How to Clean and Unclog a Drain Step by Step

by Rafael Garcia · December 31, 2025

How to clean and unclog a drain step by step

In the drainage system of any building—and especially in residential homes—the most important aspect is always prevention. Proper use of drains significantly reduces the risk of clogs and extends the lifespan of the plumbing system.

How to clean and unclog a household drain

Basic rules to prevent clogged drains

All users of a household drainage system should follow a few essential rules:

Do not pour solid substances into sinks, bidets, showers, or bathtubs.
Avoid disposing of coffee grounds, food scraps, eggshells, or grease in kitchen sinks.
Do not use toilets as trash bins—never flush paper, cardboard, or plastic products.
Install drain strainers on all drainage openings.
Periodically pour boiling vinegar down the drain to clean pipes and avoid the long-term use of harsh chemical products.

How to unclog a drain properly

If a clog occurs despite preventive measures, follow these steps:

Cover the overflow opening with a wet cloth or sponge to prevent air from escaping.
If the sink has two bowls, seal one of them to concentrate pressure.
Use a plunger, applying firm and repeated pressure until the water flows freely.

In fixtures equipped with a trap, such as sinks and washbasins, an effective solution is to remove and clean the trap by loosening the two connecting nuts, clearing the debris, and reinstalling it.

For deeper clogs, a wire hook can be used to extract accumulated waste from the pipe.

If the installation does not include a trap, it will be necessary to open the floor drain or trap box and manually remove the blockage.

Summary table: drain clog prevention and solutions

Situation	Recommended action	Required tools	Frequency
Daily use	Avoid solids and grease	Drain strainers	Always
Preventive maintenance	Clean pipes with hot vinegar	Vinegar and water	Monthly
Minor clog	Use a plunger	Manual plunger	As needed
Trap blockage	Remove and clean the trap	Wrench and container	Occasional
Deep clog	Use wire or access trap box	Wire / basic tools	Occasional