A clogged drain is one of the most common household problems and one of the easiest to fix yourself. Before you spend $100 on a plumber, try these simple methods that work 90% of the time.

What Causes Clogged Drains

Most clogs are caused by hair, soap scum, grease, or food buildup. Knowing what caused the clog helps you choose the right fix.

Method 1 — Boiling Water

The simplest fix for grease clogs. Boil a full kettle of water and pour it slowly down the drain in two or three stages. Give it 30 seconds between pours. This works surprisingly well on kitchen sink clogs caused by grease buildup.

Method 2 — Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and wait 15 minutes. Then flush with hot water. The chemical reaction breaks up soap scum and light clogs.

Method 3 — Drain Snake

A drain snake is a long flexible wire that physically breaks up or pulls out the clog. You can buy a basic plastic hair snake for about $5 at any hardware store. Insert it into the drain, twist, and pull out whatever is blocking it. This is the most effective method for hair clogs in bathroom drains.

Method 4 — Plunger

Most people only use plungers on toilets but they work great on sinks too. Cover the overflow hole with a wet rag, put the plunger over the drain, and plunge vigorously 10 to 15 times. The pressure dislodges most clogs instantly.

Method 5 — Remove the P-Trap

The P-trap is the curved pipe under your sink. Clogs often get stuck here. Put a bucket under the pipe, unscrew the two slip nuts by hand, and pull out the P-trap. Clean it out, reinstall, and you’re done. No tools required.

What Not to Do

Avoid chemical drain cleaners like Drano for regular use. They work short term but corrode pipes over time and are terrible for the environment. Use them only as a last resort.

Final Thoughts

Most drain clogs take less than 15 minutes to fix yourself. Save the plumber for real plumbing emergencies.

Just moved into a new home? Check out our guide on what to do when you move into a new house.

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