There’s nothing less savory than watching the contents of your bathroom or kitchen sink swirl slowly around without draining. Fortunately, one dad and DIY enthusiast has an easy, all-natural hack for unclogging even the slowest sink.
The scoop
Deon Chakmah Miller (@chakmahtheking) shared a video on TikTok explaining his hack, which he demonstrates on his own slow-draining sink.
First, he shows viewers how to twist off the clamps beneath the sink and pull out the P trap, leaving the drain pipe to empty into a bucket he places beneath it.
Then, after that’s all in place, he pulls out the entire drain stopper, revealing an unsavory clump of hair and other debris.
“There’s your clog,” he says.
If that doesn’t do the trick and you have what Deon calls a “deeper clog,” you can wedge a piece of paper into the sink, grab a long stick, and push it all the way down the pipe until it drops into the bucket below.
Filling his own sink, he demonstrates just how effectively the clog has been eliminated.
“Should be flowing nice and smooth,” he says.
How it’s helping
Deon’s hack is simple and straightforward, making it an excellent cost-saving alternative to hiring an expensive plumber.
One viewer thanked him for the tip. “Will be using your video to fix my bathroom sink cause it’s been driving me crazy,” they said.
Since posting his practical sink-unclogging tutorial, Deon’s straightforward approach has resonated with many homeowners facing similar plumbing challenges.
His method stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness, requiring just a few basic tools most people already have at home.
Why This Method Works Better Than Alternatives
What makes Deon’s technique particularly valuable is that it addresses the root cause of most sink clogs – the physical blockage created by hair, soap scum, and debris that collect in the P-trap and drain pipe. Unlike temporary fixes that might provide brief relief, removing these blockages manually ensures a more thorough solution.
Many homeowners initially reach for chemical drain cleaners when facing a slow drain, unaware of the potential drawbacks. These products typically contain harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid that can damage pipes over time, especially in older homes with more vulnerable plumbing systems.
“Chemical cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they rarely address the actual problem,” notes home maintenance expert Sarah Harrington. “They often just create a small pathway through the clog rather than removing it completely.”
The Environmental Benefit
Beyond protecting your plumbing, Deon’s method has environmental advantages as well. Chemical drain cleaners that go down our drains eventually make their way into water systems, potentially impacting aquatic ecosystems and water quality.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has long advocated for mechanical removal of clogs over chemical solutions, citing the cumulative environmental impact of household chemicals in water systems. By choosing a manual approach like the one demonstrated, homeowners can maintain their plumbing while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Cost Savings Add Up
The financial benefits of DIY plumbing maintenance are substantial. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of hiring a plumber to clear a drain ranges from $100 to $275, depending on location and the severity of the clog. For more complicated issues, costs can quickly escalate into the hundreds.
By contrast, Deon’s method requires only:
- A bucket (which most homeowners already have)
- Basic tools for removing the P-trap
- Perhaps a long stick or plumber’s snake for deeper clogs
These items represent a one-time investment of less than $30 for those who don’t already have them, making this approach significantly more economical than repeated professional service calls.
Prevention: The Key to Long-Term Success
While Deon’s hack works effectively for existing clogs, prevention remains the most efficient approach to drain maintenance. Plumbing experts recommend several simple practices to keep drains flowing freely:
- Install drain catchers: These inexpensive mesh screens catch hair and larger debris before they enter the drain. They’re particularly useful in shower and bathroom sink drains.
- Weekly maintenance flush: Pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water down drains weekly to help dissolve developing soap scum and grease buildup.
- Monthly natural cleaning: A mixture of baking soda (½ cup) followed by white vinegar (½ cup) can help keep drains fresh. Let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
- Be mindful of what goes down: Kitchen sinks benefit from scraping plates thoroughly before washing, while bathroom sinks should be protected from excessive hair, thick toothpaste, and cosmetic products.
“Regular maintenance is always less expensive and less frustrating than dealing with a complete blockage,” advises Mike Petrovich, a master plumber with 25 years of experience. “Five minutes of prevention each month can save hours of hassle down the road.”
Adapting the Technique for Different Sink Types
While Deon demonstrates his method on a standard bathroom sink, the principles can be adapted for various fixtures throughout the home:
Kitchen Sinks
Kitchen sinks often have more complex plumbing, especially those with garbage disposals. Before attempting any work on a kitchen sink with a disposal:
- Turn off power to the disposal at the breaker box
- Use a bucket large enough to catch the typically larger volume of water
- Be prepared for food particles and grease in addition to hair and soap
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks present special challenges due to their design:
- Access to the P-trap may be more limited
- Work carefully to avoid damaging the ceramic base
- Consider placing towels around the base to catch any water spills
Bathroom Sinks with Built-in Stoppers
Many modern bathroom sinks have integrated stopper mechanisms:
- Look for a small horizontal rod connected to the drain pipe behind the sink
- Loosen the nut connecting this rod to remove the stopper
- Some designs may require additional steps – consult your sink’s manual if available
When to Call a Professional
Despite the effectiveness of DIY approaches, some situations warrant professional intervention. Recognizing these scenarios can save time, prevent damage, and sometimes even avoid hazardous conditions:
- Multiple drains clogging simultaneously (indicating a main line issue)
- Recurring clogs despite proper maintenance
- Gurgling sounds from drains when toilets flush
- Sewage odors coming from drains
- Water backing up in unexpected places
“DIY methods are great for routine maintenance and simple clogs,” says licensed plumber Terrence Washington. “But if you’re experiencing system-wide issues, it’s time to call in a professional who can diagnose deeper problems.”
The Broader DIY Movement
Deon’s viral sink-unclogging hack reflects a larger cultural shift toward self-sufficiency and practical knowledge. In recent years, economic pressures and information accessibility have fueled growing interest in DIY home maintenance.
According to a 2023 survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute, 78% of homeowners reported tackling more DIY projects than they did five years ago, with plumbing repairs among the top ten most commonly attempted tasks.
This trend toward self-reliance has been further accelerated by inflation and rising service costs. When professional services become prohibitively expensive, many households turn to online tutorials and community knowledge to solve common problems.
Building Confidence Through Knowledge
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of straightforward tutorials like Deon’s is the confidence they build in homeowners. Many people grow up without learning basic home maintenance skills, creating a knowledge gap that can feel intimidating.
“There’s something incredibly empowering about fixing something yourself,” notes Dr. Melissa Chang, a psychologist who studies self-efficacy. “Mastering even small household repairs can create a positive feedback loop that encourages people to learn more and try more complex tasks.”
This confidence-building aspect is particularly valuable for first-time homeowners, who often face a steep learning curve when transitioning from rental properties where maintenance was someone else’s responsibility.
Sustainability Through Repair
Beyond immediate practical benefits, the DIY approach Deon demonstrates supports broader sustainability goals. In an era of disposable products and planned obsolescence, learning to maintain and repair household systems represents a countercultural commitment to longevity and resource conservation.
Environmental scientists point out that extending the functional life of existing systems through maintenance and repair is one of the most effective ways individuals can reduce their environmental footprint. By preventing premature replacement of plumbing components, homeowners not only save money but also reduce manufacturing demand and landfill waste.
Digital Knowledge Sharing
The viral spread of Deon’s tutorial highlights how digital platforms have democratized practical knowledge. Before social media, specialized knowledge like plumbing repairs was primarily passed through apprenticeships, family traditions, or expensive courses.
Today, platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have created unprecedented access to visual demonstrations of practical skills. This accessibility has particularly benefited younger generations and those who didn’t grow up learning traditional maintenance skills.
Media literacy experts note that this shift represents both opportunity and challenge. While high-quality tutorials provide valuable information, viewers must develop critical skills to distinguish between sound advice and potentially harmful misinformation.
Looking Forward
As resource conservation becomes increasingly important and service costs continue to rise, the value of practical knowledge like Deon’s sink-unclogging method will likely grow. Educational institutions are beginning to recognize this shift, with some schools reintroducing practical home economics and maintenance skills into their curricula.
Community programs and nonprofit organizations are also stepping in to fill knowledge gaps, offering workshops on basic home maintenance that build community resilience and individual capability.
For those inspired by Deon’s approach, the journey toward greater self-sufficiency often starts with simple projects like unclogging a sink but can lead to more complex skills over time. As confidence builds, many DIY enthusiasts find themselves tackling increasingly challenging projects, from replacing faucets to rebuilding toilets.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to household maintenance, Deon’s straightforward demonstration serves as a reminder that many common problems have simple solutions within reach of average people. With basic tools, clear instructions, and a willingness to learn, the power to maintain and repair your living space is literally in your hands.
As one commenter noted on Deon’s original video: “Will be using your video to fix my bathroom sink cause it’s been driving me crazy.”
This sentiment captures the real value of practical knowledge sharing – not just solving immediate problems, but empowering others to take control of their living spaces and build confidence in their own abilities.
