Partially fill the sink with water (if it isn't already filled), then work the plunger down and up several times before quickly pulling it off the drain opening. If you have a double-bowl kitchen sink, stuff a wet rag into the drain opening that isn't clogged (this will help with suction).
Use a Wet-Dry Vacuum to Clear the Sink
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Place the hose end at the entrance of the drain, then create a tight seal around the end of the hose and the drain. If the clog is on one side of a double sink, seal up the opposite side of the sink with a rubber stopper.
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake. A drain auger (snake) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.
A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.
When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.
Use Soda Crystals or Washing Powder. Soda crystals are a multi-purpose cleaner that can work wonders on a blocked sink. Start by pouring some boiling water down the drain. Then put 1 mug of soda crystals in the plughole followed by 1 mug of hot water and wait 5 minutes.
Use a Plunger
This handy tool works using water pressure, so with a double sink, you'll need to cover the unclogged side with a rag or a basket strainer to seal it. Fill the clogged sink with 4 to 5 inches of water (don't use chemical cleaners here), and plunge the drain for 20 to 30 seconds.
While snaking is generally considered safe for your pipes, it can damage your pipes if they are in bad shape. Homes that have older pipes are more susceptible to this happening as hairline cracks and corrosion occur over time. Surprisingly, snaking your main line can potentially make the clog worse.
You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.
Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.
Check the vent
If the vent is blocked, it can cause water to drain slowly. You can check the vent outside your house to make sure it's not blocked by leaves or other debris. If you have access to the attic or crawl space, you can also check the vent system there to see if there are any blockages.
Plunge away the blockage
Fill the sink with hot water until it's about halfway full and creates a seal around the drain. Position the plunger over the drain and begin pumping up and down quickly several times. Remove the plunger and wait to see if the water drains. Repeat the process until the water drains freely.
If the plunger isn't working, your next best option is to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, thin tool that can help you remove clogs from your toilet.
Can you leave baking soda in the drain overnight? It is safe to leave baking soda (and vinegar) to work overnight to unclog a drain.
You may be surprised to learn that pouring soda down the drain does work for some clogs. To be specific, you need a dark-colored cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi). This type of carbonated beverage usually contains a good amount of phosphoric acid, which given enough time, can eat away at some types of clogs.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
It is Extremely Corrosive For Your Drains
When your pipes are clogged, Drano will sit on top of the clog, continually reacting and generating heat until the clog dissolves. This can put a great deal of stress on your drains as the heat can cause PVC pipes to soften and even break or collapse.
Clogged drains are unpleasant and can smell bad. Hydrogen peroxide may already be in your medicine cabinet, and it is gentle enough to use in your pipes. If you notice your sink draining sluggishly, you can reach for a bottle of hydrogen peroxide instead of a more expensive chemical drain cleaner.
Salt & hot water
While hot water can help loosen up debris, coarse salt actually scours the inside of your pipes, removing more material than hot water alone. After removing standing water from the sink, pour about half a cup of table salt down the drain before you pour in the hot water.
Crank the Handle of the Drain Snake
When pushing the cable through the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe section under the sink, you may encounter some friction and resistance. If this happens, push on the cable while cranking the drain snake slowly. A couple of turns will help the cable maneuver through the bends in the pipe.
A blocked p-trap will cause water backflow to occur. The first sign that your p-trap is clogged is when the water in your sink takes longer than average to flow down the sink.