Tip 1: Boiling Water
- Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain in two to three stages, allowing the hot water to work for a few seconds between each pour. This helps dissolve grease and grime that may be causing the clog.
Tip 2: Use a Plunger
- Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger's cup. Place the plunger over the drain and pump it vigorously up and down to dislodge the clog.
Tip 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to contain the reaction. Let it fizz for about 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
Tip 4: Plumber's Snake
- For more stubborn clogs, use a plumber's snake (or drain auger) to reach deeper into the pipes. Insert the snake into the drain, turn the handle to push it through the clog, and continue turning to break up the clog and pull it out.
Tip 5: Disassemble the P-Trap
- If the clog persists, it may be located in the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under the sink). Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water, then use a wrench to loosen the nuts and remove the trap. Clean out any debris and reassemble the trap before testing the drain again.