To unblock a bathroom sink you can use a plunger, a combination of baking soda and water, unscrew and clean your U Bend, or use store-bought drain cleaners. If none of these methods work, you will likely need to contact a professional.
Blocked bathroom sinks are a common and irritating problem. The standing water often causes an unpleasant smell, and water that refuses to drain can be inconvenient and unsightly. Here we will run through the most effective ways to unblock your sink.
Removing debris manually
Many blockages can be resolved by manually extracting clogged matter such as hair, soap scum, and toothpaste, from the drain.
For shallow blockages, you can use your hands, but otherwise it’s a good idea to get a plumber’s snake. This is a thin coiled wire attached to a crank which you feed it into the plug hole, and it collects the built-up debris.
Alternatively, using a plunger can release the blockage. To effectively plunge your sink:
Block the overflow to prevent any air escaping
Ensure there is enough water in the sink to cover the bottom of the suction head
Place the plunger over the plug hole and press it up and down for a few minutes
Release the plunger and check if the water drains, repeat if needed.
How to unblock a bathroom sink without a plunger
A combination of bicarbonate of soda and water can often clear blockages. Sprinkle the soda crystals down the drain, then pour in boiling water. Following this up with some white vinegar can also help.
Store-bought drain cleaners can have the same effect. Just follow the directions on the packaging.
Cleaning your U Bend
Taking apart the pipes below your sink may be the last resort if you are still unsuccessful. To do this:
Turn off the water
Clear the space under the sink, and place down a bucket and towel to catch excess water
Take a photo of the pipes so you can see how they fit together afterwards
Unscrew the U Bend using a wrench (be prepared for caught water to spill out!)
Clear the U Bend and surrounding pipes with a plumber’s snake
Reassemble the pipes
Turn the water back on and check there are no leaks
Keeping drains clear
If none of these solutions work, you are best off contacting a plumber to resolve the problem.
To prevent this from becoming a reoccurring issue, try being mindful about what you rinse down the drain. Consider getting a hair-catcher, and do not allow anything non-biodegradable to enter the plumbing system, such as cotton buds, menstrual products or nappies.
Poor plumbing increases the chance of blockages, so if this is a regular problem, consider upgrading your bathroom units to reduce your risk of blockages. See our full range of Bayou Bathroom basins.