A sink that takes forever to drain or a shower that leaves you standing in a puddle is one of the most common household annoyances. The good news is that most slow drains can be fixed in under an hour with a few simple tools, no harsh chemicals and no plumber.

This guide starts with the easiest fixes and works up. Stop as soon as the water flows freely again.

Why drains get slow

Most clogs build up over time. In bathroom sinks and tubs, the usual culprit is hair mixed with soap scum. In kitchen sinks, it is often grease, food scraps and coffee grounds. Knowing the likely cause helps you pick the right fix.

What you will need

  • A pot or kettle for hot water.
  • A cup plunger (the flat-bottom kind for sinks and tubs).
  • A plastic drain-cleaning strip or a small hand-crank drain snake.
  • Rubber gloves, a bucket and an old towel.
  • An adjustable wrench or pliers, only if you need to open the P-trap.

Step 1: Clean the stopper and the opening

Start with the simplest step. Remove the sink or tub stopper if it lifts out, and clean off the hair and gunk that collects on it. Many bathroom clogs are sitting right there, just below the surface.

Step 2: Flush with hot water

For kitchen sinks, slowly pour a pot of hot tap water or water that has cooled slightly after boiling down the drain. This can soften grease buildup. Avoid pouring boiling water into drains if you have PVC pipes or a porcelain sink, as extreme heat can damage them.

Step 3: Use a plunger

Fill the sink or tub with a few inches of water so the plunger can form a seal. If there is an overflow hole, cover it with a wet cloth. Place the plunger over the drain and pump firmly up and down 10 to 15 times, then pull it away quickly. Repeat a few times if needed.

For a double kitchen sink, plug the other side before plunging so the pressure goes toward the clog.

Step 4: Pull out the clog with a drain strip or snake

If plunging does not work, the clog may be a clump of hair. Push a plastic drain-cleaning strip or small drain snake into the drain, twist it, and slowly pull it back out. Expect it to bring up some unpleasant material, so keep a bag or paper towels nearby. Repeat until it comes out clean.

Step 5: Clean the P-trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink. Clogs often settle here. Place a bucket underneath, then loosen the slip nuts on each side, by hand if possible or gently with pliers. Remove the trap, empty it, clean it out with an old toothbrush, and reattach it. Hand-tighten the nuts, run water and check for leaks.

Keep it from coming back

  • Use a mesh drain cover in showers and bathroom sinks to catch hair.
  • Scrape plates into the trash or compost before washing.
  • Never pour cooking grease down the sink; let it cool and throw it away.
  • Run hot water for a few seconds after using the kitchen sink.

When to call a plumber

Call a professional if several drains in your home are slow at once, if water backs up into other fixtures, if you notice sewage smells, or if none of the steps above help. Those can be signs of a problem deeper in the main line.

The wrap

Most slow drains are a simple fix: clean the stopper, plunge, pull out the clog and check the P-trap. With a few inexpensive tools and some patience, you can skip the harsh chemicals and get things flowing again yourself.

Image: Kitchen renovation new plumbing valve beneath kitchen sink with teflon tape by Tomwsulcer via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0