How to Fix a Clogged Sink Drain

A clogged sink drain is an experience that every homeowner and renter will have at some point. Clogs build up slowly over time. Food, hair, and grease stick inside the pipes, eventually causing a jam that has to be broken through. Although cleaning a sink clog can be time-consuming, it's usually not a difficult job.

1. First try to run hot water through your drain. Sometimes this is enough to clear it. You will want to use the hottest water possible. Skip this step if you have standing water.


2. Use a plunger on your drain. Fit the opening of your plunger directly into your sink drain. Move the plunger up and down. You should hear some liquid moving inside your pipe. Don't plunge for more than five or ten minutes. If it hasn't broken loose by then, you will need to use a plumbing snake. Exerting to much pressure on your pipes can loosen or break them, adding expenses. 


3. Use a plumber snake. These are also known as augers. Augers are a long, thin, coiled metal that fits down your pipes to break up any clogs. The tip will have some type of bent metal to catch on hair that can be pulled back up. These are available with a hand crank or electric. Most home owners purchase a hand crank snake. A 15 foot snake should be adequate for this job, although you may want to purchase a longer one just in case.


4. Make sure you have plenty of light, and insert the tip of your auger into your drain. When you hit the blockage, secure the snake by turning the screw at the base. Hold the auger securely with one hand and start cranking with the other hand. You should feel the blockage break up. After you feel the break, turn your hot water on and let it run down the drain. If it drains freely, you are done.


5. If the drain is still clogged and has not loosened, your sink trap may be stopped up. Some people are able to snake through this, but many have trouble getting through the U-shaped pipe. You will need to put a bucket under the sink and remove this trap. If you have modern pipes, it will be as simple as unscrewing the pipes and emptying them.


6. After you clean out your U pipe, reattach and run hot water through.


7. If the above steps did not take care of your clog, you will need to remove your U pipe again and snake directly into your straight pipe. Repeat step four, only this time insert your snake directly into the straight pipe until you hit the clog. Snake the blockage until you feel it break.


8. After you have removed your pipe clog, try using a monthly solution of baking soda and vinegar to keep your drains free from obstructions. Simply pour baking soda down your drain, followed by vinegar. This will create a fizzing type of solution to clean pipes and prevent future clogs.