Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

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

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.

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How to Unclog a Drain

See below for instructions and tips on using each of these solutions.

1. Slow Draining Sink? Check the Sink Strainers and Stoppers

Strainers and stoppers can often be the source of the trouble.

Instructions

Remove the sink strainer or pop-up stopper.

If there is a sink strainer over the drain, as in a tub or shower, remove the screws securing it and pry it up with a screwdriver. Be careful to keep the screws from falling down the drain.
You can remove some pop-up sink stoppers by twisting and lifting them out. Others require you to remove the horizontal pivot rod under the sink. Place a bucket under the assembly. Free the rod from the vertical strap, unscrew the lever seal from the drainpipe and pull out the rod. Now lift the stopper free. If you need to use pliers to remove a stopper, pad the stopper so you don't mar the finish.

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. It’s simple and quick method to try, since most homes have these ingredients right in the pantry.

3. How to Unclog a Shower Drain With a Drain Stick

A drain stick is an inexpensive tool that can quickly clear some clogs.

Instructions

4. How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink With a Plunger

Instructions

Remove the strainer or stopper as described above. Cover the drain hole with the plunger cup and work the handle up and down repeatedly. After 15 to 30 seconds, see if the water drains properly. Try again if the drain is still blocked or sluggish. After you clear the clog, run water to flush away any remnants of the obstruction.

Good to Know

A plunger that has a cup with a flat bottom works well for sinks, tubs and showers.

5. How to Unclog a Sink P-Trap

A bathroom or kitchen sink can develop a stubborn clog in the P-trap.

Good to Know

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

Man loosening the slip nuts on the trap.

Wear rubber gloves to keep your hands clean and give you better grip when removing the trap. Loosen the slip nuts securing the trap to the sink drain pipe and the waste line. Carefully remove the trap, allowing water in the pipes and trap to drain into the bucket. If you use tools on chrome fittings, pad the fittings with a cloth to protect the finish.

Caution

Don't leave an open waste pipe after removing the trap. Plug it with a wet cloth to prevent sewer gas from backing up into the house.

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

Insert the auger cable or sewer rod.

On a tub drain, remove the overflow plate and insert the cable into the overflow line.
On a shower drain, remove the strainer in the shower floor and insert the cable into the drain.
On a sink drain, you may be able to remove the stopper and insert the cable or rod directly into the drain. If not, remove the trap and insert the cable or rod into the waste line. See the instructions above for removing a stopper and a sink trap.

When using an auger, push in the cable until it reaches the obstruction. Turn the handle clockwise to dig the tip into the clog. Twist, push and pull the cable to break it up.
When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipes until you reach the obstruction. As you reach bends in the pipes, you may need to twist the auger or sewer rod and use moderate force to push through the turns. Push the rod forward and pull it back to break up the clog.

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

Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind:

If one drain cleaner doesn't clear the clog, don't try a second type. Mixing chemicals can create toxic fumes.
Don't allow a drain cleaner to remain in the pipes longer than recommended by the manufacturer — flush it out with water as directed.
Don't let a drain cleaner contact finished surfaces such as faucets, stoppers or drain trim.
Don't use plungers or other drain-opening tools or remove a trap or cleanout plug after using a chemical drain cleaner. You could come into contact with chemicals that may still be present in the water. If the drain cleaner doesn't open the drain, contact a professional plumber.

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.

Good to Know

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.

How to Unclog a Sink: 7 Easy Tips to Try

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Ways to Clear Clogged Sinks

How to Unclog a Drain

1. Slow Draining Sink? Check the Sink Strainers and Stoppers

Instructions

2. How to Unclog a Sink With Baking Soda and Vinegar

3. How to Unclog a Shower Drain With a Drain Stick

Instructions

4. How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink With a Plunger

Instructions

5. How to Unclog a Sink P-Trap

Instructions

6. How to Clear a Drain With an Auger or Flat Sewer Rod

Instructions

7. How to Clean the Drain With a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Instructions

Tips to Prevent Clogged Sinks and Drains

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