How to Unclog a Sink or Bathtub Drain

Don't Call a Plumber - Do it Yourself!

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 equipt 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

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thanks for this great unclogging page. The boiling water tip sure did the trick for us. Thanks, mouldifeld

Posted on 03/06/2009 at 8:03:35 PM

Great and useful info

Posted on 01/29/2009 at 11:01:11 AM

The plunger worked GREAT!! It took about 5 tries, but it is so much better and easier than using any chemicals. We actually ran the water in the sink that was backing up into the tub and used the plunger on the tub drain as the water was filling up the tub. This helped to unclog with the plunger.

Posted on 01/03/2009 at 10:01:38 AM

Thanks for the help. We've always got something stopped up!

Posted on 11/05/2008 at 8:11:43 PM

My bathroom sink is clogged right now! Thanks fo the tip.

Posted on 10/15/2008 at 4:10:18 PM

Excellent work and congrats on being among the most popular content on AC :)

Posted on 10/07/2008 at 12:10:38 PM

Thanks I also have a drain thats push and pull. I figured I probably could unclog the drain myself but didn't know how to open the drain. Thank you so very much.

Posted on 07/29/2008 at 5:07:40 AM

After trying several chemical home remedies for unclogging my bathroom sink, I read your suggestion and it took me less than 10 minutes to take it apart, flush all of the debris, and replace the drain. Thr water now runs freely with no backup. Thank you!

Posted on 05/03/2008 at 4:05:47 PM

Thank you for the tip, Christi. I have the same drain and for the life of me couldn't figure out how to take it apart to remove my clog. Your suggestion worked perfectly.

Posted on 04/22/2008 at 8:04:16 PM

Help" My stopper is on the outside of my tub. Its about 11/2 ft high pipe. How do you unclog this type of tub. What kind if snake do you use and where does the snake go, in the tub drain or in the stopper pipe located out side the tub . Thank you.

Posted on 02/25/2008 at 2:02:44 PM

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