blockage. If several flats are affected, contact your Town Council because the blockage may be in a common pipe.

How can I prevent my HDB kitchen sink from getting blocked?

Pour grease and food waste into plastic bags instead of down the drain. Use a sink strainer to catch debris. Run hot tap water after washing up. Clean the strainer regularly.

Sources

Rules and figures in this guide are checked against these sources. Prices marked as estimates are ContractorSG editorial estimates, not official figures — always get written quotes.

  1. Plumbing Works — Licensed Plumbers — PUB, Singapore’s National Water AgencyRegulated water-service and sanitary plumbing works must be done by PUB Licensed Plumbers (simple works can be done by handymen); it is an offence to engage an unlicensed plumber for regulated works.Checked 13 Oct 2026
  2. Find a Licensed Plumber — PUB Business & Professional PortalChecked 13 Oct 2026
  3. Preventing and Fixing Ceiling Leaks in HDB Flats — Housing & Development Board (HDB)Flat owners maintain their own flats; for leaks from common property, contact your Town Council.Checked 13 Oct 2026