Fixing Clogged Drains: What Works, What Doesn’t, and When It’s Time to Call for Backup

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to unclog a drain yourself (with a supply list in hand), what to expect from a professional visit—including real price ranges—and how to stop the cycle of recurring clogs for good.

Whether it’s your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry drain that’s acting up, here’s the real talk: clogs happen to everyone. You’re not gross. You’re not doing anything wrong. And no, you don’t have to panic and dump half a bottle of chemicals down your sink.

Let’s get into what actually helps—and how to fix it safely.

Step One: What Drain Are We Even Talking About?

Not all clogs are the same, and your approach shouldn’t be either. Knowing where the problem is helps you fix it faster—and avoid making it worse.

Bathroom Sink or Tub Clogs

These are usually shallow and caused by a lovely mix of hair, soap, toothpaste sludge, and the occasional dropped bobby pin. They’re common and often fixable without calling in help—unless they keep coming back.

DIY Supply List

• Plastic zip-it tool or hair snake ($2–$5)
  
  
• Baking soda + vinegar
  
  
• Boiling water
  
  
• Rubber gloves
  
  
• Old toothbrush
  
  
• Optional: Enzyme drain cleaner ($7–$12)

DIY Step-by-Step

1. Remove the stopper or drain cover. Use a screwdriver if needed.
   
   
2. Insert a zip-it tool and pull out any gunk. Gloves are strongly encouraged.
   
   
3. Pour ½ cup baking soda, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Cover and wait 10–15 minutes.
   
   
4. Slowly pour boiling water down the drain in two rounds.
   
   
5. Scrub around the drain opening with an old toothbrush.
   
   
6. Optional: Pour enzyme cleaner in overnight to maintain flow.

Professional Fix & Cost

Typical Cost: $99–$150
Time: 30–60 minutes

What They Do

• Remove and inspect drain cover
  
  
• Use a hand auger (snake) to reach deeper clogs
  
  
• Flush the line and inspect fittings

Kitchen Sink Clogs

Even with good habits, the combo of grease, oil, dish soap, and food bits can gum up a kitchen sink over time. Grease doesn’t just disappear—it sticks to pipes and builds up slowly.

DIY Supply List

• Large pot for boiling water
  
  
• Dish soap
  
  
• Baking soda + vinegar
  
  
• Optional: Hand auger ($25–$35)
  
  
• Optional: Enzyme cleaner for monthly maintenance

DIY Step-by-Step

1. Squirt dish soap directly down the drain.
   
   
2. Pour boiling water slowly in two stages.
   
   
3. If water still drains slowly, add baking soda and vinegar. Wait 10 minutes.
   
   
4. Flush again with hot water.
   
   
5. Optional: Use a hand auger for deeper clogs (be careful not to scratch pipes).

Professional Fix & Cost

Typical Cost: $125–$200
Time: 45–90 minutes

What They Do

• Disconnect and clean the P-trap
  
  
• Snake the line or use hydrojetting
  
  
• Inspect the garbage disposal for buildup or blockages

Toilet Clogs

We’ve all been there. If plunging isn’t working, and you’re sure nothing unusual was flushed, it might be deeper than you think.

DIY Supply List

• Flange-style plunger ($10–$20)
  
  Bucket and towels
  
  Optional: Enzyme treatment (for overnight use—not emergencies)

DIY Step-by-Step

1. Add enough water to cover the plunger head in the bowl.
   
   
2. Use slow, even plunges to avoid backsplash.
   
   
3. If nothing moves after 2–3 tries, stop—you don’t want to risk overflowing.
   
   
4. Optional: Pour in an enzyme cleaner overnight to help break up soft waste buildup.

Professional Fix & Cost

Typical Cost: $125–$175
Time: 30–45 minutes

What They Do

• Use a toilet auger to reach and clear deeper blockages
  
  
• Check the toilet trap and flush mechanism
  
  
• Inspect water flow for lingering issues

Laundry or Utility Sink Clogs

These drains collect lint, soap residue, and dirt—especially if your washer empties directly into them. They’re often neglected until they start backing up.

DIY Supply List

• Enzyme cleaner or degreaser
  
  
• Boiling water
  
  
• Lint trap for washer hose ($5–$10)
  
  
• Wet/dry vacuum (optional for standing water)

DIY Step-by-Step

1. If there’s standing water, remove it with a wet/dry vac.
   
   
2. Pour enzyme cleaner or degreaser into the drain.
   
   
3. Let it sit overnight, then flush with boiling water.
   
   
4. Add a lint trap to your washer hose to reduce future clogs.

Professional Fix & Cost

Typical Cost: $150–$250
Time: 60–90 minutes

What They Do

• Snake the drain
  
  
• Clean or replace the trap
  
  
• Check for downstream blockages

Multiple Drains or Basement Backups

This is not a DIY situation. If more than one drain is slow or water backs up into a floor drain, you’re likely dealing with a main sewer line issue.

Professional Fix & Cost

Time: 90–180 minutes

What They Do

• Use a high-powered motorized snake or hydrojetting system
  
  
• Perform a camera inspection to check for roots, breaks, or buildup
  
  
• Provide treatment or repair recommendations

Typical Cost

• Mainline snaking: $300–$600
  
  
• Jetting (for grease/roots): $400–$750
  
  
• Camera inspection: $150–$250

Plumbing Fixes to AVOID

Some fixes look clever online but can cause serious damage in real life—especially if you’re working with older plumbing. One of the most common mistakes we see is the use of chemical drain cleaners. These products often contain lye or sulfuric acid, which are highly corrosive. They generate heat as they work, which can warp PVC pipes and eat away at galvanized steel or cast iron—common materials in homes built before the 1980s. Over time, these chemicals don’t just damage pipes; they can also loosen joints and fittings, leading to leaks inside your walls or under your floors.

Bleach is another popular go-to, especially because it smells clean and seems powerful. But it doesn’t actually dissolve clogs—it just sits there. Worse, if bleach combines with ammonia (often present in other cleaners or even urine), it can produce chloramine gas, which is highly toxic. And if you're on a septic system, bleach is even more of a no-go, since it kills off the beneficial bacteria that keep your system running smoothly.

Then there’s the temptation to poke at the clog with whatever you’ve got on hand—hangers, screwdrivers, broom handles. We've seen it all. Unfortunately, metal tools can do more harm than good. They might scratch or crack your sink or toilet, puncture flexible pipes, or even jam the clog further down. One wrong move and suddenly you're not just dealing with a clog—you’re dealing with a leak, a mess, and a much more expensive fix.

When It’s Time to Call Someone (And Why That’s Not a Failure)

If you’ve already:

• Tried multiple DIY fixes
  
  
• Used the right tools and nothing changed
  
  
• Smelled something suspicious
  
  
• Noticed more than one drain backing up at once

Then no, you’re not being dramatic—it’s time to bring in backup. Professionals have tools that reach deeper into your drain system and can diagnose issues that you just can’t see (like cracked pipes, root intrusion, or years of buildup hiding under your house).

Why the Same Drain Keeps Clogging (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)

If you're already using a hair catcher, wiping out pans before washing, and following all the “good homeowner” rules, and you're still dealing with backups, you're not doing anything wrong.

You’re just dealing with older plumbing—or pipes that have narrowed from the inside out over time. Think of it like plaque in arteries. It builds quietly, and even if water seems to be draining fine, things can start backing up fast once there's enough restriction.

If your go-to tricks aren’t working anymore—or if you’d rather just stay ahead of the next clog instead of reacting to it—this might be the right time to consider a professional drain cleaning or even a maintenance membership. It's not about overreacting; it’s about making smart choices that save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

You don’t need to handle everything on your own. You just need a plan that works—and someone you trust when it’s time to call for backup. Schedule your plumbing service call now to prevent clogs tomorrow.