A clogged sink is a challenge that everyone living in an American apartment or house will face at least once.
It may seem trivial, but once the water stops draining, it can ruin your entire day.
The problem is that if you call a professional, the service fee can easily run into hundreds of dollars.
So, here are some methods to solve it ourselves.

First, try baking soda and vinegar

This is a basic formula that almost every household will use at least once.
It's gentle on pipes and effective at breaking down grease.

First, remove as much standing water from the sink as possible.
Then pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar slowly.

You will see bubbles forming immediately; at this point, cover the drain hole tightly with a towel or stopper.
The key is to allow the bubble pressure to push into the pipes.

Wait about 15-20 minutes, then pour in a pot of boiling water all at once.
This process will dissolve a lot of the grease stuck to the pipe walls.

If the chemical reaction doesn't work, you need to use physical force.

If you have a plunger, fill the sink with a little water, then press it tightly against the drain and pump it short and hard.
If you have a double sink, you need to cover the other drain with a towel to prevent pressure from escaping.

If you don't have a plunger, use a 2-liter soda bottle.
Fit the opening tightly against the drain and push down hard to create air pressure.

As a last resort, disassemble the P-trap

If none of this works, you will see a U-shaped or J-shaped pipe under the sink, which is the P-trap.

Place a bucket underneath to catch any water, then loosen the connections on both sides with your hands or a wrench. Usually, you can do it by hand.

When you open it, there's a 90% chance you'll find food debris or grease blocking it. Remove it, clean it thoroughly, and reassemble it to resolve most clogs. Just be careful not to misalign the rubber gasket when reassembling.

Maintaining your plumbing will help it last longer. Never pour leftover grease from cooking steak or broth with floating fat down the sink.

The right way is to wipe it with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.

Once a week, boil water in a kettle and pour it down the drain. This will help dissolve any grease that may be building up in the pipes.

Be careful if you have a garbage disposal. Celery, corn husks, and eggshells are major culprits that can clog your pipes.