First try a plunger. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s head as you place it on the drain. Then push the handle up and down vigorously, keeping the rubber head in place over the drain. If that doesn’t work, try an over-the-counter chemical drain opener, like Liquid-Plumr, as long as your pipes aren’t more than 25 years old. If they are older, they can be damaged by chemicals, experts say, so try using a wire hanger instead: Unwind the hanger and snake it through the pipe, trying to push the clog through, or at least poke enough of a hole in it to allow water to flush the rest through the pipe. (Be careful not to scratch the surface of your sink in the process.) For more stubborn clogs, call a plumber.
Pros Charge: $100 or more.
DIY Cost: About $6 (for a heavy-duty sink plunger) or about $4 (for Liquid-Plumr).