How To Unclog A Drain With Standing Water: 12 Steps - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Clear a Clogged Drain with Standing Water PDF download Download Article Clear up a drain by plunging or applying baking soda & vinegar Co-authored by David Balkan

Last Updated: February 18, 2025

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  • Plunging the Drain
    • |
  • Unclogging with Baking Soda & Vinegar
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by David Balkan. David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award. This article has been viewed 200,815 times.

A large pool of standing water is a telltale sign of a clogged drain. Standing water pools can attract insects, making your life difficult. However, there are several methods to clear a drain. Using a traditional plunger, or ingredients found at home, you can clear a drain quick.

Unclogging a Drain with Standing Water

Clear any debris you see blocking the drain, then use a container to scoop out all standing water. Plug the overflow drain with a rag, then place your plunger over the entire drain. Continuously push the plunger in and out until you hear the pipes begin to empty. Once the drain clears, run hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Plunging the Drain

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 1 Clear all the blockage from the drain. Wearing a pair of rubber gloves, pick out any debris that is blocking the drain. Oftentimes, hairs, soap scum, or other bathroom products can clog it.[1] By removing the blockage you may fix the standing water problem immediately. If the water remains, you will need to take further steps.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 2 Remove all standing water from the sink or tub.[2] Before continuing, you need to remove all the standing water so that you can work on the drains. With a bucket, scoop out the water and dispose of it outside, or down a functioning drain.[3] Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 3 Clear the overflow drain if there is one, then plug it with a rag. The overflow drain will usually sit below a tap. If the water level gets too high, the overflow drain helps the main drain get rid of the water. If there is an overflow drain, open it. An attached long coil will run down the drain. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Remove any hairs, scum, or miscellaneous blockage attached to the coil.[4]
    • A clogged overflow drain can contribute to a standing water problem.[5]
    • Not all drains have a corresponding overflow drain. If there isn't one, disregard this step.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 4 Begin plunging the drain, pushing in and out.[6] Place the plunger over the entirety of the drain. The suction cup will prevent any air from leaving. Then, keep pushing the handle in and out. This will clear any blockages move them towards the plunger. You will know you've cleared the drain when you hear the pipes begin to empty.[7]
    • Patience is key when plunging. It's rarely a fast process, but it is an effective one.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 5 Run hot water down the drain for 5-10 minutes to clear any other blockages. Once you hear the drain clear of the blockage, remove the plunger. Turn a hot tap on and let it run through the pipes for 5-10 minutes. This will help clear any residual blockages.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Trying Baking Soda and Vinegar

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 1 Remove any blockage in the drain. Hairs, bathroom products, or any other debris can cause the initial blockage. Use a pair of rubber gloves to remove and dispose of any debris clogging the drain. If this fixes the issue, you don't need to continue with the chemical cleansing process.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 2 Empty the sink or tub so no water remains. You won't be able to chemically clean the drain when standing water remains. Use a bucket or cup to empty any of the standing water remaining in the tub or sink.[8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 3 Prepare 1 cup (180g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar. Instead of using store-bought chemicals, you can use chemicals found in your kitchen to clear the drain. Fill 1 cup (180g) with baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) with a household vinegar. Any vinegar will work for this process. The more acidic the vinegar, the more effective it will be.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 4 Pour 1/2 cup (90g) of baking soda down the drain. Bring the chemicals beside the drain you're seeking to unblock. Pour 1/2 (90g) a cup of the baking soda down the drain. Make sure that it covers most of the interior. Use a long stick to push the baking soda as far down the drain as possible.[9]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 5 Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar down the drain then cover it with a rag. Once the baking soda is coating the inside of the pipe, slowly pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar down the drain. You should hear fizzing. This means the desired chemical reaction is working. Once you hear the fizzing, cover the drain with a rag.[10]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 6 Repeat the baking soda and vinegar process a second time. Listen to the fizzing. When it stops, remove the rag and pour the other 1/2 cup (90g) of baking soda down the drain. Then pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar as well. Let the process repeat, covering the drain with a rag.[11]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Unclog a Drain with Standing Water 7 After 30 minutes, pour hot water down the drain. After using the last of the baking soda and vinegar, wait for a full 30 minutes. Then, boil a kettle full of water. Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. This will clear the remnants of the clog and the chemicals still in the drain.[12]
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Things You'll Need

Plunging the Drain

  • Rubber gloves
  • Plunger

Trying Baking Soda and Vinegar

  • Rubber gloves
  • 1 cup (180g) of baking soda
  • 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar
  • A rag
  • Boiling water

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References

  1. ↑ David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/drain-repair/unclog-a-bathtub-drain-without-chemicals/view-all/
  4. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/clear-any-clogged-drain
  5. ↑ David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ David Balkan. Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/clear-any-clogged-drain
  8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/drain-repair/unclog-a-bathtub-drain-without-chemicals/view-all/
  9. ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/clean-your-drains-baking-soda-vinegar/
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/clean-your-drains-baking-soda-vinegar/
  2. ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/clean-your-drains-baking-soda-vinegar/
  3. ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/clean-your-drains-baking-soda-vinegar/

About This Article

David Balkan Co-authored by: David Balkan Professional Plumber This article was co-authored by David Balkan. David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award. This article has been viewed 200,815 times. 25 votes - 59% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 18, 2025 Views: 200,815 Categories: Blocked Drains Article SummaryX

To unclog a drain with standing water, start by clearing any visible blockage by putting on rubber gloves and pulling it out. If there's still standing water around the drain, scoop the water out with a bucket. Then, place your plunger over the entirety of the drain and push the handle in and out to move deeper blockages towards the surface. Since this can take some time, try to be patient and keep plunging until you hear the pipes begin to empty. Once the drain is cleared, remove the plunger and run hot water through the pipes for 5 to 10 minutes to clear any residual blockages. For more tips, including how to use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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  • Mark Stephan

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    Mar 12, 2019

    "It worked with just the plunger method! Silly me, it never came to mind. I immediately thought of the snake and..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. David Balkan Co-authored by: David Balkan Professional Plumber 25 votes - 59% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 18, 2025 Views: 200,815 Mark Stephan

Mark Stephan

Mar 12, 2019

"It worked with just the plunger method! Silly me, it never came to mind. I immediately thought of the snake and..." more Share yours!

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