How To Effectively Unblock A Bathroom Sink Simple 5 Step Guide

Are you in a bit of an awkward situation with a blocked sink? Are you not sure how to unblock a bathroom sink the right way? This guide provides all the necessary information about clogged bathroom sinks. It explains why blockages happen and teaches you how to unblock a sink. It also suggests some household hacks you can try and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each unblocking method.

Why Is Your Bathroom Sink Blocked?

There are several reasons why your bathroom sink could be blocked. When it comes to clogged drains in the bathroom, soap scum and hair are the usual suspects. Although bath and shower drains are more prone to that issue, sinks can easily get blocked through these ways.

As I am sure we all know, blockages can be a real hassle to deal with, wasting time and money to fix, ignoring a blockage can result in hidden damages to your sink and in time making it weaker and prone to more expensive fixes. Which none of us want!

5 Simple Tips To Unblock Bathroom Sink

A blocked bathroom sink is pretty much inevitable someday in every home. And your bathroom sink isn’t an exception. So let’s get into the real questions on your mind like “how can I unblock my bathroom sink?” and “what's the best bathroom sink” unblocker?

Tip 1- Use Baking Soda And Vinegar

Wondering how to unblock a bathroom with sink bicarbonate soda? Or how to unblock a bathroom sink without a plunger? Need not worry our first tip to sort your issue would be using baking soda and vinegar.

Using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a great way to avoid damage to the plumbing lines in your sink. Using this simple 4 step process should give you the helping hand to unblock your sink.

1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the blocked sink
2. Mix A tablespoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of vinegar and pour this mixture down the sink as well
3. Wait for 10 minutes. You may hear some noises, but don't worry it’s a sign it’s working.
4. Open the sink plug and pour boiling water once again.

Your bathroom sink should be clear now. However, if the water is still not flowing smoothly, you can try the process again.

Tip 2- Use Soda Crystals

Having trouble unblocking your bathroom sink? Try using soda crystals, also known as washing soda. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can effectively clear even the toughest sink blockages. Best of all, you can complete the 5-step process in less than 20 minutes!

1. Remove the water in the blocked sink, and pour a pot of boiling water down the sink.
2. Wait for a few minutes for the water to drain away.
3. Once all water is drained away pour a cup full of soda crystals down the plughole of the sink.
4. Wait for a minute or so then pour down the drain boiling water on the crystals once more.
5. Wait until water drains away and pour another pot of boiling water down the drain to see if it’s unblocked.

Tip 3- Get A Plunger

It’s common knowledge the best thing to unblock bathroom sinks is a plunger. But to what extent would it work? A regular cup-shaped sink plunger works by using suction and compression. The plunger has a shallow dome shape with a flat rim at the bottom. This rim creates a seal on the top of the sink's drain hole.

When a plunger is pulled up, water in the pipe is draining upwards. Likewise when the plunger is pushed down the clog is also forced down.

1. Check the pop up stopper
2. Close the sink overflow opening
3. Place the plunger in the right direction
4. Plump the plunger. Don't use to much force
5. Check the waterflow periodically
6. Flush the drain by pouring hot water down

The clog can be dislodged and loosened by the push-pull effect of repeated up-and-down strokes. Once the clog is cleared, water will flow freely again. Keep in mind the two forces when using a plunger.

Tip 4- Use A U-Bend

What is a U-Bend and How do you unblock a bathroom sink with a U-Bend? A U-Bend is a flexible drainpipe under the sink plughole. This quick 6 step process.

1. Wear rubber gloves first and place bucket under the sink
2. Use pipe wrench and unscrew the drainpipe cautiously
3. Let water drip into the bucket and remove pipe once the dripping stops
4. Clean it by hand and remove hair,soap scum and debris
5. Wash the U-bend
6. Rinse with water to see if it works.

If it still doesn't work then unfortunately the problem does not lie with the U-bend.

Tip 5- Try Using Salt

You can attempt to unblock a bathroom sink by using a combination of iodised salt and vinegar. This simple 3-step process should be completed within 20 minutes.

1. Combine 2 tablespoons of iodised salt with 2 tablespoons of vinegar, then pour the mixture into the sink.
2. After 15 minutes, you will hear a fizzing sound as the mixture reacts with the debris blocking the sink.
3. Pour a pot of boiling water down the sink.

If your bathroom sink is still clogged and the water isn't flowing smoothly, you can try repeating the process again.

There you go! 5 fantastic tips and tricks to get your drain unblocked and functioning fully again if you are not wanting this stressful experience again, we recommend following the below measures.

Avoid Flushing Hair And Shavings Down The Sink - If done often small hairs and shavings can build up to be a real problem and clog up your sink so if possible try to avoid it.

Clean Up Sink Regularly - Hair and debris accumulate over time so if at any chance you can clean up the stopper area of the sink to stop debris slowly going down the drain

Use Hot Water - Rinsing your sink down with hot water at least once a week can keep the build up of debris away to prevent build up overtime.

F&Q’s

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Have you got a blocked shower tray that has left you in a situation in which you don’t know what to do? Read our easy guide on how to unblock a shower tray!(The Right Way)

How Do I Unblock My Shower Drain?

Is your shower drain overflowing when your trying to relax? Find a easy fix with our slow draining shower guide

How Do I Unblock A Toilet?

Nobody likes a blocked up toilet. Is it time to learn how to unlock a toilet effectively?

What Are The Best Cleaning Tips For A Bathroom?

Are you looking for the best tips and tricks for cleaning your bathroom. Then take a look at our 8 bathroom cleaning hacks guide so you are totally covered with the best ways to clean your space in the business.