How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink

You rarely think much about your bathroom sink’s drain, at least until it clogs. Unfortunately, at some point, pretty much every bathroom drain is bound to clog. Luckily, clearing a clog from your bathroom drain doesn’t have to be difficult. Generally, most methods are simple and can clear your drain back up in only a few minutes. Let’s get started!

A Plunger

This is a very easy option for unclogging your bathroom sink. You don’t need much, and most people already have a plunger around. Just get a plunger and a flashlight, and you’re ready to start. Start by removing the sink stopper and making sure the drain is covered with water. Then, you need to stand so that you’re right over the sink when you place the plunger. Then, place the plunger directly on top of the drain and push the plunger up and down forcefully. Make sure the plunger creates a seal around the drain, as this will help to ensure the suction is powerful enough to clear the clog from the sink. If you follow these directions, the clog should be pushed through the pipe, thus clearing the drain. Once you’re finished, use the flashlight to see if the drain appears to be clear. If it is, run some water to see if it drains well. If this method doesn’t work, you can try another one.

Natural Solvents

Natural solvents are a great way to unclog your sink without the corrosive effects of chemical drain cleaners. Natural solvents, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda, can do a good job unclogging your drain while being safe and good for the environment.

To use this method, remove the sink’s drain cover and then pour in some baking soda and add approximately half a cup of distilled vinegar to the drain. This combination of ingredients creates a chemical reaction, which should help break up the clog.  Next, pour some boiling water down the drain to clear everything away. If any odors remain, try pouring some lemon juice down the drain. If this doesn’t work, you’ll probably need to clean out your pipes, which will take a bit more work.

Clean Your Pipes

This step could be more than some people want to do. If that’s the case, it may be time to call a plumber. However, if you do decide to clean your pipes, you’ll need a wrench, a plumber’s snake, and a bucket.

Take the bucket, and put it below the sink where you see the curved part of the pipe coming out of the drain. This curved pipe is a P-trap, and you will be removing it and checking for clogs. If the pipe is held on with screws, you can remove it with a screwdriver. However, if it is held with slip nuts, you will need a special tool. Once you remove the P-trap, look for clogs and remove any. If there is no clog, look in the pipe leading into the wall. You should use your plumber’s snake to remove any blockages and then reconnect your P-trap. After this, turn on the sink to see if it is still clogged. If it is still clogged, it’s time to call a plumber.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, one of these methods worked to clear your drain up. But, if you have tried everything and the water is still sitting in your bathroom sink, it may be time to call a plumber.

Contact Us

If your drains need some help, don’t hesitate to call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers have more than 30 years of experience solving every plumbing issue there is, and we are ready to help you. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.