Unclog Pipes by Plunging

If a drain is sluggish, wait for most of the water to drain out. If the drain is clogged, bail out the water. For best results there should be about 2 inches of standing water in the sink -- just enough to cover the plunger.

Often hair and dirt caught on the stopper is the cause of the clog. Remove the stopper and clean it off. If the sink still does not drain readily, the real clog is farther down the line.

Stuff a wet rag into the overflow opening so water cannot spurt through it as you use the plunger. A helper may need to hold the rag in place as you plunge.

Make sure the plunger forms a tight seal around the drain hole. Work the plunger with a steady, firm, up-and-down motion. You'll feel the water pushing and pulling through the drain. If the clog does not clear immediately, don't give up. Make at least several attempts.

If the water suddenly drains out, the clog has passed out of the drainpipe and into the stack, or the plunger has sucked debris back into the sink. Pull debris out of the drain and/or sink. If the drain remains clogged after numerous attempts at plunging, move on to dismantling the trap.

If the sink has two bowls, have a helper block one drain with a second plunger or a rubber sink stopper while you plunge the other. Otherwise the plunging action will cause the water to spurt up into the other bowl.

Before plunging a bathtub remove the drain assembly and stuff the overflow hole with a wet rag. Remove the strainer and bail or add water until there is just enough water to cover the plunger.

Plunge a toilet with a flanged plunger with the flange pulled out. Fit the flange into the drain hole, seat the plunger firmly around the hole, and push and pull vigorously.