Unstopping Clogged Lavatory Drains

by DoItYourself Staff

If the lavatory drain is only slightly clogged, try opening it by removing the drain stopper and probing for hair and other debris with a short piece of wire.

Step 1: If this doesn't work, try a plunger. Since your lavatory drain has an overflow outlet, you'll need to plug it with tape or rags before using a plunger (Fig. 3). After plugging the overflow drain, use the plunger exactly as you would in opening an ordinary sink.

Step 2: If the wire and plunger treatments do not work, use a sink auger or plumber's snake. You may be able to do this without removing the sink trap (Fig. 4).

Step 3: If none of these efforts works, set a pail under the lavatory and remove the trap (Fig. 5). Cover the chrome nut with tape or a rag to prevent marring by the wrench.

Step 4: Loosen the thumbscrew on the plumber's snake and move the handle back about 3' (Fig. 6). Insert the snake into the drainpipe, rotate the auger, feed it in, then rotate again. This allows you to drive the snake deeply into the drainpipe.