How to Unclog Bathroom Sink: 7 DIY Methods

Adam-Paul
Written By Eric Winston - Plumbing Expert

Bathroom sink unclogging is a process of removing blockages from the bathroom sink drain. in order to properly unclog the bathroom sink you should follow the below 7 ways.

7 Steps to unclog a bathroom sink

  1. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using Boil Water
  2. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Plunger
  3. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
  4. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Drain Snake
  5. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Drum Auger
  6. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Commercial Cleaner
  7. Unclog a Bathroom Sink by P Trap Cleaning

Bathroom sink drain is clogged due to hair and beard, soap scum, beauty products, paper towels, dental floss, dirt, and dust. These items are nonsoluble and cause to clog the sink drains. Prolonged bathroom sink clogging cause to water drainage issues, bad smell, bacterial growth, pipe damage, and bathroom flooding over time.

You can prevent bathroom sink leak damage by waterproofing the bathroom floor, regularly inspecting, checking the connection of the pipes, cleaning and maintaining the drain, checking for clogs over time, replacing worn-out components, applying water resistance coating, and installing a splash guard at the sink.

How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink?

A bathroom sink can be unclogged by using the below 7 ways.

  1. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using Boil Water
  2. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Plunger
  3. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
  4. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Drain Snake
  5. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Drum Auger
  6. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Commercial Cleaner
  7. Unclog a Bathroom Sink by P Trap Cleaning
unclog bathroom sink

1. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using Boil Water

You can use boil water for minor clogs in the bathroom sink.

  1. Remove the existing water in the sink
  2. Boil a kettle of water carefully, and pour the boiling water directly down the drain.
  3. The heat from the water at 100-celsius degrees will break down the clog and move it through the pipes
  4. You should repeat the process until the sink is unclogged
boil water sink unclogging

2. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Plunger

You can unclog a heavy sink clogging using a plunger. You can use an inexpensive plunger and follow the below steps.

  1. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s base.
  2. Cover the sink overflow hole with a rag or a towel.
  3. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge continuously. (push and pull)
  4. After several thrusts, remove the plunger and see if the water drains away.
Plunger sink unclogging

3. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

You can use vinegar and baking soda to unclog

  1. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain.
  2. Pouring half a cup of vinegar.
  3. Cover the drain immediately with a plug or a rag because the mixture will start fizz.
  4. Wait for at least 15 minutes
  5. Rinse the sink using hot water to see if the clog is gone.

Important Note

  • Do not use coll water for the rinse process. It will crystalize the baking soda in the drain
  • You should seal the drain once you put the vinegar in the drain
vinegar baking soda sink unclogging

4. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a simple tool that can be used to unclog hair and beard-clogged sink

  1. Remove the sink stopper.
  2. Insert the end of the wire of the sink snake into the drain.
  3. Push it down until you feel resistance.
  4. Turn the crank, push the snake through the clog, and then pull it out.
  5. Do this a couple of times until the drain is clear.
drain-snake-sink-unclogging

5. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Drum Auger

You can use a drum auger to unclog tougher clogs in the sink.

  1. Remove the sink stopper or remove the trap in the sink drain
  2. Release the cable lock of the drum auger and begin feeding the cable down the drain manually to reach the clog. (Once the cable is stuck, it may be against an elbow or joint in the pipe or may have already reached the clog)
  3. Stop trying to feed more cable. Instead, lock the cable using the cable-locking device on the drum auger.
  4. Rotate the drum clockwise while gently pushing the drum auger towards the drain.
  5. Resume feeding the cable down the drain to reach the clog once cleared.
  6. Once the clog is reached, continue to rotate the drum clockwise; this allows the tip of the auger to bore through the clog.
  7. You may need to feed more cable and lock the cable down to navigate through the pipe as necessary until all clogs are cleared.
  8. After you’ve cleared the clog, feed the cable back manually into the drum.
drum auger sink unclogging

6. Unclog a Bathroom Sink Using a Commercial Cleaner

You can use commercial cleaners to unclog both soap scum, hair, and beard clogs in the sink drain. Before you use a commercial cleaner for sink unclogging, you should read the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

  1. Pour the recommended volume of cleaners into sink drain
  2. Wait 15-30 mins
  3. Then rinse the drain using a clean water

7. Unclog a Bathroom Sink by P Trap Cleaning

P trap cleaning should be done if the sink clogging is tougher. You should follow the below step to unclog the sink by P trap cleaning.

  1. Placing an empty bucket under the P trap to collect water and debris once the P trap is loosened.
  2. Loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the P trap using a wrench or pliers and carefully remove the trap.
  3. Use a small brush to clean out the trap and then rinse with water.
  4. Reattach the P trap and check to see if the water now drains properly.

Read more: How to Fix a Sink Stopper Stuck in All Positions?

Sink P-trap cleaning

What are the Clogging Items in the Bathroom Sink?

These are the 6 most popular clogging items in the bathroom sink.

  1. Hair and beard
  2. Soap scum
  3. Beauty products
  4. Paper towels
  5. Dental floss
  6. Dirt and dust 

What are the Bathroom Sink Clogging Problems?

The major problems due to bathroom sink clogging are mold and mildew growth, bacteria growth, musty smell, damaged pipes, paint peeling, stains and discolouration, and bathroom flooding.

To prevent further water damage to the structure you should waterproof the bathroom. When answering how to waterproof a bathroom, Aqviz includes a detailed step-by-step guide for bathroom waterproofing.

How to Avoid Bathroom Sink Clogging Problems?

You can avoid sink drain clogging in the bathroom by following below 7 steps.

  1. Regularly clean the bathroom sink with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to prevent soap and debris.
  2. Use a strainer to prevent from building up soap and other debris that can clog the sink.
  3. Do not pour grease and oil into the bathroom sink.
  4. Put hot water into the sink once a week. It helps to remove and loose unwanted substances in the drain.
  5. Use a plunger to remove any minor clogs in the sink before it grows.
  6. Do not put substances that are hard to degrade such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, and paper towels.
  7. Maintain the plumbing system regularly by checking and cleaning your pipes..