How to unclog a slow bathroom sink drain

Difficulty Easy Time 1-2 hours Materials $8–$22 Steps 5
Easy1-2 hours
Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with drain cleaners.
Do it yourself
$8$22
parts & materials, about 1-2 hours of your time
Hire a pro
$100$200
typical all-in price
Doing it yourself could save roughly $78
Rough estimates for guidance only — actual costs vary by job, materials and local prices. Get real quotes.

Tools you'll need

plungerdrain snakebucket

Parts & materials

Drain cleaner
Typically need: 1
$5-$15
per each
Plumber's tape
Typically need: 1
$3-$7
per each

Estimated materials total: $8–$22. Prices vary by region and retailer.

Step by step

  1. 1 Remove the sink stopper Take out the sink stopper to allow better access to the drain. 10 min bucket Be careful not to drop the stopper down the drain.
  2. 2 Use a plunger Place the plunger over the drain and pump it vigorously to create suction. 10-15 min plunger
  3. 3 Apply drain cleaner If the plunger doesn't work, apply a commercial drain cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. 15 min Ensure proper ventilation and avoid mixing different cleaners.
  4. 4 Use a drain snake If the clog persists, use a drain snake to remove any blockages deeper in the pipe. 20-30 min drain snake
  5. 5 Reassemble the sink Once the clog is cleared, reassemble the sink stopper and test the drain. 10 min

Permits, safety & disposal

Safety rules
  • Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.
  • Do not mix different types of drain cleaners.
Legal disposal
  • Dispose of any unused drain cleaner at a household hazardous waste facility.
Check locally

Check with the Naperville local building authority for any specific plumbing codes.

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This guide is AI-generated for general help and may not fit your exact situation. Know your limits — when in doubt, hire a licensed pro.

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