DIY guideSink drain

Clear a blocked sink trap

When a sink still won't drain after plunging, take the U-shaped trap off, clear it into a bucket, and put it back.

8 steps

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Empty the cabinet, and set a bucket and a towel right under the U-shaped trap.
Not after drain cleaner: the water in the trap can burn. Call a plumber instead.
Unscrew the big nut at each end of the U by hand, or with pliers wrapped in a cloth. Water will run out.
Lower the U into the bucket and tip out what's in it.
Pull out hair and gunk with a gloved finger or an old toothbrush, and rinse the U in another sink.
Look into the pipe going into the wall, and pull out anything you can reach.
Set its washers in place, line the U up, and tighten the nuts by hand, then a quarter turn more.
Run the water for a minute and wipe under each nut with a dry tissue. Snug any that drips.
Still slow with the trap clear, or water comes up somewhere else: the block is further in. Ask Handyman for a plumber.

Handyman says: Block's further in? I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.