In this age of home automation and high-speed Internet, we want everything to work quickly. Waiting for the bathroom sink to slowly drain does not meet our expectations. So, what can you do to unclog that bathroom sink that takes forever to drain?
In our most recent blog, the plumbers at Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric discuss some easy ways to unclog those pesky drains. For all of your home’s plumbing needs, contact the professionals at Ravinia Plumbing today.
How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink Drain
1. Chemical Drain Cleaners
You can purchase gel, powder, or liquid cleaners from your local home repair store. These products usually contain strong chemicals designed to loosen clogs or create heat-producing reactions to melt congealed grease. Carefully follow the use instructions to avoid damaging your system, particularly if you have older, metal pipes. If possible, try to avoid using chemical cleaners and try one of our following four tips instead.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Take a natural approach to unclogging the drain by using vinegar and baking soda to create a reaction that will clear the blockage. The combination of baking soda and vinegar won’t damage your pipes and has proven to be a reliable way to clear drains. Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. The reaction of the soda with the vinegar creates a chemical reaction that loosens the clog. Wait approximately 15 minutes, and then pour boiling water into the drain. Repeat the process, if necessary, until the water drains easily.
3. Plunger
In some cases, using an old-fashioned plunger will do the trick. Before you plunge the bathroom sink, remove the stopper. Add water to the clogged bathroom sink to cover the drain for approximately one inch. Position a clean toilet or sink plunger over the sink drain and press down to create a seal. Plunge vigorously. Remove the plunger and, using a flashlight, see if the clog is within your reach. If not, continue the plunging process until you can pull the blockage from the drain. Do not plunge an undermount sink because you could pull the mounts out of the countertop.
4. Wire Hanger
You may want to use rubber gloves for this process; it’s messy, but it’s an easy way for an amateur to snake their drain. Begin by straightening a metal wire clothes hanger, leaving a small loop at one end. Snake the wire down the drain until you reach the clog. Then pull up and dispose of debris. Continue the process until you have removed most of the clog. Pour boiling water down the drain to wash away any lingering debris and ensure water flows freely down the drain.
5. Shop Vacuum
Using a shop vacuum involves removing the P-trap located beneath the bathroom sink. (If you are not comfortable removing and replacing the P-trap, contact a licensed plumber to unclog the sink drain for you.) Place a bucket beneath the trap to catch any water. Remove the P-trap, and insert the shop vac nozzle into the vertical pipe running up to the bathroom sink.
Put the sink stopper in the drain and plug any open pipes with rags. Turn on the vacuum, using the wet setting, and attempt to loosen the blockage. If the vacuum’s suction does not pull the clog into the shop vac’s bag, remove the nozzle, and pull out the remainder of the plug by hand. Replace the P-trap.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Drain Cleaning Services
Some bathroom drain blockages prove too stubborn for you to tackle. If so, contact a professional that has the tools and methods to clear these difficult clogs and to ensure your sinks are draining quickly again. Ravinia Plumbing has been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, HVAC, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment for inspection or repair services.