Clearing a clogged drain

Do it like this

1. Stop running water into the drain, so it doesn't overflow while you work.
2. Pick the right plunger. A cup plunger works best for sink and tub or shower drains. For a toilet, use a flange plunger, which has a soft rubber flap on the bottom that seals better. Source: Consumer Reports¹
3. Seal the other opening. On a double sink, cover the drain you're not plunging so the plunger can build the pressure it needs. Source: Consumer Reports² Do the same with the small overflow hole near the top of most bathroom sinks and tubs (a wet rag works).
4. Plunge. Make sure the cup is covered by water and sealed over the drain, then push and pull firmly a number of times before lifting. A plunger may work if the blockage is in or near the trap, the U-shaped pipe under the drain. Source: Consumer Reports¹
5. Snake it if plunging fails. A snake is a metal cable with a corkscrew-shaped spring on the end. You feed it into the pipe so it hooks the clog, then pull it out. Snakes are better than plungers at clearing the sludge that causes the next clog. Wear safety glasses and gloves, because dirty water and debris can splash. Source: Consumer Reports¹
6. Use chemicals only as a last resort, and follow the label exactly. Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses, open a window or run a fan, and keep kids and pets away. Source: Consumer Reports¹ Pour from close to the drain. Splash-back happens when cleaner is poured from too high, or when too much goes into a completely blocked drain. Source: Poison Control⁴
7. Still clogged? Call your landlord or a plumber. What looks like one stuck drain can actually be a blockage in a bigger branch line or the building drain. Source: Consumer Reports¹ If you already poured in a drain cleaner, tell them, so they can protect themselves from the lye. Source: Consumer Reports²

If it doesn't work

• Drain cleaner splashed in your eyes or on your skin? Rinse immediately with running water for at least 20 minutes, taking off any clothing with cleaner on it, then call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use webPOISONCONTROL online. Source: Poison Control³
• Breathed in fumes? Get to fresh air right away, then contact Poison Control. Source: Poison Control³ Someone swallowed it? Give a small amount of water or milk right away, then contact Poison Control. Source: Poison Control³ If they collapse, have a seizure, have trouble breathing or can't be woken up, call 911. Source: Poison Control⁵
• Thinking about baking soda and vinegar? Poison Control explains that drains aren't airtight, so the gas mostly escapes, and the mix is unlikely to be strong enough for tough grease clogs. Source: Poison Control⁴
• Want something gentler? Enzyme drain cleaners are safer for pipes and septic systems, but they're slower: leave them for hours or overnight, sometimes more than once. Source: Consumer Reports¹
• Flimsy, accordion-style plastic pipe under the sink? Chemical cleaners create heat and have been known to melt cheap, non-code replacement pipes. Old, rusted plumbing is a concern too. Source: Consumer Reports¹ Plunge or snake instead.
• Toilet overflowing? Turn off the water valve behind it first. See Finding your water shutoff and breaker panel.