It is common to experience stopped-up or slow-moving drains in bathroom sinks. This problem is usually caused by gummy soap scum or strands of hair that get trapped on the pivot rod or stopper, thus clogging the bathroom sink. Although bathroom sinks come in many designs, they almost have a similar drain system meant to channel the dirty water to the sewer. The best way to unclog a bathroom sink may vary depending on the seriousness of the clog. In this article, we will be looking at different ways in which you can unclog a bathroom sink to best suit your situation.
1. Using a Plunger
This is one of the simplest methods of unclogging a bathroom sink because you only need a plunger and a flashlight. First, you need to remove the sink stopper and fill the sink with water to cover the drain. It is important that you position yourself directly over the sink to create a suction seal. The plunger should be placed directly over the drain before you press it up and down vigorously. This helps unclog any blockage in the bathroom sink, forcing it through the pipe. The plunger should be sealed tightly around the drain to create a suction that is strong enough to unclog the sink. Use a flashlight to see if there are any signs of blockage. If you run enough water through the sink and cannot see any improvement then you need to consider the other ways of unclogging a bathroom sink.
2. Using Natural Solvents
Drain cleaner products are corrosive and often linked to respiratory problems or allergic reactions. Natural solvents can be used to unclog a bathroom sink since they are eco-friendly and safe for use. Some of the natural ingredients you can use include baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. First, you need to remove the drain cover by turning it to the left. Pour the baking soda inside the drain and then add a half cup of distilled white vinegar on top of the baking soda.
This mixture creates a bubble and fizz that clears away anything clogging the drain in your bathroom sink. In a situation where you notice any unpleasant smells after rinsing away the mixture, squeeze a little lemon in the drain. Pour in boiling water to push down the mixture together with the blockage. This method not only keeps your drains clear but also helps keep your sink in better shape.
3. Pipe Cleaning
If you have tried using natural solvents or a plunger but you are still experiencing slow-moving drains, then you need to do some pipe cleaning. There are higher chances that the strands of hair that got stuck inside the drain cannot find their way out of the pipe. You will need a bucket, a wrench, and a plumber’s snake. If you lack the drain snake then you can improvise using a regular wire hanger to create a hook.
Place the bucket underneath the sink where the curved part of the pipe channels out the drain. Different bathroom sinks will be held together using different items. If the setup uses slip nuts on both ends of the pipe, you will need a special type of wrench to get the job done. You will need a screwdriver for pipes held together with screws.
You need to remove the P-trap slowly while ensuring the bucket is directly positioned beneath the pipe. It is usually designed to prevent fluids from flowing back into the sink. Check the P-trap to see any signs of blockage. If it is not visible, then check the pipe that goes into the wall. Use the plumber’s snake to force out any blockage before reattaching the P-trap. Turn on the sink to check if there are any signs of slow drains to ensure the passage is clear.
Unclogging a bathroom sink helps clear out any blockages that causes slow-moving or stopped-up drains. Although you can use the drain cleaner agents to clear out the blockages, they are likely to cause damage to the bathroom sink as well as the drainpipes. The best way to unclog a bathroom sink is using natural solvents such as baking soda and vinegar to force the blockage through. A plunger is useful when you are experiencing slow moving drains or you have a slight blockage in the drains. All the above methods can help unclog a bathroom sink. However, pipe cleaning is known to be the most effective way of ensuring your drain is clear of any hair strands or gummy soap scum that causes stopped-up drains.