The clog is past the trap: call a plumber

Why this happens

With the stopper area and the trap clean, what is left is the pipe beyond the trap. Lowe's says to contact a professional plumber if you cannot clear a clog, or if the pipes are older or corroded. Home Depot also points to professional plumbing services for stubborn clogs. The City of Minneapolis says slow drainage is typically caused by clogs in the property's own plumbing, and names a drain cleaning service as a call to make.

What to do right now

1. If one drain cleaner has not cleared it, do not try a second type. Lowe's says mixing chemicals can create toxic fumes.
2. If drain cleaner is sitting in the sink, leave it alone and keep others away from it. MedlinePlus says drain cleaners contain very dangerous chemicals that can be harmful if you swallow them, breathe them in, or get them on your skin or in your eyes.
3. If anyone swallows drain cleaner, breathes it in, or gets it on skin or in eyes, MedlinePlus says to seek immediate medical help: call your local emergency number, such as 911, or the national Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. MedlinePlus also says not to make anyone throw up unless Poison Control or a health care professional tells you to. For skin or eyes, MedlinePlus says to flush with at least 2 quarts of water for at least 15 minutes.
4. Go easy on this sink until it is cleared so it does not overflow.
5. Call a licensed plumber or a drain cleaning service, and say exactly what has gone down the drain. Family Handyman says leftover caustic chemicals are a danger to anyone who takes the trap apart or uses an auger.

When to stop. If other drains start to slow or gurgle, or water backs up anywhere, stop using water. Family Handyman says a main line clog usually affects more than one fixture, so tell the plumber.

Start this troubleshooter over

FourHome is our sister brand. Browse all FourHome replacement faucet and shower parts on the FourHome Amazon store. We earn from purchases made through this link.