To clear a clogged drain, try this simple technique before attempting to use any commercial chemical product: Pour 1/2 cup of salt down the drain followed by boiling water. Continue to flush with hot tap water until the clog is clear.

Try yogurt by pouring a cup of plain yogurt down the drain and leave it for several hours.

Clogged with hair? Try pouring some Nair down the drain. Let it sit for about a 30 minutes, then put hot water down the drain.

Try Dish soap (such as Ivory) down your drain. Follow it with some hot water.

For slow-running drains, you can shake a half box of baking soda down the drain, then dump in one cup of vinegar. It should bubble and foam, so you may want to cover with a towel. When it stops foaming, flush the drain with very hot water for 2-3 minutes.

If you can get at the drain pipe, open it up. Get a water hose, put the hose up thru the drain pipe and turn your water on. It will hit the clog and wash it out. No chemicals involved and usually works.

Use a simple plunger. Though most people use the plunger for toilets, remember that you can use a separate one for other applications, including drain cleaning a sink.

Still having problems? Before trying chemicals or calling a plumber, you can try a $30 drain clearing “snake” that you can buy at your local plumbing or hardware store. If you can't be bothered, use alistplumbers.com. Our plumbers will give you low rates and expert service.

All else fails, obtain a free quote from a plumber near you.