How to Unclog Any Drain

How to Unclog a Toilet With a Plunger

For unclogging toilets, the best tool to use is a flange plunger. Wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself against splashes.

1. Check Water Levels

   Make sure that the water in the toilet bowl is high enough to cover the plunger cup. If not, add more water to the bowl.
   

2. Lower Plunger Cup

   Lower the cup of the plunger into the water at an angle, filling the cup with water.
   

   Tip

   While it may seem better to fill the cup with air and force air into the drainpipe, it’s best to force water into the pipes. Air compresses more than water does, so it provides less force when you ram the plunger down.

3. Push Plunger Down

   Firmly and rapidly push down on the toilet plunger, then pull up again. Do this several times.

   Reposition and repeat as needed. If the plunger cup breaks its seal with the toilet bowl, reposition the cup and repeat. If successful, the water in the bowl should quickly drain out.
   

4. Flush the Toilet

   Remove the tank lid from the toilet, and locate the round rubber trap door (called the flapper) at the center of the tank bottom; this is your emergency water shutoff if the toilet is still clogged.

   Flush the toilet. If it flushes normally, you're all done, and you can set the lid back on the tank.
   

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

   Thoroughly wet a washcloth 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

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

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

   Firmly push the plunger down and then up again. Repeat several times.
   

7. Run Hot Water

   After the drain is clear, run the hot water for a few minutes.
   

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

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

4. Use Handle (Optional)

   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.
   

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 by Snaking It

To unclog a drain by snaking it, you’ll need a sink or toilet snake (or auger), towels, and if possible, a shop vacuum.

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.
   

How to Unclog a Drain With Liquid Drain Cleaner

1. Remove Drain Cover or Grate

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

2. Remove Water

   With the plunger or shop vacuum, remove as much water as possible.
   

3. Pour Cleaner

   Pour the liquid drain cleaner into the drain. Consult with the product’s instructions for the amount to use. Wait at least an hour. Many green drain cleaners require 24 hours.
   

   Tip

   Toilets often require twice as much cleaner as sinks, tubs, or showers.

4. Flush Drain

   Flush the opened drain with hot water.
   

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.