How to unclog a sink the easy way (No Plunger needed), by Jeffthemaintenanceman on YouTube. 1 min 38 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 38 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put a bucket under the sink trap and lay towels around it. Water will spill when you open the pipe, so protect the cabinet floor first.
Clear space in the cabinet below the sink so you can reach the P-trap, the curved pipe section.
Loosen the slip nuts on both sides of the trap by hand or with a screwdriver. Turn them counterclockwise.
Slide the trap off and empty the trapped water and debris into the bucket. Most clogs sit right here.
Look inside the trap and the pipe ends. Pull out hair, food scraps or soap buildup with your fingers or a coat hanger.
If the clog is deeper, push a straightened coat hanger or drain snake down the pipe toward the wall and pull the blockage back out.
Refit the trap and hand tighten both slip nuts. Check that the washers sit straight so it will not leak.
Run hot water for a minute and watch under the sink for drips. Tighten the nuts a little more if you see water.
Tips and common mistakes
Never pour chemical drain cleaner into a sink you plan to open, since it can splash back on your skin.
Hand tighten plastic slip nuts only, because a wrench can crack them.
Run hot water weekly to keep grease and soap from building up again.
If the water still drains slowly, the clog is further down the line and may need a drain snake or a plumber.
Questions
Do I need a plunger or chemicals for this?
No. Removing the P-trap and clearing it by hand handles most sink clogs without either.
What if the sink still drains slowly after cleaning the trap?
The blockage is likely deeper in the pipe. Use a longer drain snake or call a plumber.
Is it safe to open the trap myself?
Yes for most plastic or metal traps. Wear gloves, keep the bucket ready and avoid overtightening the nuts.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
