How to Fix a Clogged Bathroom Sink (Step-by-Step)

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How to Fix a Clogged Bathroom Sink (Step-by-Step Guide)

A clogged bathroom sink is one of the most common household problems — and one of the most frustrating. Slow drainage, standing water, or a completely backed-up basin can bring your morning routine to a stop.

The good news? Most sink clogs can be fixed without calling a plumber.

Here’s a complete, simple guide to get your sink flowing again.

Why Bathroom Sinks Get Clogged

Most bathroom sink clogs are caused by:

  • Hair buildup
  • Toothpaste residue
  • Soap scum
  • Dirt, oils, and grooming products
  • Forgotten debris like dental floss or cotton swabs

Over time, these combine into a greasy, tangled blockage inside your drain.

What You’ll Need

You probably already have most of this:

  • Plunger
  • Drain snake or zip tool
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Boiling water
  • Old towel
  • Bucket
  • Adjustable wrench

Step 1: Try Boiling Water

Start simple.

  1. Boil a pot of water.
  2. Slowly pour it down the drain in two or three stage pours.

This works great if the clog is caused by soap or grease buildup.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

If hot water didn’t solve it:

  1. Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain.
  2. Follow with 1 cup white vinegar.
  3. Cover the drain and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Flush with hot water.

This creates a natural chemical reaction that breaks down gunk.

Step 3: Plunge the Sink

Yes, plungers aren’t just for toilets.

  1. Fill the sink with a few inches of water.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain.
  3. Push and pull forcefully for 20–30 seconds.
  4. Check if the water starts draining.

Pro tip: Plug the overflow hole with a wet rag for better suction.

Step 4: Clean the P-Trap

If the clog persists:

  1. Place a bucket under your sink.
  2. Unscrew the curved pipe (P-trap).
  3. Dump the contents and clean any sludge inside.
  4. Reattach the pipe and test the sink.

This step fixes a huge percentage of slow drains.

Step 5: Use a Drain Snake

If you still have issues:

  1. Insert a drain snake or zip tool.
  2. Rotate and pull slowly to remove hair and debris.
  3. Flush with hot water afterward.

When You Should Call a Plumber

Call a pro if:

  • Water is backing up into other drains
  • You smell sewage
  • Multiple rooms are clogged

That usually means a deeper main drain problem.

How to Prevent Sink Clogs in the Future

  • Use a drain cover for hair
  • Run hot water weekly
  • Avoid pouring oils or creams down drains
  • Do a monthly vinegar + baking soda flush
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