How do I unblock a drain?

Start with the easiest fix first: remove any standing water, try hot water, and then use a plunger if the drain still moves slowly. Roto-Rooter recommends working from simple methods to more forceful ones before reaching for chemical drain openers.

If the clog is still there, use a drain snake or auger to pull out hair, soap buildup, or other blockage near the trap. That is usually the point where a sink or tub stops being a “quick fix” and becomes a mechanical cleanup job instead.

If more than one drain in the house is backing up, the problem may be farther down the line than the fixture itself. In that case, stop short of pouring harsher chemicals into the pipe and check whether the main drain needs professional attention.