How Do I Unclog a Drain?

For a typical sink clog, work from easiest to hardest:

1. Clear out any visible debris from the drain opening.
2. Try a plunger with enough water in the sink to make a seal.
3. If that fails, use a hand-cranked drain snake or auger.
4. If the clog keeps coming back, the blockage may be deeper in the trap or line.

Do not mix chemical drain cleaners. They can be harsh on pipes and dangerous if you pour one product on top of another. For slow drains, the safest first move is usually mechanical, not chemical.

If more than one drain is slow, or you smell sewage, stop the DIY loop and call a plumber. That usually means the problem is beyond a simple sink clog.