How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink

When you see water slowly draining from your bathroom sink, you know it's clogged and must be dealt with. Usually, it's easy to fix because it's caused by the buildup of debris, hair, and soap, so it can be removed without harsh chemical cleaners. You can also use a plunger or drain snake, dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda to break up debris and unclog bathroom sink drains.

Plunger and Hook

The drain cover must be cleaned and removed. You will need to remove the tub drain plug by hand or with a Phillips screwdriver. The screw on the shaft must be turned counterclockwise until the stop can be pulled out of the shaft. Clean up any debris with a paper towel. Some drains don't have a stopper, but instead a stopper or metal cap. Pull it out and clean.

Use the plunger to cover the drain hole and fill the bathroom sink with hot water until the cup is submerged. The plunger will create an air-tight seal on the drain, which will forcefully loosen the clogged drain. Cover the overflow opening with a damp towel to lock in any air that would complicate effective insertion.

This process must be done quickly. Push down on the plunger so that it adheres to the bottom of the bathroom sink, creating an airtight seal on the drain. Then move up and down for about 20 seconds. Repeat a few times and remove to check if the water is draining.

If the drain is still clogged, use a hook such as a curved clothes hanger. Bend the end of the hanger into a hook that can be inserted into the drain. You can also purchase drain cleaning tools. Insert the drain hose to where you see the blockage, then lift it out of the drain. Rotate the hook in the drain to loosen debris. Pull up and wipe off with a paper towel. You will most likely repeat the process a few times until it is unblocked.

Rinse the drain with hot water to remove any debris. If drainage is still slow, you may need to repeat the process again.

If all solid debris has been removed, you can continue to use soap or baking soda.

soap and hot water

Remove the drain plug and pour ½ cup liquid dish soap down the drain. Soap will lubricate the inside of the drain and help unclog debris.

Flush the drain with a bucket of hot water. Choose boiling water as this will be more efficient, but only if you have metal pipes. Gradually pour it down the drain to drain the debris. You may need to repeat the process and add more soap and water to dissolve any stubborn debris.

Turn on the faucet and see if the drain is clear. If the water is still running slowly down the drain, push in the wire hook and pull up as much debris as possible. Rinse again with hot water.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Heat 8 cups of boiling water and pour slowly down the drain to loosen the crumbs. If you have PVC piping, use hot tap water.

Remove the plug covering the drain. You may need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the shaft. Carefully pour ½ cup baking soda into the open channel. Push as much powder as possible into the drain to reach stubborn debris.

Pour ½ cup white vinegar down the drain. When it mixes with baking soda, it creates a hot foam and fizz. Let the mixture soak for about 15 minutes. Remember to cover the drain with a towel so the mixture has maximum pressure to unclog the debris. Wait an hour, then rinse out the blockage.

Heat another 8 cups of water and rinse the drain with boiling water. You can also just run the hot water faucet to loosen the debris. Continue running the water until the water flows freely. If draining is still slow, use dish soap, more hot water, and a drain snake, as there may be solid blockages that need to be broken down into small pieces.