How to Unclog a Clogged Bathroom Sink

Still annoyed and worried because of clogged sinks, but do not know how to do it? This article will help you. If you don’t want to spend most of your money on hiring a professional to unclog your bathroom sink and watch the overflowing dirty water, you can totally educate yourself and get your hands dirty to clean up the mess.

If your sink just needs a simple cleaning of dirt, we have a tutorial for that as well: How to Remove Stains from Bathroom Basins

4 main ways to unclog a blocked sink drain – Video

To give you a more visual experience, we found popular videos on YouTube for solving clogged sinks. If you prefer textual details, keep reading below.

Preparation before unclogging

Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated before proceeding.

Prepare the cleaning tools and materials needed. Of course, you won’t be able to use all of the tools listed below, depending on the blockage, but just in case, I’ll list them comprehensively.

• Gloves: It’s best to choose non-slip, chemical-resistant rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands from dirt and chemicals.
• Rubber cup toilet suction cups: this is a very traditional but effective unclogging tool that tries to unclog a blockage by the suction it creates.
• Drain Snake (also known as a plumbing snake): it is a long, flexible tool that goes deep into the drain to catch and remove clogs.
• Wrench: use a wrench to loosen U-pipe screws if necessary.
• Straight-line unclogger or hook: to remove clogs such as hair and debris from it
• Flush gloves or tweezers: these tools can help you remove hair, soap scum, and other visible debris from the drain.
• Bio-Enzymatic Cleaner: This is an environmentally friendly, hazardous chemical-free cleaner that breaks down clogs caused by organic matter.
• Chemical Drain Pass: If you choose to use the chemical method, make sure you follow the instructions and rinse well after use. However, be aware that chemical drain passes can be corrosive to pipes and are not environmentally friendly.
• vinegar and baking soda
• Hot water: for grease-based clogs, you can try flushing with plenty of hot water, which can sometimes be an effective method.
• Bucket or basin: to catch any water that may have spilled.
• Old towels or rags: to wipe up spills or chemicals while you are working.
• Flashlight: to help you see deep into the pipes.

Related reading: 6 Most Common Sink Materials in 2023

Manual method

Use a rubber suction cup (unclogger)

1. Make sure you have an appropriately sized rubber suction cup that is sized to fit the drain in your bathroom sink.
2. Before you start, make sure there is a certain amount of water in the sink (about the height of the rubber suction cup covered) to enhance the effectiveness of the suction cup.
3. Place the rubber suction cup over the drain, making sure no air enters the bottom of the suction cup.
4. Quickly press the suction cup up and down, which creates a vacuum effect that will help suck out the clog.
5. Repeat the operation several times until you hear the sound of water flowing smoothly, which indicates that the clog has been removed.

Using a straight line unclogger or hook

1. Choose the right straight-line unclogger or hook for the size and depth of your sink.
2. Slowly insert the tool into the drain as deep as possible into the clog.
3. Gently turn and move the tool up and down to try to catch and remove the clog.
4. Pull the tool out slowly while removing hair, debris, and other clogs from it.

Using chemical methods

Commercially available pipe unblockers

1. Visit your local hardware store or supermarket and select an unclogging agent for bathroom sinks.
2. Carefully read the product’s instructions and safety tips.
3. Open the cap and slowly pour in the recommended amount. It is usually necessary to allow it to remain in the pipes for some time.
4. Ensure the room is ventilated and avoid contact with skin and eyes during use. Wash your hands immediately after use.

Vinegar and baking soda

1. The first type of method is more adventurous, you can also use more natural ingredients:
2. Prepare a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar.
3. First, slowly sprinkle the baking soda into the drain, making sure it is evenly distributed.
4. Immediately afterward, slowly pour in the vinegar. You will hear a rustling sound, which is the sound of the vinegar reacting chemically with the baking soda.
5. Allow the mixture to remain in the pipe for about 30 minutes. During this time, it will break down the clog.
6. Finally, flush the drain with enough hot water to ensure all debris is removed.

Check and clean the U-bend (P-trap)

1. Make sure the storage cabinet under the sink is empty to give you plenty of room to work and avoid damaging items with tools or drips.
2. Place a container or tub directly below the U-bend to catch any water or debris that may fall.
3. Use an appropriately sized wrench or pipe wrench. Begin by gently loosening the screws or plastic fittings at each end to ensure they can be manually unscrewed.
4. Slowly unscrew the fittings and carefully remove the U-bend.
5. Look inside the elbow to remove hair, grease, or other substances that could cause a clog.
6. You can use an old toothbrush or a small brush to brush away accumulated debris from inside the elbow.
7. Make sure the inside of the elbow is clean and free of any residue.
8. Return the elbow to its original position and manually tighten the fitting.
9. Use a wrench to gently secure again, but do not over-tighten to avoid damaging the threads.

Use a serpentine pipe unclogger (drain snake)

1. Ensure that your serpentine pipe unclogger is clean and free of residual debris.
2. Insert the head of the unclogger into the drain or remove the U-bend. Make sure it goes in smoothly, do not force it in.
3. When you feel resistance, you may be hitting a blockage.
4. Gently turn the handle of the unclogger and try to push it in, allowing the spiral head to penetrate or capture the clog.
5. Once the clog is broken or captured, slowly pull the unclogger out.

If none of these methods work, consider contacting a professional plumber to see if there is a deeper problem.

A typical do-it-yourself unclogging will cost you a price range of about $30-$80, as some of the tools you’ll need to purchase. You never know, maybe you’ll get affordable tools for the job.

When hiring a professional, the starting cost for unclogging services in many places is usually between $50 and $100. Hourly rates range from $50 to $200.

So, don’t let a clogged sink or drain save you the most money.

Prevention tips

At least once a week, flush your sink with hot water to prevent grease and other substances from building up in your pipes.

Don’t pour grease of any kind down the sink, as they solidify when cooled.

Avoid pouring large food scraps, hair, or other large objects down the sink.

Putting a strainer or screen over the drain can be effective in trapping most hair, food scraps, and other substances that can cause clogging, and cleaning it out regularly.

If your sink is unfortunately clogged and can’t be unclogged, you can try to replace it with a new bathroom basin in addition to even calling a professional, which is of course the worst-case scenario.

Final Words

In response to the above few ways to unclog a bathroom sink, if it helped you this is something to be very proud of. If you have more questions you would like to ask, feel free to contact us by clicking the button below!