Unclog a drain

Take out the stopper and scoop extra water into a bucket so only a shallow puddle remains.

Stuff a wet rag into the overflow hole under the rim so the plunger can build pressure.

Cover the drain with a cup plunger, keep a little water over the cup, and pump straight up and down about twenty times. Finish with a sharp pull.

Run warm water. If the basin still fills, put the bucket under the curved trap and loosen the two slip nuts by hand or with pliers.

Slide the trap off, keep the washers, and empty it into the bucket. Lift out hair or grease with a gloved hand.

Seat the washers, hand-tighten the nuts, and add a short extra turn with pliers only if a joint weeps. Run water and watch the cabinet.

Wipe the cabinet floor and look again in a few minutes.