Tools and Materials
Wear the appropriate safety gear and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and safety when using any chemical drain cleaner or drain-opening tool. Use caution when clearing clogs in older pipes. Some chemicals and tools may not be suitable. If you have older or corroded pipes, you're concerned about damage, or you can't clear a clog, contact a professional plumber.
Ways to Clear Clogged Sinks
Clogged sinks and drains can happen in kitchens and bathrooms. While your instinct might be to call a plumber, consider trying these methods first. A clog might be easier to clear out than you think. Of course, if the below methods don’t work or you have a severe clog, it might be best to let a professional handle the repair.
Here are a few ways you can try to clear a clog.
- Removing hair collected around a pop-up stopper or sink strainer clears one common clog in the bathroom.
- A drain stick is effective at clearing clogs in a P-trap or S-trap caused by hair.
- A plunger can clear a clog if the blockage isn't too far into the pipes.
- Cleaning out a sink trap removes clogs caused by build-up — such as soap or grease — or a foreign object — such as a toy.
- An auger — also known as a drain snake — or flat sewer rod can clear blockages deep in drain lines.
- Chemical drain cleaners contain a high concentration of lye, bleach or sulfuric acid to soften and break up clogs.
How to Unclog a Drain
See below for instructions and tips on using each of these solutions in kitchens and in bathrooms.
1. Slow Draining Sink? Check the Sink Strainers and Stoppers
Strainers and stoppers can often be the source of the trouble.
Instructions
2. How to Unclog a Sink With Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you are looking for the best DIY drain cleaner that unclogs the drain, try baking soda and vinegar. The bubbling reaction that happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar can be effective in breaking apart clogs in a drain. It’s a simple and quick method to try, since most homes have these ingredients right in the pantry.
Instructions
Using baking soda and vinegar regularly can help prevent clogs. For kitchen sinks, it’s also a great way to help keep drains and garbage disposals smelling fresh.
3. How to Unclog a Drain With a Drain Stick
A drain stick is an inexpensive tool that can quickly clear some clogs in kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and shower drains.
Instructions
4. How to Unclog a Sink With a Plunger
Plunging a clogged sink is a good option if you’d like to try and avoid using chemicals to breakup and dislodge the clog.
It’s recommended to keep a specific plunger to use for sink clogs and one just for toilet clogs.
Instructions
5. How to Unclog a Sink P-Trap
A bathroom or kitchen sink can develop a stubborn clog in the P-trap.
Some P-traps have a clean-out plug in the base of the bend that may allow you to clear a clog without removing the trap. Take out the plug, insert a drain stick and push it around the bends of the trap.
Instructions
6. How to Clear a Drain With an Auger or Flat Sewer Rod
Tough clogs in a sink, shower or tub drain may require snaking the drain with an auger or flat sewer rod.
Instructions
7. How to Clean the Drain With a Chemical Drain Cleaner
If you use a chemical drain cleaner, make sure you choose the right one.
Instructions
Tips to Prevent Clogged Sinks and Drains
- Don't empty coffee grounds, grease or any material that can clump or solidify into a sink.
- When using a disposal, run plenty of cold water to flush food particles down the pipe.
- Clean sink strainers and pop-up stoppers frequently.
- Consider using a drain maintenance treatment, designed to reduce build-up in pipes. Make sure it's suitable for your system.
- If you have a septic tank, have a professional inspect it every two to three years, or as required in your area.
Plumbing vents on the roof of a house draw air into the pipe system to allow household drains to function properly. If a vent is blocked by leaves or other debris, drains may run slowly or stop completely. A clogged plumbing vent can often be cleared with an auger. If you're not comfortable working from the roof, contact a professional plumber.