How to Get Drains Unclogged

Use chemical drain cleaner. This is many people's first choice because it avoids physical contact with the clog. It's easy to use: just open the container, pour the contents into the drain, wait a few minutes and run water. However, the cleaner's chemicals are harmful to the environment and possibly to your pipes, so you may want to try an alternative.

Use a natural drain cleaner. To avoid the toxic effects of commercial drain cleaners, pour ½ cup of baking soda, followed immediately by ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain. The combination creates a chemical reaction that will eat away at the clog. Follow this up with 1 cup of lemon juice to remove lingering odors.

Remove the sink strainer or stopper with a screwdriver. Check to see if the clog is on or around the strainer. Clean off the strainer, throwing away whatever you remove (don't flush it down the drain).

Use the flashlight to look into the drain to spot the clog. If you can see it, try bending a coat hanger, holding one end with the needle-nose pliers and pushing the curved end into the drain. Push and pull until you either pull out the clog or push it through.

Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the rubber part of the plunger. Apply petroleum jelly to the bottom to help it seal properly. Lower the plunger over the drain, creating a water-tight seal, then push down and pull upward several times. You will know you have dislodged the clog when the water drains.

Clean the trap under the sink. Turn off the water. Check for a hexagonal clean-out plug at the bottom of the drainpipe. If you find one, unscrew it over a bucket to catch the clog. Use a coat hanger or bottle brush to clean out the trap. If there is no plug, remove the trap by unscrewing the couplings on each side with a pipe wrench. Hold the trap over a bucket or trash can and force a coat hanger or bottle brush around the inside to clean out the clog.

Use a plumber's auger or sewer snake if none of the above methods work. If these methods have not worked, the clog is deeper and needs a snake. Insert the snake into the drain and push until you hit a blockage. Try to hook the clog by turning the snake handle clockwise. Push the hooked clog back and forth until it comes up or pushes through.

Reattach the trap and/or the strainer. Put joint compound or tape on the pipe fittings before you screw the couplings back on to assure a tight, leakproof seal.