How to Clean a Sink Drain Clog

Sink drains become clogged when hair, soap scum and other materials that slip down into the pipes below the sink. When the debris begins to build up, the pipe can become clogged, preventing any water from passing. Often, these clogs can be cleared manually, without using chemical clog removers. However, more serious clogs may require more powerful cleaning methods.

Things You'll Need

• Metal clothes hanger
• ½ cup baking soda
• ½ cup kosher salt
• Saucepan
• Plumber's snake
• Plunger
• Commercial clog remover

Instructions

1. Bend the end of a metal clothes hanger into a small hook, and straighten the rest of it out. Push the hooked end into the sink drain, and continue pushing until you reach the clog. Pull the clothes hanger back out of the drain, along with any clogs. Rinse the end of the hanger and try again if the clog remains.

2. Combine the baking soda and salt with ½ cup of water, and pour the mixture down the drain. Let it stand overnight. Bring 4 to 5 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Pour the boiling water down the drain and run the faucet to flush.

3. Purchase a plumber's snake from a local hardware store. Insert the tip into the sink drain and slowly push it in while twisting. Continue pushing until the tip reaches the clog, and then pull it out. Check the drain to see if it's working. Rinse and repeat if the drain remains clogged.

4. Fill the sink halfway full with water and place the plunger over the drain. Push down on the plunger, then pull up slightly without breaking the suction. Continue pushing and pulling for several minutes, then remove the plunger. Repeat the process if the clog remains.

5. Use a commercial clog remover. These chemicals are specially designed to dissolve away any hair, soap scum or other materials that may be clogging your drain. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase drain traps to prevent excess hair or food materials from slipping into the drain. These traps can be purchased in home improvement stores, and can significantly reduce the chance of having a clogged drain.

• Never allow any grease to enter your drain. It can build up on the sides of the pipes and potentially cause a clog. Never remove any portions of pipe. Permanent damage can occur if certain sections of pipe are removed, and this should only be attempted by a licensed professional.

References

• Clean House, Clean Planet; Karen Logan; 1997