How to Unclog a Drain

By the Super Simple Digital Tools Team · Updated June 2026 · Easy · 15 minutes

A slow or blocked drain is one of the most common household annoyances, and most clogs are caused by a build-up of hair, grease and soap scum near the opening. You can usually clear it in a few minutes with tools you already have.

Steps

1. Remove visible debris. Lift out the stopper or strainer and pull away any hair or gunk you can reach with gloved fingers or a bent wire hook.
2. Try boiling water. For grease-based clogs, slowly pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain in two or three stages, pausing between each.
3. Use baking soda and vinegar. Pour about half a cup of baking soda, then half a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and leave it to fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
4. Plunge it. If water is still pooling, use a cup plunger. Fill the basin with enough water to cover the plunger lip and pump firmly 10–15 times.
5. Snake the pipe. For stubborn clogs, feed a drain snake or a straightened wire coat hanger into the pipe, twist to catch the blockage, and pull it out.

Tips

• Run hot water for 30 seconds weekly to keep grease from building up.
• Use a hair catcher in showers — hair causes most bathroom clogs.
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners on a fully blocked pipe; they can sit and damage pipework.