Use a wet rag to cover the overflow outlet in your tub or basin. Pack in the rag as tight as possible. Many kitchen sinks are not equipped with such a vent, but you can cover the opening in the adjacent basin if you are working with a two-basin sink.

Let the faucet in the clogged basin fill it up with water up to the height of your plunger head. Create a better vacuum for your plunger by applying petroleum jelly to its lip. Slide the plunger over the drain and pump it rapidly. Water should now flow into the drain and out. The pressure built by the plunger action should force the blockage out of the drain. Abruptly disengage the plunger after approximately a dozen forceful push-and-pulls. If the drain remains clogged, repeat the process three or four times, and water should rush out. Otherwise, proceed to a different method.

Use a chemical clog remover if the plunger method does not remove the blockage. Do not use chemicals if the drain is totally clogged, as the caustic components of chemical clog removers may damage your sink’s fixtures or finish. In this case, use a plumber’s snake. To use this device, remove the strainer or stopper from the clogged outlet and insert the plumber’s snake into the opening. While inserting the length of the device, crank the handle to tighten and loosen the screw. If the snake encounters the blockage, move it in and out while turning the crank. Do not stop turning the handle as you withdraw the plumber’s snake.

If the device cannot remove the blockage, use a bucket to catch stagnant water while you detach the sink’s clean-out plug. Use an unraveled wire hanger to make a hooked length of wire to reach the clog. You can resort to the plumber’s snake once more if the wire hanger does not work. Insert the plumber’s snake into the drainpipe to remove the blockage.

If the basin does not have a clean-out plug, remove the entire trap. Use the wire hanger to loosen the blockage and remove it. Flush the trap with hot water and clean with a steel brush and use the plumber’s snake to reach into the drain extension if the clog remains.

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