How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink

Plumbing issues—everyone encounters them sooner or later.

It might be because your system’s getting old, you’ve been using it a bit aggressively, or perhaps you’re just unlucky with where your house is situated. These plumbing headaches can range from being a slight inconvenience to a complete nightmare. And yet, regular plumbing checks often fall by the wayside since many folks think these systems are indestructible.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. From clogged drains and leaky faucets to failing water heaters, every component has its lifespan and can cause trouble when ignored. This blog will guide you through common plumbing issues, helping you understand what to watch out for and when to call a professional plumber.

Why is my bathroom sink clogged?

Many homeowners ask themselves this question when they experience a slow-draining sink or can see water coming out of their drain.

Occasionally, stuff that’s not just water makes its way down the sink, ending up stuck in the pipes. It could be the usual culprit like soap scum building up over time, or maybe a piece of jewellery or toy sneaking its way down the drain.

A foul smell and a gurgling sound from your bathroom sink indicate a clogged bathroom sink drain obstructing the seamless water flow down the drain. Some of these include:

Blocked Pipes

Vent pipes are always connected to plumbing systems, letting sewer gases leave the house. They usually go around the roof and then escape from there. But if there’s a blockage in any of these pipes, the gas might return from the drain and then back into your bathroom.

Clogged Drains

Fat and grease build-up, stuck food items or oil accumulation can clog drains. If this plumbing problem is not treated, your sink will not clear out completely, or water will slowly move down the drain. The wastewater can sometimes return from the pipes, leading to a malfunctioning sink.

Faulty P-Trap

The P-trap pipe is located underneath the sink and inside the cabinets below. It is an essential part of the drainage system, as it keeps wastes and debris from affecting water flow. If the P-trap gets damaged or wears out over time, it can cause large-scale clogging. It’s best to clean your P-trap occasionally to keep it unobstructed. If you don’t want your drain opening up the P-trap, use a thin wire to clean out the debris or use a coat hanger wire, a thin stick or a nylon brush cleaner to take out the dirt or a brush to clean the insides thoroughly, call your trusted plumbing team to do the task for you.

There are ways to unclog a bathroom sink drain, and you can use items and materials around your home to help clear a drain blockage.

Wire Hanger

This method is a breeze since most of us have a coat hanger stashed away somewhere.

Simply straighten the wire, then use the hooked end to snag or nudge away the blockage.

It may get a bit messy as you retrieve hair and other debris. Finish off by pouring warm water down the drain to wash away any first and soap scum.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Nothing is better than vinegar, boiling water, and baking soda for a natural drain-cleaning remedy.

Mix these three, and you’ll kick off a reaction that attacks the grease and grime lurking in your blocked bathroom sink drain.

Dump 1 cup of baking soda down the sink, then chase it with a cup of vinegar. Let this fizzy mix sit overnight and chase it down with boiling water come morning. Be careful—it gets hot!

Boiling Water

Water alone can be just as effective. But it has to be boiled to cut through grease, soap residue, and fatty substances.

Take your time pouring the water a few seconds apart and in stages.

Wet and Dry Vacuum

You can hire one from any home improvement store if you do not have a wet and dry vacuum.

This is perfect for sucking up any liquid stuck in leftovers in your bathroom sink. Make sure you start by using the wet setting. Cover the drain completely with a tight seal. You can change the setting to dry when all the fluid has been removed.

Crank it up to the max setting—that’s the best way to shake loose and suck out any stubborn bits hanging around.

Drain Cleaning

Preventative measures are the best option for ensuring a clean drain free from blockages. Maintaining your plumbing system and pipes involves regularly cleaning drains and inspecting your pipework using CCTV camera imaging.

Our team can help you with various ways to unclog your big and small drains.

Call a professional plumber to protect your property and prevent flooding and major drain blockages.

Call the Experts for Lasting Solutions

Dealing with a clogged bathroom sink can be messy and inconvenient, but fortunately, there are multiple ways to tackle the problem yourself. However, it’s best to bring in professionals for persistent clogs or if DIY methods don’t work. At Fixed Today Plumbing in Sydney, our skilled team is ready to clear any blockages quickly and effectively, ensuring your plumbing system functions smoothly. Don’t let a clogged sink disrupt your day—reach out to us for reliable and lasting solutions.

Call Fixed Today Plumbing now to schedule your service and keep your plumbing in top condition!