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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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Replace the Stopper
Photo: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe StockFinally, 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.
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