How to Unclog Your Sink with a Plunger
Last updated September 7, 2023
Sinks get clogged and backed up when soap, hair and grease build up and clog the trap or drain line. When that happens, don't immediately reach for the drain cleaner or call plumbing repair services for help. This guide will teach you an easy way to clear the drain by using a plunger.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Duration:
Under 2 hours
Table of Contents
Clear Any Debris from the Sink
Remove the Sink Stopper
Fill the Sink with Water
Roll the Plunger Onto the Drain
Plunge
Clear Any Debris from the Sink
Before you begin to plunge your sink, remove any visible debris. Floating waste or debris can interfere with plunging or make the clog worse. If the water has been standing for a long time, put on rubber gloves before reaching into the sink. This will keep your hands clean and free of bacteria.
Remove the Sink Stopper
Take the stopper out of the sink. Some older stoppers have a pivot rod that has to be removed. Under the sink, you'll see a locking nut where the rod enters the drain pipe. Remove the nut, and pull the rod out. Have a cleaning rag close at hand when removing the locking nut as a small amount of debris may spill out.
Fill the Sink with Water
To create a tight seal with the plunger, you will need to fill the sink with water. Fill the sink three to four inches above the drain. If there is already standing water that reaches this height, you can skip this step.
Tip: You can use hot or cold water, but hot water can be more effective when removing grease or food clogs.
Roll the Plunger Onto the Drain
To ensure an effective plunge, you need to use the proper technique. Putting the plunger straight onto the drain will trap air underneath it. Instead, roll the plunger onto the drain. Push it down on one side of the drain and roll it around to form a tight seal. Look to make sure it’s covering all edges of the drain.
Tip: If you’re not sure if the plunger is secure, plunge up and down. If there is no resistance, your plunger is not sealed around the drain.
Plunge
Once your plunger is secure, place one or two hands on the handle. Press up and down rapidly for 20 seconds. Pop the plunger off of the drain using a straight up motion. Check to see if the water begins to flow down the drain. If the water is still stuck, repeat the plunging process until it clears.
Clearing a clogged sink can feel like a daunting task. However, with a simple bathroom plunger, you can have your drain cleared in no time. Get gloves, plungers and more. Use the Home Depot Mobile App to locate products and check inventory. We’ll take you to the exact aisle and bay. If plunging doesn't work, consider renting more heavy-duty drain cleaning tools from the Home Depot Tool Rental Center. Plumbing tools available include small, medium and large drain cleaners as well as augers, pumps, drain cameras and others.
