10 Ways to Fix a Clogged Sink—With or Without a Plunger

A clogged sink can disrupt your daily routine, but there are several methods to address this issue, whether you have a plunger on hand or not. Here are ten effective methods to fix a clogged sink, with detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

1. With A Plunger

Steps:

1. Seal the Drain: If you have a double sink, plug the other drain with a wet cloth or stopper.
2. Add Water: Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
3. Plunge: Place the plunger over the clogged drain and ensure it forms a tight seal. Pump up and down vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Check Drainage: Remove the plunger to see if the water drains. Repeat the process if necessary.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method (Without A Plunger)

Steps:

1. Add Baking Soda: Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
2. Add Vinegar: Pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain and cover it with a plug or wet cloth.
3. Wait: Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the chemical reaction to break down the clog.
4. Flush with Hot Water: Remove the cover and flush the drain with hot water. Repeat the process if necessary.

3. Salt and Hot Water Method

Steps:

1. Add Salt: Pour half a cup of salt down the drain.
2. Add Hot Water: Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain.
3. Wait: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
4. Flush with Hot Water: Run hot water to see if the clog is cleared. Repeat if necessary.

4. Plumbing Snake or Auger Method

Steps:

1. Remove the Drain Stopper: If possible, remove the drain stopper or strainer to access the drain.
2. Insert the Snake: Insert the plumbing snake into the drain and push it until you feel resistance.
3. Break Up the Clog: Rotate the handle to break up the clog or hook onto it, then pull the snake out.
4. Flush the Drain: Run water to see if the clog is cleared. Repeat the process if necessary.

5. Cleaning the P-Trap

Steps:

1. Prepare: Place a bucket under the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe) to catch water and debris.
2. Remove the P-Trap: Use a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the P-trap to the sink and drainpipe.
3. Clean the P-Trap: Remove any debris from the P-trap and rinse it with water.
4. Reassemble the P-Trap: Reconnect the P-trap to the sink and drainpipe, ensuring the connections are secure but not over-tightened.
5. Test the Sink: Run water to ensure the clog is cleared and there are no leaks.

6. Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Steps:

1. Choose a Cleaner: Select a chemical drain cleaner that is safe for your type of pipes.
2. Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount to use and safety precautions.
3. Pour Cleaner: Pour the specified amount of cleaner down the drain.
4. Wait: Allow the cleaner to work for the recommended time.
5. Flush with Water: Flush the drain with water to clear out the chemicals and the clogs.

7. Dish Soap and Hot Water Method

Steps:

1. Add Dish Soap: Pour a generous amount of dish soap down the drain.
2. Add Hot Water: Pour hot water (not boiling) down the drain to help dissolve grease.
3. Flush with Hot Water: Run hot water to see if the clog is cleared. Repeat if necessary.

8. Wire Hanger Method

Steps:

1. Straighten the Hanger: Straighten a wire hanger, leaving a small hook at one end.
2. Insert the Hanger: Carefully insert the hook end into the drain and fish out any debris.
3. Remove Debris: Pull out any hair or debris that is causing the clog.
4. Flush with Water: Run water to see if the clog is cleared. Repeat if necessary.

9. Wet/Dry Vacuum Method

Steps:

1. Set Vacuum to Liquid: Set your wet/dry vacuum to the liquid setting.
2. Create a Seal: Cover the drain with the vacuum hose and create a tight seal.
3. Suck Out the Clog: Turn on the vacuum to suck out the clog.
4. Check Drainage: Run water to see if the clog is cleared. Repeat if necessary

10. Enzyme Drain Cleaners

Steps:

1. Choose an Enzyme Cleaner: Select an enzyme-based drain cleaner that is safe for your pipes.
2. Follow Instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount to use.
3. Pour Cleaner: Pour the specified amount of cleaner down the drain.
4. Wait: Allow the cleaner to work overnight to break down organic material.
5. Flush with Water: Flush the drain with water to clear out the clog’s.

By following these methods, you can effectively unclog your sink and keep it running smoothly. If these methods do not resolve the issue, consider calling a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.