What’s clogging the bathroom sink may determine the best way to clear it. Use vinegar and baking soda to clear soap scum clogs, or use tweezers to remove hair. A plunger or drain snake work best for bigger clogs. The best method for clearing a clogged drain is to identify the cause of the obstruction.
Here are six approaches for clearing a clogged sink drain. Most of these also apply to shower drains and kitchen sinks. Start by rolling up your sleeves. Your Los Angeles plumbing experts are available to assist if your bathroom sink is completely clogged or if it is full of water that won’t drain.
Table of Contents
My Bathroom Sink Is Clogged; Why?
Most people’s bathroom drains clog for four common reasons. We can begin by identifying which of these issues you are currently experiencing. Look for:
Clumps Of Hair
Hair that enters your sink drain congregates, sticks to the walls, and becomes entangled in the drain’s parts.
To remove hair, use a zip-it tool or long tweezers. Consider taking the drain apart entirely if neither method works. (see “clean the p trap” below)
Soap Scum
In areas with hard water, soap scum is particularly common. Mold and mildew can grow as a result of the accumulation in your pipes.
To remove soap scum that has built up in the drain, either pour boiling water down it or use baking soda and vinegar. Use warm water to plunge if it doesn’t move after that.
Something Stuck In P-trap
Your bathroom sink’s wavy pipe that joins to the pipe in the wall is called a p-trap. It stops dangerous sewer gasses from draining up the sink.
Clean out any hair and any large objects that may have become lodged inside your bathroom sink’s p-trap by disconnecting it (details below).
Damaged Pipes
Over time, rust, corrosion, and other typical pipe damage can cause a slow drain or a clog.
Before they become clogged with debris, replace old, rusted pipes. For momentary solace, plunge or snake them.
What Equipment Do I Need To Clear A Clogged Bathroom Sink Drain?
Clearing your bathroom sink drain doesn’t require much – just these simple items:
- Drain snake or auger (snake for sinks)
- Plunger
- Bucket & sponge
- Trash can with lid
- If desired (but not necessary! ), gloves and safety goggles.)
- (Things may become messy!) Rags and towels)
How Can A Clogged Bathroom Sink Drain Be Cleared?
Step 1. Remove The Sink Stopper
- Take a stab at removing the stopper.
- Note: The pivot rod holds the stopper in place if it doesn’t lift out. For instructions on removing the pivot rod, refer to Step 2. If not, skip Step 2.
Step 2. Remove The Pivot Rod
- By taking out the pivot rod nut and pulling the pivot rod out, you can release the stopper.
- Pro tip: Use pliers if you are unable to remove the nut manually. You can remove the stopper by lifting it out with the pivot rod out.
Step 3. Remove The Clog
- Employing other tools or a bent wire, fish out the hair obstruction.
- Replace the stopper after running water through the bathroom sink’s drain.
- Note: Before turning on the water, refer to Step 4 if you had to remove the pivot rod in order to remove the stopper. You may skip Step 4 if you choose not to.
Step 4. Replace The Pivot Rod And Stopper
- Drop the stopper into the drain first if the pivot rod was removed.
- Put the stopper back in place by aligning the pivot rod with the slot.
- Retighten the pivot rod nut by hand.
- To help remove any remaining soap scum and to make sure the clog is gone, pour hot water down the drain.
- Make sure there are no leaks near the pivot rod nut.
Why Your Bathroom Sink Is Not Draining
You have what is known as a slow-running drain if the water in your sink isn’t draining properly after a minute or two. A bathroom sink with a slow-running drain may have a number of problems. Over time, larger pieces of debris, soap scum buildup, and hair strands can adhere to drain components and form a mass that obstructs the drain flow.
An issue with a slow drain is frequently postponed. It need not be difficult to determine the most effective method for unclogging a sink. If you’re ready to finally find a solution for your bathroom sink’s slow drainage, follow the instructions below.
Tips For Keeping Your Bathroom Sink Clear
Cleaning a clogged bathroom sink may take some time. You may even need to try several different approaches. You can avoid this task by staying clear of clogs in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid a bathroom sink clog in the future:
- Take care not to flush shaved-hair down the toilet. Even though small hairs may not seem troublesome, they can accumulate and clog your sink over time.
- Consistently clean the stopper in your sink. Stoppers may collect hair and debris, but this is comparatively simple to remove. It eventually makes its way down the drain if left unattended.
- In sinks with high traffic, add a grate or screen. Before they reach your drain system, these can catch soap scum and hair.
- Finish with hot water. A hot shower or bath can prevent accumulation.
- Use boiling water occasionally to disintegrate soap scum and other tiny pieces of debris that may cause troublesome clogs in the future. Regular use of vinegar and baking soda can also prevent your sink from backing up.
When you know what to do, unclogging a bathroom sink is simple to learn. The majority of clogs can be quickly cleared using common household items. For more challenging clogs, think about renting drain cleaning equipment from The Home Depot. Consider hiring a professional plumber to unclog your sink if it is particularly difficult.
