Home Improvement How-To's: Unclog Sink Drain with Plunger

Sinks get clogged and backed up when soap, hair, and grease build up and clog the trap or the drain line. When that happens, don't reach for the drain cleaner. Instead, try to clear the drain by cleaning gunk off the sink stopper or plunging the sink.
 
SKILL SCALE
Easy
 

TIME REQUIRED
Clearing a sink drain usually takes less than half an hour.
 

TOOLS
Pliers
Plunger
 

MATERIALS
Rag

 
STEPS
 
Step 1 Step 1
 		 Take the stopper out of the sink. Some pop-up stoppers lift out directly; others turn counterclockwise. 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.
 
Step 2
 		 Stuff a wet rag in the sink overflow opening. This prevents air from escaping as you work with the plunger. Place the plunger cup over the drain opening and run enough water to cover the rubber cup. Move the plunger up and down rapidly to clear the clog.