If your sink is clogged, think twice before calling a plumber. There are ways to unclog a sink that are less expensive and less time consuming. If they don’t work, go ahead and call a professional, but at least try these steps first. The steps below are ranked by severity and effort.

Start by prepping your sink, remove any standing water with a cup and pour it into a bowl for now. Next, use a small plunger if you have one. The answer may be as simple as using some suction to push the clog through.

Tools Needed: Korky Beehive Mini Sink Plunger ($13.99, Target)

If you can’t unclog the blockage, it may be too big—for now. Boiling water can shrink or dissolve some of the gunk, and that may be all you need to get things flowing again. Bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it directly down the drain. If the water doesn’t start to drain, wait for it to cool, then scoop it out with a cup and try again. If it does drain, but slowly, go back to plunging it and see if you can get it out.