When you need clogged sink, tub & shower drains
- A single sink, tub or shower that drains slowly or not at all
- A kitchen sink that backs up when the dishwasher runs
- A bathroom sink with standing water after plunging
- Drains that smell even after cleaning the stopper
How it works
- Remove the stopper or strainer and clear visible debris.
- For sinks, remove and clean the P-trap and check the trap arm for buildup.
- Run a hand auger into the branch line if the trap is clear.
- Test flow with a full basin of water, not just a running faucet, to confirm the clog is fully cleared.
Limits and when it’s not the right fix
- If clearing one fixture causes another fixture to back up, the clog is in a shared line.
- Very old galvanized branch lines can be so narrowed by corrosion that cleaning gives little improvement.
- Tub drains with non-removable stoppers may need the overflow plate removed to reach the clog.
What affects the cost
We don’t publish national price figures because real quotes vary too much by region, access and the condition of your system. These are the factors that move the price:
- Access to the trap and branch line
- Fixture type and stopper design
- Pipe material and age
- Whether a wall or cabinet must be opened
Ask for a written quote that names the method, materials and any permit or restoration work before work begins.
Clogged Sink, Tub & Shower Drains: common questions
Why is only one drain clogged?
If only one fixture is affected, the blockage is almost always in that fixture's trap or branch line, not the main sewer. That makes it a smaller, more localized repair.
Why does my kitchen sink keep clogging?
Grease, starch and food particles build up in the trap arm and the branch line behind the cabinet. Disposals make the particles smaller but do not stop buildup. Repeated clogs often mean the branch line itself needs to be cleaned, not just the trap.
How do I unclog a shower drain without chemicals?
Remove the strainer, pull hair out with a plastic drain tool or a bent wire, then flush with hot (not boiling) water. A small hand auger can reach clogs further down.
Is boiling water safe for drains?
Boiling water can soften PVC joints and crack porcelain sinks. Very hot tap water is safer and works for minor grease clogs.
Why does my bathroom sink drain slowly even after cleaning the stopper?
The clog may be in the trap or the drain line behind the wall, or the sink's vent may be partly blocked. If the trap is clear and flow is still slow, the branch line or vent should be checked.
