Clogs can occur anywhere in plumbing. Many times clogs happen directly in the drain where the lack of drainage occurs. At times, clogs can happen within the piping directly under the drain, or at other places along the piping line. If multiple drains are clogging, the blockage is most likely in the main piping line, which is the main drain line. Pipes have very specific functions because using one pipe for more than one water related task can cause contamination. Clogs are usually fixed by removing the substance that causes the clog. Identifying where the clog sits is the first order of business.

A good way to prevent clogs is to make sure the trap under the sink is kept clear. The trap is located directly at the curve in the pipe. There is a screw release cover or a cover that needs to be removed by use of a plumber's wrench. This piece of the pipe is a part of the pipe that comes off to release debris that may clog the pipe. Some traps have a plug that can be removed and release the debris that way.

Clogs can be situated directly in the drain and therefore easily removed by removing the drain cover, or “strainer” and cleaning out the clog. These clogs usually occur in the drains of showers and bath tubs. Clogs in sink drains occur at the bottom of the mechanism called the “stopper”. It is common for an accumulation of debris to get caught around the bottom of the stopper and cause slow drainage or a complete halt to drainage. This fixture can be removed by unscrewing the apparatus attached to it under the sink. Other easier stoppers can be removed by twisting that actual piece in the sink