This TikTok hack to unclog your drains has gone viral — and it’s free

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This simple hack to unclog your drains won’t cost you a dime

Water in blocked sink
Water in blocked sink (Image credit: Shutterstock)

TikTok has become the go-to place for the ‘CleanTok’ community to share their quick and “game changing” hacks. Be it bathroom cleaning hacks to the handy TikTok pillowcase hack to make bedding changing less of a chore, you’ll be sure to find a clever solution to your cleaning woes.  

Similarly, it's always a nuisance when water isn’t flowing freely down the sink. Not only can it result in gunk build-up, but can create a bad, "rotten egg" smell. Which can be embarrassing if you have guests round! 

But if you want to know an easier method of how to unclog a drain without a plunger, this viral TikTok hack might well be a lifesaver. This is especially the case if you’re spending way too much money on expensive (and toxic) products that are not doing the job. 

The TikTok video posted by a user named "ouisaucy", shows an incredibly easy trick to unclog a sink. What’s more, it won’t even cost you a thing — so what exactly is this trick? 

With the caption, ‘unclogged your sink’, the clip shows a sink with water that isn’t draining. The user then begins to demonstrate a quick (and rather unusual) way of unclogging the sink. Rather than grabbing a plunger or tool, they simply used their hand instead! 

By covering the plughole with a hand and pumping vigorously — this essentially mimics the action of a plunger. After a few attempts, the water begins to drain smoothly, and without any miracle products. Impressive! 

It isn’t any wonder that this hack quickly went viral —  gaining over 280K views from impressed users. One comment stated, “Absolutely works. Family looks at me like I’m crazy for doing this”, while another said, “can’t believe the sink CPR works, thank you!!” 

In fact, more than 200 comments stated how this clever technique had worked for them, proving that you don’t need expensive products and call-outs to plumbers in some cases.

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Cynthia Lawrence
Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!