strainer

Common Methods

Clearing a sink may involve nothing more than removing the strainer or stopper from the drain opening. Push the stopper up, and pull away any soap, hair, food matter, or other debris that may clog the opening or be dangling down into the drain.

pop-up assembly

The strainers in kitchen sinks and many bathroom sinks simply lift out. Others require a slight turn before they will come out. With some, you must pull out the pivot rod before the stopper will come out. If you want to auger the sink, you will have to remove the pivot rod (see Adjusting Drain Assemblies, Related Projects).

plunger

A plunger uses water pressure to blast out obstructions and suction to bring stuff up. The plunger's rubber cup must seal tightly around the drain opening. Water in the sink helps create a seal; rubbing petroleum jelly on the plunger rim also helps. Stuff a rag into any openings, such as an overflow outlet. Push and pull rapidly with the plunger.

auger

If plunging doesn't work, fit an auger down the drain. Cranking the auger handle rotates a stiff spring that bores through a stubborn blockage. Augering may push blockage through, or it may snag something so you can pull it up and out. If none of these techniques works, see Dismantling Fixture Traps, Related Projects.