5 ways to fix a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink.

1. Pour hot water down the drain.

Hot water can be a great tool because it can melt or break up oils and grease clogging your sink. You can even use it to clean out your garbage disposal if it's a little backed up. 

Use a kettle or big pot on your stove to heat water to boiling. If your sink is old porcelain or connects to PVC pipes, let the water cool down to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (the top range from the hottest water from a tap) so it doesn't damage these surfaces.

Very carefully, pour the non-boiling water down the drain. If you're lucky, the clog will instantly disappear, and all the water will swirl down the drain. Didn't work? Try the next step.

2. Use a plunger.

A plunger is a great way to unclog backed-up soap and hair from bathroom sinks. And it's relatively simple to use:

1. Clear out any visible debris or floating gunk in the sink.
2. Remove the stopper from the sink drain. You may need to unscrew a pivot rod in older sinks.
3. Fill the sink with water about three to four inches above the drain.
4. Roll the plunger across the sink drain to form a tight seal.
5. Plunge up and down for 20 seconds to unstick the clog.
6. Repeat if you don't see results.

Tip: Use a cup plunger to clear clogged sink drains. Use your flange plunger if you're trying to get the water to flush in your toilet.

Related: How to unclog a toilet — with or without a plunger. 

3. Mix baking soda and vinegar.

A baking soda and vinegar mixture is a common household alternative to a more expensive drain cleaner. And in many cases, it can work just as well.

1. Loosen up the clog by pouring hot water down the drain first.
2. Mix a cup of baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Pour it into the drain.
3. Let this sit in the sink for 5-10 minutes. Cover with the drain plug if possible.
4. Pour more hot water down the drain to rinse everything away.

4. Snake the drain.

 For more serious clogs, a snake drain (also called a plumbing snake) can help you get the debris out of the sink. That way, the clog won't move further into your pipes. Here's how it works:

1. Remove the sink drain stopper.
2. Put the snake into the drain. Make sure the pointy thorns are facing up.
3. Move the snake around by pushing it up and down and side to side. Cranking the handle also works if your model comes with one.
4. Pull any debris up and dispose of it. 

5. Clean the P-trap.

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe that sits under your sink, and it sometimes backs up in the curved part. You'll want to grab a bucket, wrench, and wire brush before giving this trick a try:

1. Put the bucket under the trap, and make sure the faucet is turned off.
2. Remove the trap by using the wrench. You may also be able to untwist it with just your hands.
3. Pull out anything you see inside the trap, making sure you aren't pushing the clog deeper into the pipes.
4. Clean the pipe with the wire brush, then put it all back together and turn on the water to see if the sink is fixed.

Mistakes to avoid when unclogging your sink.

Now that you know how to fix a clogged sink, here are some important reminders:

• Don't be too rough with plungers and snakes. Plumbing isn't as durable as you think. Ramming a snake or plunger into fragile pipes or sink basins can cause damage that you'll need to contact a plumber to fix.
• Don't use makeshift tools, like a wire coat hanger. Again, this can damage your plumbing. Make sure you're using tools designed to unclog drains and pipes safely.
• Don't use boiling water on certain materials. Water that's too hot can damage porcelain sinks and PVC pipes. In these cases, it's better to use very hot water instead.

How to prevent sinks from clogging.

If your sink has a penchant for clogs, we have some tips here to help you put an end to them:

• Use a drain screen. Drain screens sit gently on top of your drain and collect larger particles of debris, like hair or bits of food. Simply empty the screen in the trash when it starts looking gross.
• Don't throw waste in the sink. Never throw food, garbage, or other non-flushable things down the sink. 
• Trim or brush hair away from the sink. If you're a person who likes to shave or brush their hair over the sink, reconsider your choices. Instead, do it over the garbage can so all of that extra hair doesn't end up causing a clog.
• Get a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals can be a lifesaver for kitchen sinks. They grind up any bits of food or organic waste that get washed down the drain.
• Regularly flush your sink with hot water. Giving your sink a little hot water refresh about once a week can help it drain smoothly.

Hire a plumber to unclog your sink.

When all else fails, we have one trusty solution that'll always work: calling a plumber.

Plumbers know how to fix clogged sinks, and it'll likely take just a few minutes to get you free-flowing again. Find the best plumber in your area by downloading Thumbtack now. Start getting cost estimates from nearby professionals.

FAQs.

Can I pour Drano in standing water?

Yes, Drano is formulated to cut through standing water to the drain beneath.

Will pouring boiling water down a drain unclog it?

Yes, in many cases, boiling water can help loosen up and melt debris, allowing the water to flow freely again. However, if you have PVC pipes or an old porcelain basin, just try hot water instead.