How to Unclog a Drain in Your Bathroom or Kitchen

A clogged drain is more than just a nuisance. Clogged drains can be signifiers of a serious issue with your plumbing. They can also lead to back-ups that, depending on the weather, could result in costly calamities. For that reason, it’s important to unclog a drain immediately upon noticing that there’s an issue. And fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can try before having to call in a plumber.

How you unclog a drain depends largely on what’s causing the clog in the first place. A build-up of hair, for example, isn’t going to be cleared away the same way that a build-up of toothpaste is. Similarly, a major clog is likely going to require some manual labor instead of just a simple pour-down solution. Unless you know exactly what the clogging culprit is, we recommend starting with the simpler options and seeing if you have any luck. If you’re unable to unclog the drain that way, it’s time to look at more comprehensive solutions (including that aforementioned plumber, though you can save yourself some money by attempting to troubleshoot the problem on your own before calling in a pro).

To help you figure out where to start, we’ve outlined six of the most common tips, tricks, and methods for when you’re looking to unclog a drain on your own. Some include basic items you probably already have around the home, while others may require a trip to your local home improvement store. Whichever way you go, follow directions carefully and practice some patience—even stubborn clogs can usually be cleared up with a little bit of DIY.

Try a Plunger

Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Salt and Vinegar

Try a Commercial Drain Cleaner

Use an Auger

Need a Pro to Unclog a Drain?

Plumbing problems happen, and when they do, it’s not always possible to clear to them up on your own. The amount that you’ll pay to have a professional to unclog a drain is between $109 to $214 on average, according to Angie’s List, with kitchen sink clogs often running a bit pricier than clogs in bathroom sinks.

To find the right person for the job, check out our tips for finding a plumber near you, which includes all of the various places you can start your search in order to choose a reliable plumber who is backed by both experience and positive reviews.