Bathroom sink clogged? 3 quick tricks to unclog it without plumber
Simple ways to unclog a bathroom sink (photo: Magnific)
A clogged bathroom sink is a common household problem that can often be solved without calling a plumber. Hot water and simple home remedies can quickly restore normal drainage, according to The Spruce.
How to unclog a sink with baking soda
What you will need
- Measuring cup
- Baking soda – 1/2 cup
- Vinegar – 1 cup
- Hot water or boiling water
First, pour about 2 cups of hot or boiling water into the sink drain. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and leave it for 3–5 minutes. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of very hot water, then pour this mixture into the drain. Leave the solution for 5–10 minutes.
Finally, run hot water into the sink to clean the drain and remove any odors.
Bubbles and fizzing can help push through organic clogs such as hair and grease.
Method with dish soap and boiling water
Dishwashing liquid can help dissolve dirt and debris clogging a bathroom sink drain. Follow these steps to flush the drain:
- Pour 2 cups of hot water into the drain
- Add 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid and leave it for at least 10 minutes, ideally 30
- Flush the drain with hot water until the clog is gone. Repeat if necessary
How to remove a clog with a hose
This is a great tool to have on hand for unclogging a bathroom sink if other methods don’t work.
Insert the hose directly into the pipe or drain opening as deep as possible. Then slowly run water through the hose at moderate pressure. While doing this, you can gently move the hose back and forth or rotate it to help break up the clog.
After a while, remove the hose and check whether the water drains normally. If it still drains poorly, the process can be repeated.
How to prevent clogs
Install a strainer. Hair, soap, and toothpaste are the most common causes of clogs. A simple strainer significantly reduces the problem.
Regularly flush with hot water. Every few days after use, you can run hot (not boiling, if you have plastic pipes or risk damage) water for 30–60 seconds — this helps wash away soap residue.
Do not flush items that build up in the sink. Avoid letting in:
- Large amounts of hair
- Cotton pads, wipes
- Thick cosmetic products
- Shaving residue if excessive
Respond to early signs. If water starts draining more slowly, clean it immediately. Once it stops draining completely, the job becomes much more difficult.
