How do I clear a clogged drain step by step?
Start with hot water and a plunger: a flat-cup plunger sealed over the drain works for most kitchen and bathroom sink clogs. If that fails, try a half-cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar, let it foam for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. If the drain is still slow, clean out the sink trap, then run a hand drain snake about 15 to 25 feet to physically clear the line. Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They damage older pipes.
Five ways to clear a clogged drain, in order
- Very hot tap water (sinks only, not toilets): Run the hottest tap water for a few minutes, or pour a few quarts down in stages. It often clears soap, grease, and minor buildup. Skip boiling water: it can soften PVC drain joints, crack porcelain, and splash and burn you.
- Plunger: Use a flat-cup plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets. Block any overflow opening with a wet rag. On a double sink, plug the other drain too. Plunge with sharp pulls (not just pushes) for 15-30 seconds. If a chemical drain cleaner is already in the drain, don't plunge: it can splash back and burn your skin and eyes. Call us instead.
- Baking soda + vinegar: 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1 cup white vinegar. Cover the drain. Wait 15 minutes. Flush with hot water. Mild but effective for minor organic clogs. Skip this step if a chemical drain cleaner is in the drain.
- Remove and clean the trap (sinks): The trap is the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Put a bucket underneath, loosen the slip nuts, then empty and inspect the trap. Often the clog is right there. Skip this step if a chemical drain cleaner is in the drain.
- Drain snake (auger): See our how to use a drain snake guide.
When to stop and call Sweetwater: If the clog comes right back, more than one drain is slow, or water comes up in the tub when you flush, the blockage is likely in the main line. Call (909) 312-4516 or text (909) 247-6791 and we'll clear it.
Serving 24 cities across the Inland Empire.
Chino · Chino Hills · Claremont · Colton · Corona · Diamond Bar · Eastvale · Fontana · Grand Terrace · Highland · La Verne · Loma Linda · Mira Loma · Montclair · Norco · Ontario · Pomona · Rancho Cucamonga · Redlands · Rialto · Riverside · San Bernardino · San Dimas · Upland