How to Unclog a Drain — DIY Guide

Try these proven methods before calling a plumber. But know when it's time to get professional help.

Method 1: Boiling Water

The simplest fix. Boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly down the drain in 2–3 stages, waiting a few seconds between pours. This dissolves soap scum and grease. Note: Do NOT use boiling water on PVC pipes — use hot (not boiling) water instead.

Method 2: Baking Soda + Vinegar

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover the drain and wait 15–30 minutes. The chemical reaction breaks up organic buildup. Flush with hot water.

Method 3: Plunger

Use a cup plunger (not a flange plunger) for sinks. Fill the sink with a few inches of water, place the plunger over the drain, and pump vigorously 15–20 times. The pressure dislodges most clogs.

Method 4: Drain Snake

A drain snake (or auger) physically breaks through clogs. Insert the snake into the drain, turn the handle to push through the clog, then pull it back out. Available at hardware stores for $15–$30.

Method 5: P-Trap Cleaning

Place a bucket under the P-trap (the curved pipe under the sink). Unscrew the connections, remove the trap, clean it out, and reassemble. This catches most hair and debris clogs.

What NOT to Do

Avoid chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr). They're harsh on pipes, bad for the environment, and often don't solve the underlying problem. They can also make professional repair more difficult.

When to call a pro

• Multiple drains are clogged simultaneously (indicates a main line issue)
• Water backs up into other fixtures when you flush or drain
• You smell sewage from the drains
• DIY methods don't resolve the clog
• The clog keeps returning within weeks

Get help from a verified local pro