Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O’Connor how sink clogs usually form and how a few simple habits can prevent them.
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Most sink clogs don’t happen overnight. Instead, they build slowly as grease, soap scum, hair, and debris collect inside the pipes. By the time water starts draining slowly, the buildup may already be significant.
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Where to find it?
Drain Maintenance
Enzymatic Cleaners
Multi-Purpose Enzyme Cleaner [amzn.to/4pA5QXy]
Adds beneficial bacteria to help break down organic material within drains and help deodorize. Use monthly or as directed by the manufacturer.
Baking Soda [amzn.to/3NqwFjA] & Vinegar [amzn.to/49m4j2M]
The small bubble reaction can help very minor buildups. Baking soda can help deodorize the drain. Use monthly.
Drain Clog Prevention Tools
Bathroom Sink Stopper w/ Removable Hair Catcher [amzn.to/4aWs9TS]
Bathroom Hair Catcher & Strainer [amzn.to/4qBUnbD]
Drain Cleaning Tools
Richard prefers trying to clear a clog with tools before resorting to chemical drain cleaners.
Drain Snake Auger [homedepot.sjv.io/JKe4y7]
Hair Snake [homedepot.sjv.io/3J6o3k]
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Richard advises using chemical cleaners with caution. Especially with septic tanks, garbage disposals, and old pipes like cast iron. While effective, they can cause damage to pipes if used too often.
If one is used and it fails, be wary of opening the pipes and/or plunging, as the splash can cause severe chemical burns. Always tell a plumber if you have used a chemical drain cleaner on a clog that they were called to work on.
100% Lye (sodium hydroxide) [homedepot.sjv.io/19nRO6]
Instant Power Hair and Grease Cleaner [homedepot.sjv.io/GKPGq6]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
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How to Prevent Sink Clogs | Ask This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
In this video, heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O’Connor how sink clogs usually form and how a few simple habits can prevent them.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Most sink clogs don’t happen overnight. Instead, they build slowly as grease, soap scum, hair, and debris collect inside the pipes. By the time water starts draining slowly, the buildup may already be significant.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Drain Maintenance
Enzymatic Cleaners
Multi-Purpose Enzyme Cleaner [amzn.to/4pA5QXy]
Adds beneficial bacteria to help break down organic material within drains and help deodorize. Use monthly or as directed by the manufacturer.
Baking Soda [amzn.to/3NqwFjA] & Vinegar [amzn.to/49m4j2M]
The small bubble reaction can help very minor buildups. Baking soda can help deodorize the drain. Use monthly.
Drain Clog Prevention Tools
Bathroom Sink Stopper w/ Removable Hair Catcher [amzn.to/4aWs9TS]
Bathroom Hair Catcher & Strainer [amzn.to/4qBUnbD]
Drain Cleaning Tools
Richard prefers trying to clear a clog with tools before resorting to chemical drain cleaners.
Drain Snake Auger [homedepot.sjv.io/JKe4y7]
Hair Snake [homedepot.sjv.io/3J6o3k]
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Richard advises using chemical cleaners with caution. Especially with septic tanks, garbage disposals, and old pipes like cast iron. While effective, they can cause damage to pipes if used too often.
If one is used and it fails, be wary of opening the pipes and/or plunging, as the splash can cause severe chemical burns. Always tell a plumber if you have used a chemical drain cleaner on a clog that they were called to work on.
100% Lye (sodium hydroxide) [homedepot.sjv.io/19nRO6]
Instant Power Hair and Grease Cleaner [homedepot.sjv.io/GKPGq6]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
How to Prevent Sink Clogs | Ask This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
