Inspecting bathroom plumbing found a clogged sink drain

f something is tangled in a drain stop inside of a sink drain, you can follow these steps to remove it:

Safety first: Before attempting to remove the tangled object, ensure you have turned off the water supply to the sink. This prevents accidental injury and flooding.

Access the drain stop: Depending on the type of drain stopper you have, there are different methods to access it:

Pop-up drain stopper: If you have a pop-up drain stopper (common in bathroom sinks), locate the small lever or knob at the back of the faucet (under the sink). Move it up or down to control the stopper's position. Lower the stopper to its open position to access the tangled object.

Basket strainer/drain cover: For kitchen sinks or bathroom sinks with a basket strainer, you'll need to remove the drain cover. Look for a large nut or knob beneath the sink, usually in the center of the basin. Unscrew it counterclockwise to loosen and remove the drain cover.

Inspect the drain: Once you've accessed the drain stopper or drain cover, use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the drain carefully. Identify the tangled object and its location.

Remove the tangled object: Depending on the nature of the tangled item, you can use different tools to remove it:

Long-nose pliers: If the object is reachable, use long-nose pliers to grasp and carefully pull it out. Be gentle to avoid pushing it further into the drain.

Flexible grabber tool: In some cases, the object might be deep inside the drain. You can use a flexible grabber tool designed for this purpose. Insert it into the drain and manipulate it to hook onto the object, then pull it out.

Wire coat hanger: If you don't have a grabber tool, you can straighten a wire coat hanger and create a small hook at one end. Insert the hooked end into the drain and try to latch onto the tangled item to pull it out.

Plumbing snake: If the above methods fail, you can try using a plumbing snake. Feed the snake into the drain until you reach the object, then twist and maneuver the snake to dislodge and remove the tangle.

Clean and reassemble: Once you've successfully removed the tangled object, clean the drain area thoroughly. Remove any debris and gunk that may have accumulated. Reassemble the drain stopper or drain cover, and make sure everything is securely in place.

Test the drain: Turn on the water supply to the sink and check if the drain is working correctly. Ensure there are no leaks and that water flows smoothly down the drain.

If you're uncomfortable with any step or unsure about handling the situation, it's best to seek the assistance of a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage to the sink or drain.