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Step 1
Try the Plunger
Sometimes the clog is minor and can be solved without taking anything apart or renting tools. So try the plunger! Simply add a little water into the sink basin and plunge away using a force cup plunger. Plunge about three-four consecutive times and lift up on plunger to see if water in the basin drains. Also make sure you use a cloth of some sort to cover the overflow drain while doing this so that you have a concentrated plunge on the drain. If your plunging is a success turn on hot water for approximately five to ten minutes so that the clog and all the grease in the line that has just been disturbed gets washed down. If the plunging doesn’t work move on to step two. -
Step 2
Take Apart the P-Trap
Look under the sink and you will find the tail piece coming from the bottom of the sink. Follow it down as it dips low then curves back around. That curve, in a nutshell, is called a p-trap and it will lead you to a piece of piping attached to a vent behind the wall. Take apart the p-trap either by hand or by use of pipe wrench. (or any wrench you feel suitable for the job) The p-trap will likely be very dirty and will smell horribly. Make sure that you have a bucket or pail to catch the water from the drain once it has been taken apart. -
Step 3
Clean Sludge from Inner Pipe or Replace
If the p-trap still looks serviceable then keep it, especially if it is PVC. Now if the p-trap was clogged then put it together and try to see if the sink will drain. If it does then great. If not, step four here you come. -
Step 4
Rent a Snake
The best for this type of job is a drill snake. The snake is easy to use but can be tiresome. If you cannot obtain a drill snake ask for a sink snake. You should only need a small cable, no longer than twenty-five feet for the job. Run the snake into the piping at the wall but do so slowly. Make sure your cable is guiding downward and feel for the snake as it may try to wrap around itself instead of going the direction you want it to. Also, make sure that you are wearing some sort of gloves as this can be hard on your hands or even dangerous. Run snake through the line a few times to ensure that the clog has been hit. -
Step 5
Reassemble Trap and Turn on Water
Reassemble the trap the same way you pulled it apart. Make sure everything is hand tight at first because you don’t want to torque down and tighten fully if the clog isn’t gone. Turn on water once trap has been assembled and see if it drains. If it does then great! If not then restart from step three.
In the case that it is draining leave the water on and check under the sink for leaks. Any spots that are leaking just simply tighten until they don’t. Leave the water on for approximately five-ten minutes to ensure all sludge has been washed down the sewer line.
