How to Unclog Any Drain

How to Unclog a Sink, Tub, or Shower Drain With a Plunger

Use a standard bell-shaped plunger for clearing sink, tub, or shower clogs. Wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses.

1. Wet a Washcloth

   Wet a washcloth thoroughly and set it aside for now.
   

2. Remove Drain Stopper or Cover

   Remove the pop-up drain stopper from the sink basin or bathtub. For showers, remove the drain grate.
   

3. Add Water as Needed

   Add water with a cup or bucket If the sink basin, tub, or shower pan does not already have enough water in it to cover the plunger’s cup.
   

4. Cover Overflow Hole, If Necessary

   Fold the wet washcloth into a square and cover the sink or tub’s overflow hole with it (showers do not have this). It helps to have an assistant hold the washcloth so that you’ll have both hands available to work the plunger.
   

5. Lower Plunger

   Lower the plunger’s cup into the water at an angle to fill the cup.
   

6. Push Plunger Down

   Push the plunger down firmly and then up again. Repeat several times.
   

7. Run Hot Water

   Run the hot water for a few minutes after the drain is clear.
   

How to Unclog a Sink Drain With a Hair Remover Tool

Sink drain hair removal tools are usually sold in multiples. You may purchase a simple tool that lowers straight into the drain and pulls straight up, clog attached. Or you may choose a tool with a small crank for turning the spiked end once it’s in the drain—much like a true sink auger.

1. Remove Stopper

   Remove the pop-up drain stopper from the basin.
   

2. Insert Tool

   Push the spiked end of the tool into the drain. If the tool hits a block, push it up and down several times.
   

3. Remove Tool and Clog

   Remove the tool slowly. The clog should be on the tool. Use the paper towels to remove and dispose of the clog.
   

4. Use Handle (Optional)

   Put the handle to work if the tool has a rotation feature. Push the spiked end of the tool into the drain. Hold the center of the handle with one hand and the crank with the other hand. Turn the crank several times. Pull straight up to remove the tool and the clog.
   

How to Unclog a Drain by Cleaning the Trap

To remove and replace a sink P-trap, you’ll need old rags for better grip, a flashlight, and waterproof gloves. 

1. Get a Bucket

   Place a bucket under the sink centered directly under the current P-trap. Have rags nearly.
   

2. Remove Curved Portion

   Remove the curved bend portion of the P-trap by turning the slip nut on both ends. You may need to use a rag for better grip. Water should pour out of the bend when removed. Set the piping in the bucket.
   

   What is a P-Trap?

   A P-trap is a plumbing fixture intended to create a seal between the drain pipe and the floor. It differs from a component called an S-trap, which is used to prevent water from escaping from a sink or other fixture located downstream from the trap.

3. Remove Trap Arm

   Remove the straight trap arm by unscrewing the slip nut that secures the trap arm to the drainpipe in the wall. Set this in the bucket.
   

4. Clean Removed Items

   Clear P-trap by taking the items outside, pouring out the water in the bucket, and hosing out the pieces. If the pieces are overly greasy and dirty, discard them and use a new P-trap.
   

5. Replace Parts

   Replace the new P-trap in the opposite order you removed the pieces by first attaching the new trap arm to the wall, then attaching the bend between the trap arm and the sink. Secure all slip nuts.
   

6. Test P-Trap

   Test by running water and checking underneath for leaks.
   

How to Unclog a Drain With Liquid Drain Cleaner

1. Remove Drain Cover

   Remove the stopper or grate that covers the drain and set aside.

2. Remove Standing Water

   Eliminate excess water from the basin or tub by plunging, vacuuming, or soaking it up with towels.

3. Pour Boiling Water

   Boil a pot of water and flush the drain with a small amount if your pipes allow.

   Warning

   Before pouring boiling water down your drain make sure you know what your pipes are made of. Many homeowners have drain pipes made of PVC plastic. There's a risk of the plastic softening and deforming if the boiling water travels slowly and disperses too much heat to the material.

4. Pour Liquid Cleaner

   Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Follow it immediately with 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover with a drain stopper and let it work for at least 10 minutes.

   Tip

   If a natural solution of baking soda and vinegar doesn't work to clear your clog, there are commercial cleaners available that may do the trick. In this case, follow the instructions given carefully.

5. Add Boiling Water

   Pour a small amount of boiling water down the drain for a second time. Flush with hot water from the faucet to see if the drain has cleared and remove any liquid cleaner residue.

How to Unclog a Drain by Snaking It

1. Remove Drain Cover or Grate

   
   Remove the sink pop-up drain stopper or shower/tub drain grate.
   

2. Remove Water

   Remove as much water as possible from the basin, tub, or pan with the plunger, shop vacuum, or by soaking up the water with towels. If this is not possible, you can snake the drain through standing water.
   

3. Insert Snake

   Insert the corkscrew end of the drain snake into the drain as far as it will go on its own. Tighten the thumbscrew on the drum.
   

4. Rotate Snake

   Rotate the drain snake by turning the handle.
   

5. Retract Cable

   Slowly retract the cable into the drum to remove the clog at the end of the cable.
   

When to Call a Professional

If the clog is threatening to spill into your home, call an emergency plumber immediately. Removing some hard objects such as rings from drainpipes is difficult for do-it-yourselfers, but a plumber might be able to assist. Most consumer-grade drain snakes reach to 25 feet. For clogs that extend beyond 25 feet, have a plumber clear the drain.