How to Unclog a Drain

Difficulty: Easy • Time: 15 min active, 30 min total • Estimated cost: $5-30 • Safety: DIY-friendly

Overview

A slow or clogged drain is usually caused by hair, soap buildup, grease, or food particles that accumulate over time. Before you reach for chemical drain cleaners (which can damage pipes and are terrible for the environment), try these mechanical methods that actually work better.

Most clogs are within the first 2 feet of the drain opening, which means you can clear them without any plumbing experience. The key is starting with the simplest method and escalating only if needed.

This guide covers kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, shower drains, and bathtub drains. The technique varies slightly for each, but the tools are the same.

Tools Needed

Cup plunger (for sinks) or flange plunger (for toilets)
Drain snake or auger (25ft)
Bucket
Rubber gloves
Flashlight
Old toothbrush

Materials Needed

Drain snake / auger (25ft) — $20-35
Baking soda (1 cup) — $3
White vinegar (1 cup) — $3
Drain hair catcher (prevention) — $5-8

Step-by-Step Instructions

Try boiling water first: Boil a full kettle of water. Remove any standing water from the sink. Pour the boiling water directly down the drain in 2-3 stages, waiting a few seconds between pours. This alone can dissolve soap and grease clogs. Do NOT use boiling water if you have PVC pipes (they can soften) — use very hot tap water instead.
Try the baking soda and vinegar method: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. You'll hear fizzing — that's the reaction breaking down buildup. Cover the drain with a wet cloth to keep the reaction focused downward. Wait 15-30 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat if needed.
Use a plunger: Fill the sink with 2-3 inches of water (enough to cover the plunger cup). If it's a double sink, block the other drain with a wet rag. Place the cup plunger over the drain, ensuring a good seal. Plunge vigorously 15-20 times with sharp, quick strokes. On the last plunge, pull up sharply to break the seal. The clog should release with the suction.
Remove and clean the P-trap: Place a bucket under the curved pipe (P-trap) beneath the sink. Unscrew the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap by hand or with pliers. Let water and debris drain into the bucket. Clean the P-trap thoroughly — you'll likely find the clog here. Also check the horizontal pipe going into the wall. Reassemble hand-tight plus 1/4 turn with pliers.
Use a drain snake for deeper clogs: If the clog is past the P-trap, feed the drain snake into the pipe opening in the wall. Push it forward while rotating the handle clockwise. When you feel resistance, you've hit the clog. Keep rotating and pushing to break through it. Pull the snake out slowly — the clog should come with it. Run hot water for 2-3 minutes to flush everything through.
Prevent future clogs: Install a drain hair catcher in shower and bathroom sink drains. Never pour grease down kitchen drains — let it cool and throw it in the trash. Run hot water for 30 seconds after doing dishes. Once a month, do the baking soda and vinegar treatment as maintenance. These simple habits prevent 90% of drain clogs.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber if multiple drains are clogged simultaneously (could indicate a main sewer line issue), if you smell sewage, if water is backing up into other fixtures, or if the snake hits something solid you can't get past.