A clogged drain is one of the most common household problems and one of the easiest to fix yourself. Whether it's your bathroom sink, shower, or kitchen drain, these methods will clear it without harsh chemicals.
Fix 1: Boiling Water (Kitchen Sink Only)
Pour a full kettle of boiling water directly down the drain in two or three stages. This dissolves grease and soap buildup. Don't use boiling water on PVC pipes — use very hot tap water instead.
Fix 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 opening to direct the reaction downward. Wait 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Fix 3: Use a Drain Plunger
Fill the sink or tub with a few inches of water first. Place the plunger cup over the drain and push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Repeat 10-15 times with force. The suction dislodges most clogs.
Fix 4: Remove and Clean the P-Trap
The curved pipe under sinks (the P-trap) catches hair and debris. Place a bucket under it, unscrew the slip nuts by hand, remove the P-trap, and clean it out. Takes 5 minutes.
Fix 5: Use a Drain Snake
A basic drain snake ($15-25) lets you reach 15-25 feet into the pipe to hook and pull out hair clogs. Insert it, rotate the handle as you push forward, and pull back to retrieve the clog.
Fix 6: Remove the Drain Cover and Clear Hair
In showers and bathroom sinks, the majority of clogs are just hair caught right at the drain. Use a Zip-It tool ($3) or even a bent wire coat hanger to pull it out.
Fix 7: Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
Set a wet/dry vacuum to vacuum liquids. Cover the vent, create a tight seal over the drain with the hose, and turn it on. It can powerfully suction out clogs that are just out of reach.
Conclusion
Most clogged drains clear within 10 minutes using boiling water, a plunger, or a drain snake. Avoid chemical drain cleaners — they damage pipes over time and are rarely more effective than mechanical methods.