Clogged Drain? How to Unclog a Sink or Tub
Short answerMost clogged sink and tub drains can be cleared with a plunger. Block the overflow opening, plunge 20 to 30 times, and rinse with hot soapy water. If that fails, clean the U-shaped trap under the sink, where most clogs sit. Call a plumber if several drains are slow at once.
Safety first
- Do not use a plunger after a chemical drain cleaner. It can splash caustic liquid on you.
- If you already poured in a cleaner, wear goggles and rubber gloves, and keep your face away from the drain. Never add a second product. Mixing them can create deadly fumes.
- If drain cleaner gets on your skin, is swallowed or you breathe the fumes, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Hair and soap | A shower, tub or bathroom sink slowly drains worse over time. | Pull the stopper and clean it, then plunge. |
| Grease and food | The kitchen sink is slow or backs up after doing dishes. | Plunge, then clean the trap. Keep grease out of the drain from now on. |
| Clog in the trap | Only one fixture is affected, and plunging does not help. | Open the trap and clean it out. |
| Clog in the main drain line | Several drains are slow, or water comes up in the tub when you flush. | Stop using water and call a plumber. |
What you need
- Cup plunger
- Rag or wet washcloth
- Bucket
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Rubber gloves
How to fix it
- Stop running water. Turn the faucet off so the sink does not overflow. Pull out the sink stopper or remove the tub drain cover and clean off any hair.
- Block the other openings. Plug the overflow opening with a wet rag. In a double sink, plug the other drain. In a tub, fill about 2 inches of water so the plunger can seal.
- Plunge. Set the plunger over the drain. Press down smoothly, then pull up sharply. Repeat 20 to 30 times. If the water drains, rinse with hot soapy water.
- Clean the trap under the sink. If you poured in a chemical cleaner and it is still in the pipe, do not open the trap; call a plumber and tell them what you used. Otherwise, put a bucket under the U-shaped pipe. If the trap has a cleanout plug, unscrew it with a wrench. If it does not, you can loosen the slip nuts and take the U-bend off. Clear the clog with a wire, put it back, and run water to check for leaks.
- Keep it from coming back. Clean hair out of the drain after showers, keep a strainer in the kitchen sink, and pour cooled grease into a can for the trash instead of down the drain.
When to call a professional
- Two or more drains are slow at the same time.
- Water or sewage comes up in a tub, shower or floor drain.
- Plunging and cleaning the trap did not help.
What it costs to have fixed
Drain Cleaning is estimated at $100 to $400 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Does drain cleaner work?
Chemical cleaners help mainly with slow drains, not fully blocked ones. They are caustic, can splash back, and can harm septic systems, pipes and finishes. Try a plunger first.
Do baking soda and vinegar unclog a drain?
They are unlikely to clear a real clog. The gas they make usually escapes, and the mixture does little to tough oil and grease clogs.
How do I unclog a shower drain full of hair?
Take the drain cover off, pull out the hair you can reach, then block the overflow and plunge 20 to 30 times with a little water in the bottom.
Is drain cleaner dangerous to use?
It can be. Poison Control warns that non-enzymatic drain cleaners can burn skin and cause serious injury or death if swallowed, and that product can splash back when poured from too high. Never mix household cleaners such as bleach with ammonia or acid, because that can make toxic fumes. Source
What should I do if drain cleaner gets on me or I breathe the fumes?
Get help right away or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. The line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day. Source
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Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Making Simple Repairs, Clogged Drains — Plugging the overflow, plunging 20 to 30 times, most clogs being in the trap, tub drain steps, grease and hair prevention, and chemical cleaner cautions
- Poison Control: What's in Drain Cleaner — Burns and splashback from drain cleaner, protective gear, the 1-800-222-1222 number, and baking soda and vinegar being unlikely to clear tough clogs
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.