How to Clear a Clogged Drain

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather a few basic tools:

• Rubber gloves
• A small bucket or towel
• A plunger
• A drain snake (also called a plumbing snake or auger)
• Baking soda and vinegar (optional)
• A flashlight

Having these tools on hand will make the process easier. You don’t have to be a professional or have a full plumbing service van to get results.

Step 1: Try Hot Water First

The easiest and quickest method is pouring boiling water down the drain. Heat can help melt grease and wash away soft blockages.

How to do it:

• Boil a pot of water.
• Carefully pour it slowly into the drain in two or three stages.
• Wait a few seconds between each pour.

This works best for grease-based clogs, but may not be sufficient for hair or solid items.

Step 2: Use a Plunger

If hot water doesn’t help, try using a plunger. It can help loosen the clog and push it down the pipe.

How to do it:

• Cover the overflow hole (if present) with a wet rag.
• Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger’s rubber cup.
• Place the plunger over the drain and push up and down with strong, quick motions.
• Do this for about 30 seconds, then lift the plunger to see if the water drains.

A plunger is often all you need, and it's something almost everyone has at home.

Step 3: Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a more natural way to clear your pipes, you can try the baking soda and vinegar method. This is safe for most types of pipes and doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals.

How to do it:

• Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain.
• Follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
• Let the mixture fizz and bubble for 15–30 minutes.
• Rinse with hot water.

This method is helpful for light clogs and regular maintenance. However, if your clogged drainage issue is more serious, this might not be enough.

Step 4: Use a Drain Snake

If the clog is stubborn, a drain snake can be a lifesaver. It’s a long, flexible tool that reaches deep into the pipe to break up or pull out whatever is blocking it.

How to do it:

• Carefully insert the snake into the drain.
• Push it in while turning the handle.
• When you feel resistance, twist and push gently to break up the clog.
• Pull it out slowly.
• Run water to see if it’s clear.

Drain snakes are cheap, easy to use, and super handy to have around. You’ll feel like a real plumber when you get that gunk out yourself.

Step 5: Clean the Trap (For Sinks)

Under the sink, there’s a U-shaped pipe called the trap. Sometimes, the clog is right there.

How to do it:

• Put a bucket underneath to catch water.
• Unscrew the trap using your hands or pliers.
• Empty the contents into the bucket.
• Rinse the pipe and reinsert it into place.

It’s a bit messy, but not too hard. Just make sure everything is screwed back tight when you’re done!

When to Call a Plumbing Service

If none of the above steps work, or if you continue to experience the same problem repeatedly, it may be time to call in the professionals. A trusted plumbing service can identify deeper issues, such as tree roots, broken pipes, or major blockages, that DIY tools may not be able to reach.

High Speed Plumbing recommends calling a licensed plumber if you smell something bad from the drain, hear strange gurgling sounds, or have water backing up in more than one fixture. These are signs that the problem is bigger than a simple clog.

Keep Your Drains Clear

Now that your drain is flowing again, let’s keep it that way!

• Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.
• Use a hair catcher in the shower.
• Run hot water after each use to help wash away buildup.
• Clean your drains monthly using the baking soda and vinegar trick.

Regular care helps avoid costly calls to a plumbing service and saves time in the long run. High Speed Plumbing also recommends having your pipes inspected annually for peace of mind.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’ve tried everything and still have a clogged draining issue, don’t stress. It’s okay to ask for help. Some problems need a skilled hand and the right tools. That’s when reaching out to an experienced plumber can make all the difference. Whether it’s a one-time job or part of regular upkeep, companies like High Speed Plumbing are ready to help you keep things flowing smoothly.

Remember, it’s better to deal with a small clog today than a major mess tomorrow.