What causes a clogged bathroom sink?
There are many reasons why a bathroom sink is clogged. One reason is that the oils in the bathroom and personal care products are often infused with oils to add moisture, fragrance, and a silky-smooth finish. Bathroom sinks can become clogged if these oils build up in the drain pipes.
A blockage in the pipes is another common cause of a blocked sink. A blockage can be caused by people washing up with jewellery on. Coins, tissues and other objects can also fall into the sink, which can cause water to stop flowing through the pipes.
Sinks that haven't been used for a while can also rust. Bathroom sinks are typically U-shaped and can rust over time. Rusted pipes can cause smaller openings which make it more difficult for water to flow through.
How to unclog a bathroom sink
No matter what the cause, you will need to know how to unclog your bathroom sink drain. To fix a clog in your bathroom sink, you can use a pair of rubber gloves to clean it. However, if you have jewellery that has been accidentally dropped down the drain, the acid may be the best option. These harsh chemicals can be dangerous to your skin and lungs.
Try these DIY tips and tricks to unclog bathroom sinks safely using only a few household staples. If the drain is blocked, you may be able to save it and remove it.
Toilet Plunger
A toilet plunger can be used to loosen a sink that is slowly filling up. You can retrieve your valuable jewellery by using the vacuum seal of the toilet plunger. This is not a guaranteed way to get rid of any obstructions in your sink drain. This could push the obstruction down the pipes.
A toilet plunger, which can cause a sudden surge of water through your pipes, is a good option if you don't mind removing the object from the drain. A sudden burst in pressure can clear the blockage and make your sink work again. Start plunging by placing the plunger head above the sink drainage hole.
Wire Hanger
To retrieve the object, you can use a drain snake, plumber’s snake or bent wire hanger. You can grab your ring or any other obstruction with some drain snakes that have retractable hooks. You can bend a wire hanger into a hook shape to make it easier to remove the obstruction.
If the clog is caused by oil buildup or mold, you can also use the wire hooker to remove it. To clear the clog, simply bend the wire hanger enough to push the drain down. You can also use a dry and wet vacuum to retrieve your item.
You can clear the blockage with a wet and dry vacuum set to the liquid setting. This will make it easier to recover any valuables that have been lost. To cover the drain hole, seal it with a stopper. You should vacuum as much water as possible until the obstruction is gone and the water is getting sucked up.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used for many purposes, including baking. Baking soda can be used to clean out stains from jewelry, remove tarnish from clothes, and deodorize pots and pans. Combine the cleaning power and acidity of white vinegar to create a cleaning solution that will clear any drain.
First, pour a cup of baking soda down the sink. Mix in two cups of white wine and let it fizz. The chemical reaction should loosen the grime and the acidity from vinegar should dissolve most clogs, such as soap scum or mineral deposits. Allow the solution to sit for a while, and then pour boiling water down your drain to rinse it out.
Boiling water and rock salt
Sometimes all you need to fix clogs is some boiling water (not hot water) and some rock salt. First, pour some rock salt down your drain. This will be used to scrub away soap scum and hard water stains.
The freshly boiled water should be poured down the drain slowly but steadily. The water should dissolve any oils and hard water minerals. Let the drain cool down, then turn the tap to see if there are any signs of slow draining. Drain the excess water from the drain and then do it again.
Plumbing professionals
Professional plumbing and cleaning services are the best ways to unclog your bathroom sink. Pipes that are not regularly cleaned and maintained are more likely to become clogged.
Bathroom clogs can be fixed by professionals. To retrieve your items, a plumber will remove the slip nuts and access the p-trap. You don't need to worry about any further damage to your pipes because plumbers are experts in unclogging drains.
How to prevent your bathroom sink from clogging
Do not deal with stubborn clogs over and over again. Keep your pipes clean to make sure your sink drain is clear of obstructions. Maintaining a clean bathroom sink is key to keeping it clogged-free and in good shape. Dirty pipes can give off a foul odor and can cause rust to form in the interior, seams and slip nuts.