by A. Smith

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 20, 2011

Unclogging a clogged drain is a straightforward job which usually does not require a plumber. Some clogs can be solved just by running hot water down the drain. Baking soda or vinegar can loosen most clogs. For mild clogs, you probably won't even need a plunger.

Visible clogs

Remove any visible clogs with your fingers or a pair of small pliers. This works best with hair clogs which form in the bathtub or shower drain. You may need to remove the drain cap to do this. Be careful not to lose the screw down the drain.

Hot water

Bail any standing water out of your sink. Then pour hot water directly down the drain. The water should be as close to boiling temperature as possible. This will loosen or dissolve any congealed fat, which is what causes most kitchen clogs.

You can run hot water directly from your tap, but don't use this method if it takes a long time for your tap water to become hot. Use a kettle or pot to heat water instead. Let it boil, then pour it straight down the drain.

If the drain is running at this point, keep running hot water into the drain each time the sink empties until you see no further sign of improvement. Don't let the water build up too far in the sink.

Vinegar

Hot vinegar sometimes works better than hot water at clearing out drains. Bring the vinegar to a boiling point in a pot on the stove, then pour it down the drain. Continue as for hot water.

Baking soda

Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the drain before running the hot water. This will fizz up but won't overflow. Soda water, soda crystals, or any cola can be used instead. Baking soda and soda crystals will foam more strongly if you use them with vinegar instead of water.

This works best if you leave the soda crystals in the drain overnight before flushing with hot water. Be careful not to inhale the fumes, and wear gloves when washing the sink afterwards.

If the drain is not running by this point, hot water, vinegar, and soda alone won't clear the clog. You will have to try a more direct method.

Plunger

A plunger works by forcing water back and forth in the drainpipe until it works the clog loose. You will need some standing water around the drain for this to work. You can use a plunger if baking soda has been used, but wear gloves and eye protection.

Place the plunger upright over the drain, so that the rubber makes a good seal with the sink. Always keep the plunger straight up and down over the drain. If you try to use the plunger at an angle, it won't work well, and the dirty water will also splash all over you.

Force the plunger down by pushing straight down on the handle until the rubber deforms. Then release the force without breaking the seal and let the rubber of the plunger straighten out on its own. Watch out for the backsplash as it regains its shape. Repeat this down and up motion several times.

If you are using a plunger on a double sink, plug the other sink before you start to use the plunger. Otherwise the water you force down with the plunger will just go into the other sink without affecting the clog.

In nearly all cases, a dozen plunges will be enough to clear the clog. When the water is draining again, flush the drain with hot water or vinegar until the drain functions normally. Clean the sink and any splattered area with a good disinfectant.

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