How to Unclog a Drain Without Chemicals

In bathroom sinks and tubs, most clogs are hair wrapped around the stopper or strainer. Remove it, clean it and run hot water before trying anything else.

Use a cup plunger for sinks and tubs. Cover the overflow opening with a wet cloth so pressure goes down the drain, add enough water to cover the plunger cup, and use firm, steady strokes.

Under a sink, put a bucket below the curved trap, unscrew the two slip nuts by hand, empty and rinse the trap, then reassemble hand-tight and check for drips.

A small drum auger or plastic barbed drain strip reaches clogs a plunger can't. Feed it in slowly, turn it when you meet resistance, and pull the debris back out.

Caustic cleaners often just sit in standing water, can damage older metal pipe and chrome finishes, and make the water dangerous if a plunger or plumber has to open the drain afterward. If you've used one, tell the plumber.

Call when more than one fixture is slow, water rises in another drain, the clog returns within weeks, or you've tried the steps above without success.