Plunger

• Plungers are commonly used on clogged sinks to dislodge the plug. Before the plunger is used, overflows and additional sink drains must be plugged. Bathroom sinks are manufactured with overflow drains that allow air into the lines, decreasing the plunger's effectiveness. Kitchen sinks commonly are accompanied by an additional sink that also allows air into the drain or disallows water pressure to build up against the clog.
  
  Dampen a towel and push it into the hole until a seal is made. With the overflow or additional drain sealed, the plunger can be rapidly pushed up and down on the drain, moving the water against the plug.
  
  

Trap Removal

• Underneath any sink is a trap in the plumbing. Traps hold water to seal off gases entering from the sewer system. In addition to holding water, traps hold debris washed down the sink's drain. Place a bucket underneath the trap. Use a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts on the trap. Remove the nuts and lower the trap into the bucket. Clean all debris and buildup in the trap and replace it.
  
  

Chemicals

• Caustic chemicals should be used sparingly to open clogged sinks. These products contain hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. If clogs are not cleared by these chemicals, further repair methods become that much more dangerous. Because of these hazards, chemicals are not intended to open completely stopped drains but are used only for slow drains. Homemade cleaners made of white vinegar and baking soda are much safer to use and have been effective. Wear gloves when using chemical drain openers, and use in a well-ventilated area.
  
  

Drain Cleaning Machine

• Drain cleaning machines should be used if the clog is not in the trap but farther down the drain line. The sink's water trap should be removed and the drain cleaning machine's end inserted into the pipe. If the drain cleaning machine does not clear the line, the problem is probably in the main stack. Large drain cleaning machines can be used to clear these lines. Stacks can be cleared by opening clean-outs plumbed into the system when the plumbing was first installed or by the vent protruding through the roof.