How to Unclog a Sink without a Plunger or Expensive Drain Cleaning Liquids

Keeping your sink drain running freely requires little effort.

Grease, hair and other debris clogs a sink over time. It happens in almost every home at some time or another. Using harsh and expensive commercial drain cleaners or hiring a plumber is not necessary in many cases. Many people dislike using an unsanitary toilet plunger to unclog stopped up drains. Instead, use a couple of uncomplicated methods that will have your sink draining properly in less than half an hour.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Large cooking pot
• Old cleaning cloth
• Measuring cup
• Baking soda
• White distilled vinegar

Boiling Water Method

1. Fill a large cooking pot with water and bring it to a boil.

2. Stuff an old cleaning cloth into the drain hole on one side of a double sink and hold it in place. If the sink only has one drain hole, this step is not necessary. If the double sink has a garbage disposal, plug the opposite drain hole.

3. Ask an assistant to carefully carry the pot of boiling water to the other side of the double sink where you are not holding the cloth.

4. Instruct him to slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. Turn on the garbage disposal while the hot water is in the sink. This method is quite effective in clearing kitchen clogs that are a result of grease or food particles. Repeat the process if necessary by boiling more water and treating the other drain.

Baking Soda Method

1. Wait for the water to drain out of the sink.

2. Fill a measuring cup with 1 cup of baking soda, which is found on the baking goods aisle of discount and grocery stores.

3. Pour the baking soda into the clogged drain once the water is gone.

4. Dump 1 cup of white distilled vinegar on top of the baking soda. The mixture bubbles, which dissolves any debris that is causing the clog.

5. Flush the sink with hot water after approximately 15 to 30 minutes. If the sink empties well, flush the drain with a cup of lemon juice to counteract any foul odors that result. Repeat the method is the sink doesn't drain freely.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent the drain from becoming clogged by wiping out greasy skillets and other debris from pots and pans before washing them.

• Place a drain hair catcher over your bathroom sink and bathtub drains to prevent hair from clogging the drains.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How to Naturally Unclog the Bathroom Sink
• K&B Faucets: How to Unclog Stopped Drains - Preventative Measures