Ready to fix that clogged drain?

So, you want to know how to unclog a drain? Has a clogged drain halted your water flow? Maybe your shower’s draining slow. Or your sink’s backing up bad. Don’t freak out yet! Fixing a clogged drain is totally doable. In fact, it just takes a few steps. So, you can handle a clogged shower drain yourself. Plus, clear a clogged sink drain too. With our guide, you’ll unclog it fast. Then, water runs smooth again! But wait—let’s talk prevention next. Because clogs are the number one charge renters face from property owners.

For instance, be mindful what goes down. Hair’s a big culprit always for a clogged drain. So, use a hair catcher in the shower. It snags strands before they sneak in. Also, don’t wash food scraps down the sink. That grease and gunk build up quick. Instead, toss leftovers in the trash first. By staying smart, you dodge landlord fees. Plus, you keep your deposit safe. Who doesn’t want that win?

Tools You May need – How to Unclog a drain

• Hair Catcher – For Stopping Drain Clogs
• Zip Stick – Easy affordable snaking solution
• Screwdriver – Combination screwdriver
• Flashlight – Scope the dark with this LED flashlight
• Needle-Nose Pliers – For grabbing hair or objects
• Drain Cleaner – Chemical solution for removing blockages
• Drain Snake – For tough Clogs

(Links posted are affiliate sponsored Links and purchases directly support our operation. We stand behind the products we recommend)

Step 1: Identifying your clogged drain

Start your DIY home repair by pinpointing the clogged drain issue. First, peek at the strainer. Is hair tangled around it tight, sometimes you can simply grab the hair and remove it? Check closely—shower drains catch strands easy. Next, lift the pop-up drain if it’s a bathroom sink. See gunk stuck there often? Try rinsing it then, consider the P-trap below. That U-shaped pipe traps grease or soap scum. For instance, unscrew it carefully—smell might hint at buildup. Alternatively, if water still sits, clogged drain is deeper. Think past the trap—maybe pipes hide the mess.

BoomTip – How to unclog a drain : A Hair catcher is a great way to prevent clogs and save money in repair charges

Step 2: Start Clearing the Clogged Drain

For a clogged Bathroom Sink: Begin by lifting the pop-up stopper. See that little lever under the sink? Push it up gently with your hand and unscrew, it should release the retaining nut and allow you to remove the pop-up. The stopper should pop out easy. Now, look close at it. Is there slimy hair wrapped around it? Maybe some gunky soap buildup too? Thats likely the cause of your clogged drain! Grab it with your fingers—gross, I know! Pull off as much as you can. Wipe it on a paper towel.

Still no flow? Don’t worry yet. Then, reach for a zip stick. It’s a long, bendy tool with barbs. Slide it into the drain slow. Push it down past the curve. Feel resistance? Twist it a bit. Pull it back up careful. Check what comes out—more hair, probably! Run some hot water behind it and put it back together in reverse order! If it still isn’t draining move on to step 3 of this guide

For a clogged Shower Drain: Switch gears—grab needle-nose pliers first. Look at the drain strainer. See hair poking out? Unscrew the drain cover with a flat-head screw driver and set aside, grab the hair. Pinch it with the pliers tight. Twist your wrist a little, the idea is to twist as much hair as possible. Then, pull it up steady. You’ll hopefully see a nasty clump come free. Drop it in the trash quick. No pliers around? No biggie! Instead, get a zip stick here. It’s super cheap and works great.

Feed it into the drain slow. Wiggle it around down there. Pull it out gentle—hair and soap will snag on it. Either way, test the water after, if it flows Great! (Buy a hair catcher PLEASE!). Still clogged? Move to Step 3—no sweat!

Step 3: Ramp Up Your Clogged Drain Fix

Still got a clogged drain? Time to get serious! So, let’s try tougher fixes now.

For a clogged Bathroom Sink: Start with a bucket under the sink. Place it below the P-trap first. That U-shaped pipe retains water to stop sewer gasses. Next, unscrew the nuts on both ends. Use your hands or a wrench. Then, the P-trap should drop down into the bucket. Catch the water in the bucket. Now, shine a flashlight inside it. See gunk or hair stuck there? Clean it out, consider rinsing the P-trap in another sink if you have odors with some bleach.

After, push a zip stick into the wall drain. Twist it deep to grab more. Still clogged? Consider a drain snake instead. Everyone should own a hand-operated one. Plus, wear gloves—gross stuff ahead! Feed the snake into the drain slow. Crank it to break the clog. Then, pull it back out. Reassemble the P-trap tight. Wipe up any spills.

For a clogged Shower Drain: Grab a hand snake. First, unscrew the overflow cover—this is located on the front of the tub, it’s usually chrome and has either one, or two retaining screws. Then, slide the snake down the overflow hole. Push it as far as it goes whilst cranking the snake. Hope it snags hair or soap buildup! Pull it back slow—check the gunk. Next, screw the cover back on snug. Test the water after. See if it flows free.

If Nothing Works: Neither fix the clogged drain? Don’t give up yet! For instance, try a drain cleaner next. Follow its instructions close—each chemical’s different. Or, give a plunger a try! Maybe call a plumbing company. But you’ve got this far—nice try!

Step 4: Prevent Clogged Drains Going Forward

Drain’s clear now? Awesome job! You’ve learnt how to unclog a drain. But let’s stop clogged drains before they start. So, here’s how to keep them flowing.

Be mindful every day. Don’t pour grease down the sink. It sticks fast. Next, use a hair catcher in the shower. Catch strands before they sneak in. Then, avoid flushing food scraps too. Toss them in the trash instead. Also, run hot water weekly, and consider flushing with bleach. It melts buildup .

• Gear Up: Wear gloves and safety glasses before tackling drains. So, when a clogged drain strikes, you’re protected. Boom—mess stays off you!
• Stock Up: Keep a plunger or zip stick ready. Then, if that clogged drain slows you down, you’re set to fight back fast.
• Know Your Lease: Check your rental agreement now. For instance, if it pins drain fixes on the landlord after a day, push ‘em hard. Save your wallet!
• Quick Check: Run hot water down drains monthly. Plus, peek for slow flow early. Catch a clogged drain before it’s a nightmare mess!

Check out our other Free home repair guides

• How To change a light bulb in 3 easy steps | Free Guide
• How To Unclog a Toilet in 3 easy steps | Free Guide
• How to Clean Mold – Get rid of mold in 3 steps | Free Guide