A clogged bathroom sink is such a drag, but you don’t have to be stuck with it forever. Turn off the water supply for the sink and put on your gloves, before you try these DIY clog-busting tips.
1. Clean the Stopper
Starting with the sink stopper may save you a lot of hassle and time. Unscrew the stopper or pull it out, depending on the type you have. Clean it thoroughly. Turn on a flashlight to see if there is hair or other debris caught in the pipe just below the stopper.
Using a wire with a narrow hook may pull out the clog quickly. Replace the stopper and test the function of the drain. If it is still draining slowly or not at all, you can explore further down the line.
2. Check the P-Trap
The P-trap is a curved pipe you can easily access under your sink. It is attached by two large nuts. Place a towel under the pipe and unscrew the trap. Clear it out until it is completely clean. Check the inside of the trap arm, which connects the sink plumbing to pipes behind the wall.
If you can see a clog just inside, pull it out with the wire. When you suspect that the clog may be further down, you should unscrew the nut holding the trap arm and prepare to snake the drain.
3. Snake the Drain
Using a pipe snake or auger is an effective way to remove clogs you can’t see. Position the cable close to the pipe and run it slowly through the plumbing. When you return the cable, you may see the source of the clog attached to it. Be sure to reattach all pipework carefully and fully before you turn the water back on for testing.
4. Call for Expert Assistance
Sometimes even snaking a drain won’t be enough to eliminate the clog. In other cases, you might not feel comfortable handling your plumbing to this extent. This is an excellent time to contact an experienced plumber for help. Plumbers have access to motorized augers and other tools to resolve the clog quickly.
No one wants a drain clog, but they are bound to happen on occasion. For effective drain cleaning, contact Master Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!
