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If you're dealing with a clogged sink drain, you may be able to avoid removing the drain by using a plunger to dislodge the clog. While we associate plungers with toilets, they can do the same job with your sink drain. Be gentle, though, as forceful movements can push clogs further into your plumbing system and make them more difficult to remove. Additionally, make sure you’re using a sink plunger—with a flat bottom—and not a toilet plunger—which has a smaller bottom protruding from the larger flat piece.

You should flush your AC drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup. Keeping your AC drain line clean prevents clogs, backups, mold growth, and extra wear on your AC unit. If you live in a humid area or have several furry pets, up your cleaning schedule to once a month.

A bit of water in the bowl can help unclog a toilet, especially if you're using a plunger. However, if the bowl is full to the brim, you'll need to strap on gloves and remove some of the wastewater in a cup or container so it doesn't overflow when you try to unblock the pipe. If you're concerned about it filling further, manually close the flapper in the toilet tank or turn off the water supply to the toilet.

The cost to unclog a drain varies based on the location and severity of the clog. For simple clogs within your home, such as in a sink, toilet, or shower, hiring a plumber typically costs between $110 and $350, with an average of around $200. Snaking a toilet or sink usually costs between $110 and $275, while a bathtub or shower clog costs about $225.

For a more serious clog in the main sewer line, the cost is higher. Clearing a main line clog generally costs between $200 and $600, with an average of about $380. However, prices can range from as low as $100 for snaking a minor clog to over $1,600, particularly if advanced methods like video inspection and hydrojetting are needed for a large or hard-to-reach blockage. Some severe main line clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear depending on factors like the cause of the clog, its distance from an accessible cleanout, and whether the pipe is located beneath an occupied space (e.g., in an apartment building). You may be able to save money on minor clogs by using a drain snake or bladder yourself.