Before You Start: Safety & Smart Prep

• Skip chemical drain cleaners if you plan to plunge or open the P-trap—mixing methods is unsafe and can damage finishes and seals.
• Mind PVC: Very hot water can soften plastic fittings. Use hot—not boiling—water on plastic drains.
• Protect the area: Gloves, towels, a small bucket, and good lighting go a long way.

Method 1: Hot Water + Dish Soap + Baking Soda & Vinegar

Best for light clogs from soap film and grime.

1. Remove any standing water from the basin.
2. Heat water to very hot (avoid a hard boil for PVC).
3. Squeeze 2–3 seconds of dish soap into the drain, then pour the hot water slowly.
4. Still slow? Add 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup white vinegar.
5. Cover the drain with a stopper for 15–30 minutes as it fizzes.
6. Flush with more hot water.

Good sign: Water level drops and stays down. If not, move to Method 2.

Method 2: Plunge the Sink (Yes, It Works)

Best for clogs just beyond the stopper.

1. Remove the stopper (pull up and twist; if needed, loosen the pivot rod nut under the sink and re-tighten after).
2. Fill the basin until the drain is covered by about an inch of water.
3. Plug the overflow hole with a damp cloth for better pressure.
4. Center a sink plunger over the drain, seal, and plunge for 15–20 seconds.
5. Lift the plunger—water should rush away. Refill and test. Repeat if needed.

Method 3: Pull Hair with a Drain-Clearing Tool

Best for hair clogs that resist plunging.

1. Put on gloves and remove the stopper.
2. Feed a zip-it or barbed plastic stick into the drain as far as it will go.
3. Twist and jiggle to snag hair, then pull out slowly (expect a messy clump).
4. Repeat until the tool comes out clean, then flush with hot water and reinstall the stopper.

Method 4: Clean the P-Trap (U-Shaped Pipe)

Best for clogs trapped under the sink.

1. Clear the cabinet and place a bucket under the trap.
2. Loosen the slip nuts by hand or with slip-joint pliers and remove the trap.
3. Empty contents into the bucket; scrub the trap with a bottle brush or bent wire.
4. Check the trap arm (pipe to the wall) near the opening and wipe debris.
5. Reassemble and hand-tighten. Run water and check for leaks; snug a quarter-turn with pliers if needed.

Still Clogged? What It Might Mean

• A blockage farther down the line (shared bathroom drain or stack)
• A venting problem that causes slow drainage and gurgling
• A worn or misaligned pop-up assembly that traps debris

At this point, a licensed plumber can cable the line or run a small camera to diagnose without guesswork.

Memphis Tips to Prevent the Next Clog

• Use a hair catcher and clean it weekly.
• Rinse with hot water after shaving or brushing to move soap film through.
• Wipe and clean the stopper monthly—hair wraps around it.
• Go easy on heavy lotions, waxes, and thick cosmetics in the sink.
• Schedule a quick drain check if clogs return—older Midtown baths and busy family bathrooms clog faster.

Need a Hand? Choate’s Can Unclog Your Bathroom Sink Today

When DIY doesn’t do it—or you’d rather skip the mess—Choate’s licensed plumbers can clear the line, fix the stopper, and check for repeat-clog causes. We serve Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Lakeland, Southaven, Olive Branch, and nearby communities.

Schedule Service or call 901-755-4797.

Bathroom Sink Unclogging FAQs