Clear a slow drain without pouring chemicals

Chemical drain cleaner eats pipes and rarely reaches the real clog. Mechanical beats caustic every time.

30 minutesMedium

What you need

1
Start with the pop-up or strainer
Most bathroom clogs live within six inches of the drain opening. Pull the stopper and clear the hair before you take anything apart.
2
Plunge with a proper seal
Block the overflow hole or the second sink basin with a wet rag, then plunge with short, firm strokes. Without a sealed system you are just splashing.
3
Drop the P-trap
Bucket underneath, loosen both slip nuts by hand or with pliers, and pull the U-shaped trap. Expect gray water. Clean it out and inspect the washers.
4
Snake the branch line
Feed a small hand snake into the wall stub and turn steadily. When you feel it grab, keep turning while you pull back slowly.
5
Reassemble and flow test
Hand-tighten the slip nuts, run hot water for a full minute, and dry the joints with a paper towel to spot any weep.

Never mix a chemical cleaner with mechanical work. If someone already poured it in, tell your plumber before they open the trap.

Multiple fixtures back up at once, you hear gurgling in another drain, or sewage smells appear. That points at the main line.