How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to unclog your bathroom sink with a quick DIY fix

Photo: peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock
Photo: peopleimages.com / Adobe Stock
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
Up to $25
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon
What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Slip-joint pliers
  • Plastic drain snake

A clogged bathroom sink can clog up your whole routine, but you won’t have to brush your teeth in the kitchen sink for much longer. A do-it-yourself fix is often all you need to get your sink back in business. Read on for how to tackle small bathroom sink clogs with household items.

  1. Remove the Sink Stopper

    First, grab your sink’s drain stopper and lift it out. If you have a pivot rod, a pole-shaped piece that fastens the stopper to the drain, remove it by loosening the pivot rod nut at the bottom and pulling out the mechanism.

  2. Inspect the Drain

    If you can see what’s stopping up the drain, use your fingers or the pliers to grab it and pull it out. If not, proceed to the next step.

  3. Use a Drain Snake or Wire Hanger to Remove the Clog

    Try maneuvering a plastic drain snake or bent wire hanger down the clogged drain. Give it a jiggle, and pull out the clog. 

    If you don’t have a plastic drain snake, you can find a budget-friendly one at a home improvement store. These are great to have on hand for getting clogged sink or tub drains moving again.

  4. Rinse the Drain With Hot Water

    Once you’ve successfully removed the clog, rinse the drain with hot water. Don’t use boiling water as it can damage PVC pipes. The hot water will help dislodge any leftover gunk and move it safely through the plumbing system.

  5. Replace the Stopper

    A plumber fixing a bathroom sink
    Photo: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock

    Finally, reinstall your drain stopper. If you had to remove a pivot rod, drop the drain stopper in, line the rod up with the slot, and reinsert the pivot rod. Then, replace and tighten the pivot rod nut.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clear a Clogged Drain

While there are great DIY ways to treat and prevent bathroom clogs, some situations call for a pro. If you think you might need more complicated repairs or you’re concerned about damaging your drain with your DIY efforts, then it’s time to call on a plumbing expert.

Hiring a plumber to unclog a drain costs $250 on average and can quickly get your sink back in working order. Call a plumber in your area to help you fully clear the clog and get your sink draining smoothly again. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you naturally unclog a bathroom sink?

There are a few great non-chemical ways to clear a clog:

  • As described above, use a wire coat hanger or plumber snake to grab and clear the clog.

  • Pour hot water down the drain to get things moving. 

  • Take apart the P trap to manually remove the clog.

Can you use a plunger on a bathroom sink?

A plunger can be an effective solution if you’re wondering how to clear a drain in your bathroom sink or other drains around your home. Use a plunger specifically for sinks (these are usually smaller in size). Remove the drain stopper and plunge the drain to help dislodge and move the clog to the sewers. 

Will bleach help a slow drain?

Bleach isn’t ideal for clearing a bathroom sink drain. It won’t address the main reasons your sink is draining slowly, as it won’t dissolve hair, grease, food, or other drain-clogging substances. What’s worse, it may even damage your drains and pipes.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to cleaning & maid servicess
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Happy woman laying on bed
Oct 24, 2024
Oct 24, 2024
Mattress cleaning cost depends on the number of mattresses being cleaned and the size of each. Use this guide to better understand mattress cleaning prices.
A woman with a mop cleaning a room’s ceiling
Aug 15, 2025
Aug 15, 2025
Discover the average acoustic ceiling cleaning cost, what affects pricing, and how to save. Get expert tips to budget for your acoustic ceiling cleaning project.
Woman hand selecting mode on range hood in the kitchen
Aug 15, 2025
Aug 15, 2025
Discover the average kitchen hood cleaning cost, what impacts pricing, and how to budget for this essential maintenance. Get tips to save and keep your kitchen safe.
Woman using a cloth to clean the door frame
Jul 14, 2025
Jul 14, 2025
Curious how much it costs to hire a housekeeper? Discover 2025 prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on professional housekeeping for your home.
Woman using central vacuum system to clean her house
Oct 21, 2024
Oct 21, 2024
Installing a central vacuum system is expensive and complicated, so you must know who to hire to ensure the project is done right.
Interior view of a new light grey kitchen
Mar 13, 2025
Mar 13, 2025
Although quartz is highly durable, stains can happen. Learn why your quartz countertop is staining, what to do about it, and when to call a pro.