SCHEDULE ONLINE8 Ways to Unclog a Bathroom Sink
Do you see the warning signs of slow draining sinks or pooling of water around its area? Are there some unpleasant odors that you encounter as you walk into the bathroom? If you don’t know yet, all these conditions can lead to a single and potentially catastrophic plumbing problem — a clogged drain. So, what can you do to unclog a bathroom sink? First things first, you may need to call a plumber, but before you do that, here are some tips you can try.
Common Causes of Bathroom Sink Clogs
A clogged bathroom sink can stem from a variety of causes, most of which build up gradually over time. Understanding what’s causing the clog can help you choose the best method to clear it and prevent it from happening again.
So, before we review how to clear a bathroom sink clog, here are some common culprits behind this issue:
Hair
Hair is the number one cause of bathroom sink clogs. When you wash your face or brush your hair over the sink, strands can get washed down the drain. Over time, these strands catch on to soap scum and other debris, forming a dense clog in the P-trap or sometimes right in the drain plug.
Soap Scum
While soap is designed to keep you clean, it doesn’t do your sink any favors. Soap scum is a residue left behind by soap that can build up inside your drain pipes, especially if you’re using soap bars. Combined with hard water minerals, it can lead to a stubborn clogged drain.
Toothpaste and Other Debris
Small particles like toothpaste, shaving cream, and even makeup residue can contribute to clogs. These substances may not seem like a big deal, but they can accumulate inside the drain over time, reducing water flow and leading to a clogged bathroom sink.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, clogs occur when foreign objects like jewelry, cotton swabs, or other debris accidentally get washed down the drain. These items can cause an immediate blockage or contribute to a gradual buildup.
Now that you know what might be causing your clogged bathroom sink, let’s explore the different methods you can use to clear it.
How to Clear a Bathroom Sink Clog
When faced with a clogged bathroom sink drain, it’s important to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best method to clear the clog depends on what’s causing it and how severe the blockage is. Fortunately, there are multiple approaches you can take. In this guide, we’ll cover various tips for how to clear a bathroom sink clog, ranging from simple tools you probably already have at home to more involved techniques.
Wire Hanger
Need something to use that is just hanging around your house? Why not try a bent wire hanger? You may be surprised that this is quite a simple but effective technique for unclogging bathroom sinks. The small hook at the end of the wire hanger can be pushed past the drain cover to allow you to fish out any blockage. Normally, you will get some gunk, hair, and other potentially nasty stuff from your drain. After clearing as much debris as you can, make sure to pour some hot water to clear the path.
Drain Snake
A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake, is a flexible tool designed to navigate through the twists and turns of your clogged sink drain, reaching blockages that are too deep for other methods to handle.
Using a drain snake requires a bit more effort and patience, but it’s an effective way to clear blockages that are farther down in sink drains. The tool consists of a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-like end that can be manually or mechanically fed into the drain. As you push the snake into the drain, it works its way through the pipes, breaking up and pulling out the clog as it goes.
To start, you’ll need to remove the sink stopper to access the drain more easily. Once you’ve removed the drain stopper, insert the snake into the drain, carefully feeding it downward while turning the handle in a clockwise motion. This twisting action helps the snake grip onto the clog, either breaking it up or allowing you to pull it out.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a cup. This should create quite a fizz and must be poured down the drain immediately. This fizzing action will act on the blockage made up mostly of hair, grime, and gunk to help you remove it. Allow the mixture to sit in the drain overnight before you flush it out with hot water. You may also pour baking soda first and follow it up with the same amount of vinegar.
Wet and Dry Vacuum
If you have one at home, a wet and dry vacuum is also an effective way of unclogging your bathroom sink. Make sure that it is set to liquid first and cover its vent to avoid causing a mess. A tight seal should cover the drain to allow the vacuum to exert maximum sucking action. An old plunger head can do wonders. Turn the vacuum to its highest setting to remove all the nasty dirt that is causing a blockage in your drain.
Boiling Water
Perhaps the simplest thing to do is to just boil water. Why will this work? The normal culprit of a clogged bathroom sink is hair, grime, and soap scum. Boiling water can work through all of these to restore the normal flow of your drains. The trick is to pour the boiling water in stages a couple of seconds apart. This will allow it to work its way through all the blockage.
Sodium Hydroxide
Also known as caustic soda, you need to protect yourself when working with this because it can burn your skin. This means using rubber gloves and appropriate eye protection. Instead of hot water, you will be using cold water with caustic soda and mixed together preferably with a wooden spoon. Just like baking soda, it will create a fizz. This time, however, it generates heat. So when you leave it in the drain for about 30 minutes, it cuts through all the blockage. Flush it out with boiling water and repeat the process if normal flow is not restored.
Plunger
When you think of plungers, your mind probably jumps to the toilet, but they’re also a handy tool for unclogging bathroom sinks. A plunger works by creating a suction that can dislodge stubborn clogs deep in the drain pipes. Here is how to clear a bathroom sink clog with a plunger:
- Seal Off the Overflow Hole: The overflow hole is a small hole near the top of the sink that prevents water from spilling over. Use a wet rag or duct tape to seal it off so you can create proper suction.
- Place the Plunger Over the Drain: Make sure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger head. Place the plunger directly over the drain and press down to create a seal.
- Plunge Vigorously: Push down and pull up on the plunger rapidly to create suction. You might need to do this several times before the clog starts to loosen.
- Check the Drain: After plunging, check if the water drains away smoothly. If not, try plunging again or move on to another method.
Plunging can be a great way to tackle stubborn clogs, especially if you suspect the blockage is caused by a combination of hair, soap scum, and other debris.
Pipe Cleaning
This involves removing the sink trap located underneath. Place an empty bucket to catch whatever water is in the pipe. Loosen the slip nuts at the ends of the pipe to wiggle out the trap. Turn it upside down over the bucket. Remove any debris caught inside the trap using an old toothbrush. You may have to do this for quite a while to get rid of stubborn gunk. Make sure to rinse the trap before reinstalling it. Always test for leaks to make sure that you have reinstalled the trap properly.
If none of these tips work, you may be dealing with more than just a simple clogged bathroom sink. Call Scott English Plumbing immediately for help.
Schedule Your Drain Cleaning in Orange County Today!
While these DIY methods can be effective for many clogged bathroom sinks, some bathroom clogs are more stubborn and may require professional help. If you’ve tried these techniques and your sink is still draining slowly or not at all, it’s time to call Scott English Plumbing. We offer drain cleaning in Anaheim and the surrounding areas, and we have experienced plumbers who can tackle even the toughest clogs. We use methods that are safer than harsh chemical drain cleaners and provide a deeper clean than typical DIY solutions.
If you need a 24-hour plumber in Orange County, we also provide emergency services, so whether it’s a persistent drain clog or a sudden plumbing emergency, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service, and let us help get your sink back to normal in no time!
