Is there anything quite as inconvenient as a clogged bathroom sink? After all, a bathroom is one of the most high-traffic areas in the home. When the sink is clogged, that means that you can’t wash your hands or your face or brush your teeth!
Most of us aren’t plumbing experts, which means that when we’re faced with a clogged bathroom sink, we might have a small internal panic. But don’t worry! We are here to tell you that a clogged sink drain is a totally fixable problem. You may be able to handle it without ever calling a plumber!
The trick is to have the right tools and knowledge. Today, we’ll be helping you to:
- Identify the source of the clog
- Find the tips you need to fix the problem
- Get expert help from a local plumber
Are you ready to learn how to unclog a bathroom sink once and for all? Keep reading!
Why Is My Bathroom Sink Clogged?
Before you pull out that bottle of Drano, it is a good idea to educate yourself on why your sink might be clogged in the first place. After all, it’s no good fixing the problem if it is just going to happen again in another month!
There are several reasons why you might have a clogged bathroom sink drain, including:
- 💇♀️ Clogged With Hair – Hair is the biggest culprit when it comes to a drain clog in the bathroom. Think about it. Many of us get ready in the morning by our bathroom sink. For those of us with long hair, this usually involves brushing our hair. Or, maybe you take time in the morning to do your daily beard trim. All that hair can easily get caught in your sink drains, forming a nasty clog.
- 🧴 Grooming Products – While we’re on the topic of getting ready, it may be a good idea to pay attention to the grooming and hygiene products you are using to get ready. Thick creams, pastes, and clay facial masks can lead to plumbing issues down the line.
- 🧼 Soap Scum – Soap scum clogs can sometimes feel like an inevitable part of being a homeowner. As your soap is washed down the drain, it can leave a buildup on your pipes. Overtime, this slimy black soap scum can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well causing sink clogs.
- 🔧 Damaged Pipes – On the more serious end of a bathroom sink clog, you could be dealing with broken pipes that need to be replaced. This is more common in metal pipes which can rust and corrode over time.
5 Steps to Unclog a Bathroom Sink
Now that you know you know what might have caused your sink clogs, it is time to take care of business. Here are five steps to beat your clogs once and for all!
1) Manually Unclog
The first step you should try is to manually unclog your bathroom sink. This is often all homeowners need to get water flowing again.
In order to do this, you will need to invest in a drain snake. We recommend starting with the cheap plastic ones you can get at your local hardware store. This may be enough to catch any debris, such as hair, that is sitting near the top of your sink.
However, if the clog is further down, you may need the help of a mechanical drain snake. These have a long snake that is operated by a crank. While they can be a bit pricier, they are a useful tool to have on hand.
2) Baking Soda and Vinegar
While you may have heard that an effective way to clear a clog is to use Drano or another chemical cleaner, we strongly recommend that you do not do this. Repeated use of Drano can corrode your pipes and create a much more serious plumbing problem.
Instead, you can create a similar effect by using baking soda and vinegar. When combined, these two create a fizzing effect that can help loosen any clogs. Allow this to sit for at least half an hour before rinsing it with boiling water.
3) Grab a Plunger
If the baking soda solution does not work, you have a bathroom tool that can help! Take your toilet plunger and position it over your sink drain. You can then pump the plunger to try and release the sink clogs.
4) Clean the P-Trap
The P-Trap is a section of your plumbing that is designed to catch and dissolve debris and keep it out of your water system. However, it is possible that too much debris could cause a clog in your bathroom sinks.
You can identify the P-trap by looking for the curved section of pipe underneath your sink. Carefully detach this piece and remove any clumps that you find inside before reattaching.
5) Call Your Plumber
Still having trouble with clogs? Give your local plumber a call. There may be a more serious problem that needs professional attention.
Maintenance Tips for Your Drain
Want to keep your bathroom sink drain clog-free? Here are some of the best tips to help maintain your sink.
- Drain Protector – Adding a drain protector can help stop things like hair from slipping down your pipes.
- Rinse Well – After using the sink to wash your hands or brush your teeth, allow the water to run for a few extra seconds to help flush out the sink drain.
- Regularly Flush – The baking soda and vinegar method isn’t just handy when you have a clog. It can also be used as a great preventative measure! Once a month, take the time to flush your sink with this concoction and follow it up with hot water.
- Take Care of Problems ASAP – We get it. When you have a minor plumbing problem, it is easy to convince yourself to work around it. But leaving it could turn it into a bigger clog then when you started. As soon as you notice something is amiss, we recommend reaching out to your plumber.
Hire a Plumber You Can Trust
Need help from a knowledgeable, professional plumber? We’ve got you covered. The Paladin Plumbing team is ready to help you with all of your plumbing needs, from sink drain clogs to full plumbing installation. Contact us today to set up your free consultation!
