Dealing with a clogged drain can disrupt your routine and leave you feeling frustrated, yet it’s a problem that’s only growing more common. In fact, the global demand for sink and drain unblocker products is projected to rise steadily by 5.3% each year through 2033, according to a 2025 market report.
While clearing a blocked drain might seem overwhelming—especially if you’re new to DIY fixes—it’s important to recognize how frequent these issues have become across modern homes. This alone is a good reason to learn the basics of how to clear drains, so you can save time, avoid stress, and keep your home running smoothly.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
You may find that sink and tub drains become clogged for different reasons, depending on their location. In bathroom sinks and tubs, hair is often the main cause, as it tangles with soap scum—a combination of soap residue and hard water minerals—to form stubborn blockages. Over time, these materials build up and narrow the pipe. This buildup slows or even stops the flow of water.
Kitchen sinks, on the other hand, face different challenges when it comes to clearing a clogged drain. Here, food particles, grease, and oil are common culprits, with grease solidifying inside the pipes to create tough clogs. Pouring bacon fat down the drain may seem harmless, but it can harden and trap other debris.
9 Methods to Clear a Clogged Sink or Tub
You do not have to be a plumbing expert to handle a clogged drain. With a few basic tools and techniques, you can manage most blockages yourself and avoid unnecessary expenses. These are the steps on how to clear a clogged drain and keep your home running smoothly.
1. Remove Visible Debris
Begin by checking for obvious blockages before using any tools or cleaners. Hair, soap scum, and food particles are common reasons for a drain blocked. Put on gloves and remove any debris you see around the drain opening or stopper. In bathroom sinks and tubs, pop-up stoppers often trap hair and gunk—lift them out for a thorough cleaning.
2. Boiling Water
If your drain is only partially blocked, boiling water can help melt away grease or soap buildup. Boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly down the drain in two or three stages, giving it time to work between pours. This method is especially effective for kitchen sinks with grease clogs, but it can also help with bathroom drains.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
For a natural and effective solution, try baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a stopper and wait 15 minutes while the fizzing reaction breaks down the blockage. Then flush with hot water. This approach is safe for your pipes and the environment, and works well for most minor clogs.
4. Plunger
A plunger is not just for toilets—it is also effective for clearing a blocked drain. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger’s cup, then plunge vigorously over the drain. For bathroom sinks and tubs, block the overflow hole with a wet rag to improve suction. Plunging can quickly dislodge stubborn clogs and restore water flow.
5. Salt and Hot Water
Pour 1/2 cup of table salt down the drain, then follow with boiling water. Let it sit for several minutes before flushing again with hot water. The salt helps scour the inside of the pipes, making it easier to clear drains blocked by grime and buildup.
6. Drain Snake or Wire Hanger
If the clog does not clear, a drain snake or auger can reach deeper into the pipe. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to break up the blockage. For tubs, insert the snake through the overflow drain for best results. If you do not have a snake, a straightened wire hanger with a small hook can also pull out hair and debris.
7. Clean the P-Trap
Sometimes, the blockage is in the P-trap—the curved section of pipe under the sink. Place a bucket underneath, unscrew the slip nuts, and remove the trap. Clean out any gunk, then reassemble the trap and run water to check for leaks. This step is especially useful for kitchen sinks and is an important part of cleaning clogged drains.
8. Enzyme Cleaners
For ongoing drain clearing and prevention, enzyme-based cleaners break down organic material without damaging your pipes. These are especially helpful for keeping bathroom and kitchen drains clear over time and support regular cleaning clogged drain maintenance.
9. Shop Vac
If you have a wet/dry shop vac, you can use it to suck out a clog. Seal the drain opening with a wet towel to create suction, then let the vacuum do the work. This method can remove blockages that are difficult to reach with other tools, making clearing a clogged drain much easier.
Clear Drains, Clear Mind
A clogged drain isn’t just frustrating—it’s a warning sign that could save you thousands in potential damage to floors, walls, and even your foundation. Every day you postpone addressing it increases your risk of mold, leaks, and those unmistakable foul odors that make your home feel less like home.
When DIY methods fall short, Vegas Plumbing Pros steps in with professional drain clearing, hydro jetting, and video inspections to identify hidden problems. Don’t wait until your morning routine is interrupted by an overflowing sink—Contact us today to protect what matters most.
FAQs
How to unclog sink and tub drains?
Start with a plunger. Fill the tub or sink with a bit of water, then place the plunger firmly over the drain. Use quick, strong plunging motions to help loosen the clog. Every few minutes, lift the plunger to check if the water is draining on its own. If not, repeat the process until the blockage is cleared.
What will dissolve hair in a drain?
To clear clogged drain issues caused by hair, use the baking soda and vinegar method. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. The mixture will fizz as it reacts, helping to dissolve hair and loosen debris. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water to clear clogged drain problems naturally.
What is the best way to unblock a bath drain?
The best way to clear a clogged drain in a bath is to start with a plunger and enough water to cover its base. If plunging doesn’t work, use a drain snake to break up and remove deeper clogs—often the best way to clear a clogged drain when a plunger isn’t enough.
What is the strongest thing to unclog a sink?
For tough clogs, caustic cleaners are strong options for kitchen sinks, especially when dealing with greasy buildup. In bathrooms, oxidizing cleaners are often more effective for breaking down hair, food, and other organic materials, making them a reliable choice to clear clogged drain issues when other methods fail.
