Sometimes, a blocked bathroom sink needs more than a plunger and a few drops of Drano. Bathroom sinks can be hard because hair, toothpaste, and other grooming chemicals can build up into a nearly impossible clog. There are a handful of other ways to unclog your bathroom sink without calling a local Long Beach Plumber. They are easy to use and cost-effective.
While we will be concentrating on bathroom sinks here, you can use many of these drain unclogging methods to unclog other drains. These methods have been proven effective and do not contain any poisonous or abrasive chemicals.
Baking Soda, Vinegar
This old trick has been proven very effective in unclogging bathroom sinks. Our Long Beach Plumbers suggest that you simply combine 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup vinegar in a cup.
The mixture will immediately start to fizz and should be poured down the sink. This is how you get rid of the grime and hair. Allow it to sit for around an hour before flushing it with hot water.
Baking Soda, Salt
Baking soda and salt are another combination that works well. Combine 1/2 cup each and pour it into the drain.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes before pouring boiling water down the drain. These three components can create an aggressive chemical reaction that can help unblock some bathroom sink blockages.
Boiling water
It works well with some bathroom clogs, especially those caused by soap scum. Boiling water works best when there is slow drainage and less tepid water in the sink.
Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan or kettle. The water should be poured into the drain in three to four stages. This method should yield quick results.
Dry and Wet Vacuum
To remove stubborn clogs, a wet and dry vacuum is a great tool. To effectively suction out a blockage, our Long Beach Plumbers advice that you seal the hose (such as the top or head of a plastic soda can).
The shop-vac will take care of the rest. The vacuum’s powerful suction can usually dislodge any obstructions in the plumbing.
Using A Wire Hanger
This is the probably the hardest method. You can avoid this problem if you are able to unclog your drain using any of the above methods. A wire hanger can be used to unclog the most stubborn clogs.
Materials: wire hanger and pliers (to bend the wire), rubber gloves and a container to collect excess water.
- Turn off the water and clean everything under the sink. Place a bucket to collect any excess water. Close the stopper completely.
- Next, remove the stopper from the bathroom sink. You will need to reach under the sink to release the stopper. Next, squeeze the spring clip out of the clevis strap to loosen the pivot rod. The stopper should now pop up from your sink once the pivot rod has been removed from the clevis band.
- This is where it gets messy, so be sure to wear rubber gloves. Once the stopper is loosen, you can remove it from the sink drain. You will need to remove all hair, dirt, and debris from the stopper mechanism. This is not a time to turn on the bathroom sink. To clean the stopper, you will need to use water. You can use rubbing alcohol or bleach to clean the stopper.
- After you have cleaned the stop-up mechanism you can grab your wire hooker and bend it into a shape to help you hook hair globs and gunk. The shape is similar to a fishing hook or backscratcher. Once you’ve found the right shape, lower your hook into the drain. If you feel that there is a blockage, twist and move the hanger around to capture as much gunk as possible.
- Use the wire hanger to get rid of as much gunk. To clean the inside of the pipe, you can use an old toothbrush. You may be able pull out some hair or gunk through the hole where the pivot rod was taken out.
- If the P-bend is blocked, or you are unable to reach the pipe with the hanger due to the clog, you might need to remove the section. This will depend on how serious the clog is.
- Reassemble everything. To test all of your hard work, run some hot water down the drain. Once you have reassembled all the pieces, make sure to inspect for corrosion and leaks.
Great Tips On Cleaning the Trap
The pipe that runs underneath the sink is known as “the trap” and it is where you should start if you are having difficulty clearing a clog. Although it sounds complicated, this method is very simple. All you need is a bucket and an old plumber’s wrench.
To catch water, place the bucket under the u-shaped pipes. Then, loosen the slip nuts on both ends. Take the pipe out and empty the contents into the bucket if you can.
To remove debris from the pipe, you might need to use a wire. Once you have cleaned the trap, our Long Beach Plumbers recommed that you run some water through it before reattaching it.