These tools use vacuum pressure or forced air to dislodge soft blockages near the drain opening.
| Situation | First Tool to Try | Second Tool | Avoid | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Zip-It or small snake | Plunger (sealed overflow hole) | Liquid cleaner (if standing water) | | Toilet won't flush | Flange plunger | Toilet auger | Regular snake or chemicals | | Shower drain with standing water | Drain pump (if partial flow) | Hand spinner auger | Chemicals (dangerous in standing water) | | Kitchen sink with grease | Boiling water + dish soap | Plunger | Snake (just pokes holes in grease) | | Fully blocked main sewer line | Call a plumber | Electric auger (if experienced) | Chemical cleaners (can't reach it) | tools used to unclog drains
This is arguably the most satisfying tool on the market for the price (usually under $5). It is a long, thin piece of flexible plastic with barbs along the side. You slide it down the drain, pull it up, and it drags out a horrifying amount of hair and gunk. These tools use vacuum pressure or forced air
The classic wooden handle with a rubber cup. You slide it down the drain, pull it
The everyman’s tool. While everyone owns one, few people use it correctly. The physics relies on a vacuum seal. If you are plunging a sink with an overflow hole (common in bathroom sinks), the pressure escapes, rendering the tool nearly useless unless you plug the overflow with a wet rag.