How to Unclog a Sink or Bathtub Drain

Clogged bathtub or sink drains are one of the most common reasons for calling a professional plumber, but homeowners can easily unclog bathtub or sink drains themselves using chemicals, a plunger, auger or by removing and cleaning the drain trap. The price of drain chemicals, a plunger, or other tools are minuscule compared to the expense of a professional plumber. Even the most inexperienced homeowner can repair a clogged bathtub or sink quickly and easily.

Removing a Sink Stopper

If the clogged sink is equipped with a stopper, it is first necessary to remove the stopper before attempting to unclog the drain. Some connected sink stoppers simply lift out, but others must be disconnected under the sink. Some sink stoppers are connected to a pull control, so if the stopper doesn’t come out simply and easily, look underneath the sink. You will probably find a nut connected to the stopper pull. Remove the nut, and the stopper should come out easily.

Removing a Bathtub Stopper

Bathtub stoppers come in a number of varieties and some are easier to remove than others. Some bathtub stoppers are simply unscrewed at the drain. Others must be disconnected at the overflow plate. If your bathtub is clogged, the first step is to remove the stopper. If the stopper doesn’t simply unscrew, remove the overflow plate. Most overflow plates are attached by one simple screw. Internally, the overflow plate will be attached to an assembly that is linked to the stopper. After removing the screw and the overflow plate, gently move the assembly until it comes off.

Cleaning the Drain by Hand

Bathtub and sink drains become easily clogged with hair, soap scum, and other unidentifiable substances. Sometimes a clogged drain, especially a bathtub, can be easily cleaned by hand. After removing the stopper, look at the hardware that supports the drain. Chances are it’s wrapped with hair and clogged with other debris. Although it’s an unpleasant task, try removing the hair by grasping it from the grates and pulling it out. A straightened wire coat hanger can assist in this task. Bend the end of a coat hanger, and use it as a tool to remove visible hair and matter. This is sometimes all that is necessary to clear a clogged drain.

Try a Plunger

A drain plunger is the next easiest and most inexpensive device for unclogging a drain, so plunging a clogged drain should be tried if the clog is not within reach. Before plunging the clogged sink or bathtub drain, cover the overflow drain with a damp cloth. Covering the overflow in this manner will create a strong vacuum that will help loosen the clog. Place the plunger over the center of the clogged drain. The sink should contain a sufficient amount of water to cover the base of the plunger. Tip the plunger to release any trapped air, and douse it up and down eight to ten times using direct pressure. Quickly remove the plunger, and if the clog has released, the water should go down the drain. If this method of unclogging the drain doesn’t work the first time, repeat the process a few times before trying another method.

Drain Cleaner

Drain cleaner may sound like the easiest solution for a clogged drain, but chemicals should be avoided if at all possible. Chemicals can cause burns, and not all drain cleaners are safe for every type of clogged bathtub or sink. Drain cleaners can cause permanent etching and damage to some surfaces. Unclogging a drain the easiest way isn’t worth ruining the surface of a sink or bathtub, so read label precautions carefully before attempting to unclog a drain with chemicals, and follow label instructions precisely should you decide to try drain cleaner.

Augers and Snakes

If chemicals don’t work to unclog the drain, or if they are not safe for your bathtub or sink, and if a plunger fails, it may be necessary to try a snake or auger. A plumbing snake, otherwise known as an auger, is a flexible wire with a coiled spring on the tip. This strong flexible wire is attached to a handle that turns clockwise. Begin by guiding the wire into the clogged drain while turning the handle in a dextral manner. Hopefully the clog is within reach and not beyond the drain trap. If the clog is beyond the drain trap, try guiding the snake or auger through the opening of the overflow. Hopefully this method works to sufficiently unclog the sink or bathtub drain.

Remove the Drain Trap

Lastly, a stubborn clog in a sink or drain that hasn’t been cleared through simple methods may require a more direct approach to clog busting. It might be necessary to take the sink drain apart and remove the trap for cleaning. Most sink traps are connected by chrome or plastic coupling nuts. Locate the two coupling nuts under the drain. Position a small basin beneath the drain to catch the water. If the nuts are made of chrome, be sure to place a rag over the nuts before loosening them in order to prevent damage. Remove the trap, and clean out the clog. Replace the trap, and make sure the coupling nuts aren’t secured too tightly. If the nuts are secured too tightly, the connections might spring a leak.