Is your bathroom sink draining slower than normal? Are you starting to notice a foul smell coming from the drain? These are both signs that your bathroom sink may be clogged. Before you reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners or call a professional plumber, here are some simple tips and tricks to try to unclog your bathroom sink on your own.
1. Remove and Clean the Stopper One common cause of a clogged bathroom sink is a build-up of hair and soap scum in the drain. To tackle this type of clog, start by removing the stopper in your sink. Most sink stoppers can be easily unscrewed or lifted out. Once the stopper is removed, clean off any debris that may be caught on it before reinserting it back into the sink.
2. Use a Plunger If removing the stopper doesn't solve the clog, try using a plunger to dislodge whatever is blocking the drain. Make sure to fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger before starting to plunge. Use quick, forceful plunges to try to dislodge the clog. If the clog doesn't clear after a few attempts, move on to the next tip.
3. Try a Homemade Drain Cleaner Instead of reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners, try using a homemade drain cleaner made of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain to help loosen any buildup. Then, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper to contain the fizzing reaction. After letting it sit for about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
4. Use a Drain Snake If the clog is still persisting, it may be time to use a drain snake. A drain snake is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up and remove clogs. Start by inserting the snake into the drain and turning the handle to break up the clog. Pull out the snake and repeat the process until the drain is clear.
5. Prevent Future Clogs To prevent future clogs in your bathroom sink, make sure to practice good drain maintenance. Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, hair, and other debris down the drain. Consider using a drain strainer to catch large debris before it enters the drain. Regularly clean your sink stopper and drain to prevent buildup.
If you've tried these tips and tricks and are still unable to unclog your bathroom sink, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Dutton Plumbing, Inc. offers expert plumbing services to help with all of your plumbing needs. Our team of experienced plumbers can quickly and effectively unclog your bathroom sink, ensuring that your plumbing system is working properly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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