How to Unclog a Sink Yourself

Slow-draining sinks are often clogged with debris.

Clogged sinks are nuisances that interfere with daily household tasks and hygienic routines. Hot grease, food particles, hair and other debris can get lodged in drain lines and prevent water from draining properly. Water often accumulates in sink basins when their drains are obstructed. You should deal with clogged sinks promptly so they are functional again. You can unclog a sink yourself using basic solutions and supplies.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• Rag
• 1/2 gallon boiling water
• 1 cup undiluted lemon juice
• Petroleum jelly
• Plunger

Instructions

1. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of dry baking soda into the sink's drain. Immediately pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain.

2. Plug the drain opening with a rag. Wait 30 minutes for the acidic reaction to unclog the drain.

3. Remove the rag from the drain opening. Pour 1/2 gallon of boiling water down the drain to wash down the debris.

4. Pour 1 cup of undiluted lemon juice down the drain to neutralize foul odors.

5. Turn on the sink's faucet to test for proper water drainage. If the drain is still clogged, apply petroleum jelly around the rim of a plunger suction cup.

6. Position the plunger suction cup directly over the drain opening. Fill the sink with enough water to completely cover the plunger suction cup.

7. Plug the other drain opening with the rag to prevent overflow. Disregard this step if the sink only has one drain opening.

8. Grip the plunger handle with both hands while plunging up and down five times. Pry the plunger suction cup from the sink basin to create a vacuum effect. Repeat the plunging process 20 times to completely unclog the drain.

9. Turn on the sink's faucet to ensure proper water drainage. Repeat the entire process until the sink drain is completely unclogged.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute a commercial drain cleaner for the vinegar and baking soda. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product's label for proper application.

• Be careful with the boiling water to prevent burning yourself.

• Take care with any caustic cleaning agents not to get any on your skin or in your eyes.

References

• Home Tips: How to Clear a Sink Drain
• Apartment Therapy: How To Naturally Unclog the Bathroom Sink
• The Good Human: Naturally Unclog a Drain With Vinegar, Baking Soda and Water