How to Unclog a Drain
Before you call anyone, most slow or stopped drains can be cleared in a few minutes with tools you probably already own. Start gentle and only step up if you have to.
Video tutorial: How to Unclog a Drain | How To Anything
What You'll Need
Cup plunger
Drain snake or auger
Baking soda & white vinegar
Bucket & rags
Channel-lock pliers (for P-trap)
Step-by-Step
Clear visible debrisPop out the stopper or strainer and pull out hair and gunk by hand or with a bent wire.
Try a hot water flushPour a kettle of very hot (not boiling for PVC) water down the drain. This alone clears a lot of grease clogs.
Use baking soda and vinegarPour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. Cover, wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Plunge the drainSeal any overflow opening with a wet rag, run a little water, and plunge with firm vertical strokes for 30 seconds.
Snake the lineFeed a drain snake into the pipe, crank as you push, and pull the clog back out. Repeat until water flows freely.
Pull the P-trap if neededPlace a bucket under the curved trap beneath the sink, unscrew the slip nuts, dump the trap, rinse, and reinstall.
Pro tipSkip caustic chemical cleaners. They damage older pipes, hurt your eyes and skin, and rarely solve a real blockage.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.