Most clogs in sinks and tubs are due to a combination of hair and soaps and tepid water. If you have metal pipes, then hot water, and by hot I mean boiling hot, is the first thing you can try to get rid of the clog. Hot tap water will do nothing to dissolve the clog.
NOTE: Don't use boiling water if you have plastic PVC pipes as water over 175 degrees Fahrenheit can soften some types of PVC pipe possibly loosening joints (and water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit). For plastic pipes attempt to clear the clog using a plunger.
- On your stove, boil close to a gallon of water in the largest pot you have, or you can use a tea kettle.
- Carefully carry it over to the sink with the clog.
- Slowly pour the boiling water into the drain and see if it dissolves the clog.
- If not, proceed to the next step which uses a plunger.
