Most clogs can be cleared with Draino or similar plumbing clog removal products. Be sure to check the label for compatibility with your sink and drain type (i.e. enamel or stainless steel, copper or aluminum pipes).

For stubborn clogs, drain cleaner may not work. In that case grab the plunger. If there isn't any standing water in the sink already, fill the basin with about two or three inches of water; you need the liquid to help push the clog through the pipes. Next remove the drain stopper or strainer. Note: Bathroom sinks and tubs usually have overflow holes near the top of the basin. If your sink has overflow holes, and standing water is more than a few inches, be sure to block the holes with a wet rag.

Use the plunger. Stand over the plunger and use two hands to push it down and up several times (rubber gloves are optional). You're building up a pressurized force, so don't let the cup come off the drain. After six or seven repetitions, pull the plunger off. If the water drains away, the clog has moved on down the pipes. If it doesn't, repeat until it does.

If this still does not work, you can try opening the P trap under the sink with a plumbers wrench. Place a bucket below to catch the water (and whatever material is stuck in the pipe) when you open the trap. Use a straightened wire coat hangar to dislodge any crud in the pipes. Before closing the P trap, you will need to use plumbing tape or gel to seal the thread on the cap. Tighten well but don't crack the sink.

In the kitchen, the most obvious clogger is food - leftovers and during food preparation. The obvious (although not often used) solution is to use a good quality strainer to prevent large things from going down the drain. Scrape food off plates and pots before washing them.

Cooking oil and the most deadly bacon fat is the silent sink choker. Oil, when warm, is a liquid. Cool it down and oil becomes a thick sludge. Test it for yourself the next time you cook bacon, cool a small pot by holding it under cold tap water, dry it off and pour some of the warm bacon grease into it. Swirl the pot around, you will see the fat harden as it cools, leaving a slimy coating on the pot.

To get rid of oil and grease, soak it up from the pot/pan with a paper towel, then toss the towel into the trash. Wipe away as much of the grease before washing the pot or pan.

In the bathroom, hair is usually the drain choker. Avoid getting hair in your bathroom sink, and use a fine screen on the bathtub drain to catch departing hair. Remove hair and discard in the trash (or save for that weave you probably will need if you hair is falling off in those quantites) before flushing down the tub.