How to Unclog Bathroom Sink Drain

Last Updated On October 6, 2024

Updated on June 2, 2022

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how to unclog bathroom sink

Most people brush their teeth in the bathroom sink, sending excess toothpaste down the drain, potentially causing a clog. The likelihood of a slow drain increases if people shave at that bathroom sink as well. 

When the sink starts filling up to the point of almost overflowing and leaving scum on the sink when it finally drains, it’s time to take action. 

In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:

  • How to unclog bathroom sink drain
  • What are the different ways to unclog a bathroom sink drain?
  • What do you look for in the best products to unclog your bathroom sink? 
  • Review of top 5 products used to unclog your bathroom sink

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner
  • Easy to use
  • Safe on pipes
  • Includes 5 refills
  • Easy to use
  • Safe on pipes
  • Includes 5 refills
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Luigi’s Sink and Drain Plunger
  • Innovative, compact space-saving design
  • Commercial strength, 10x stronger than plunger
  • Works in 10 seconds (2 plunges)
  • Innovative, compact space-saving design
  • Commercial strength, 10x stronger than plunger
  • Works in 10 seconds (2 plunges)
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
POPULO Electric Drain Auger,25Ft Plumbing Snake Drain
  • LED light ensures you can see
  • Flexible for S trap and U bend
  • Spins clockwise and counterclockwise
  • LED light ensures you can see
  • Flexible for S trap and U bend
  • Spins clockwise and counterclockwise
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Professor Amos’ SuperFast 2-Pack -32oz Drain Cleaner
  • Enough cleanser for 8 treatments 
  • Highly effective commercial-strength formula 
  • Safe for PVC and metal pipes
  • Enough cleanser for 8 treatments 
  • Highly effective commercial-strength formula 
  • Safe for PVC and metal pipes
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Xion Lab Safer, Greener Drain Clog Remover
  • Safe for plumbing 
  • Environmentally friendly 
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Safe for plumbing 
  • Environmentally friendly 
  • All-natural ingredients
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On October 6, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner

This highly rated 18-inch manual auger rotates 360 degrees to break up your clog with the ⅛” diameter head. It’s easy to connect the wand to the plastic handle, and it’s easy to turn once you reach the clog. 

You can use this product on the bathroom sink as well as the shower drain and kitchen sink drain. 

Our Top 5 Products To Unclog Bathroom Sink

What's In This Guide?

      What Are The Different Ways To Unclog A Bathroom Sink Drain?

      Natural Remedies 

      A mild clog may only require a simple solution that you can do without going to the hardware store for any tools. 

      The first natural solution is near boiling water. This is safe for PVC pipes, but for older pipes, let it cool slightly with it being closer to near boiling.

      The second natural solution involves a solution of baking soda and white vinegar (and optional lemon juice). You can read more about the best homemade drain cleaning solutions here.

      Plunger 

      A plunger uses pressure to break up clogs in more places than just the toilet. 

      The three main types of plungers are:

      • Cup plunger
      • Flange plunger
      • Accordion plunger 

      For a bathroom sink clog, use a cup plunger or flange plunger. 

      Drain Cleaner 

      A drain cleaner is either chemical-based or uses natural enzymes to dissolve the clog. These climb the scale in terms of ingredients, safety, and effectiveness. Here is an overview.

      Natural Based Cleaners

      They use bacteria to eat through organic-based clogs, similar to how nature disposes of materials during decomposition. A popular and safe product in this category is the Earthworm drain cleaner.

      A step up from this product is the ever-popular Green Gobbler, which is still safe but also includes proprietary ingredients that many claim are very effective. To remain safe, more and more homes are using natural enzymatic drain cleaners, but to be fair they don’t work as well on a stubborn clog. These will also clear up other issues like pink mold in the sink drain.

      “Stronger” Ingredients

      You may in fact need to rely on a stronger (yet still safe) product such as Drano’s Max Gel. The main ingredient here is not enzymes, but sodium hypochlorite. This active ingredient is achieved by combining bleach with other chemicals, but to be clear you should never pour concentrated bleach down your drains. It is safer than the next product category, but you should still use caution and read labels.

      “Strongest” Ingredients

      A caustic solution such as Liquid Fire drain cleaner uses chemicals that will deal with the toughest of clogs. However, it can potentially damage your plumbing system, and it can cause poisoning if ingested. It should only be used on certain pipes, and you should read the instructions carefully. These products are on the market because there is a demand for them and they work, however, you must use caution.

      Plumber’s Snake 

      The main problem with a clog is that you can’t always reach it. A plumbing snake solves this problem. It has a flexible, long cable that fits into your drain until it reaches the clog to break it up at the location. You can find unpowered snakes as well as powered snakes.

      Pro Tip: If the clog involves hair, and it’s mostly near the opening of your drain, you may not need a snake yet. First, try a hair clog remover tool. These are inexpensive, and function like a miniature version of a plumbing snake. We review the best options, here:

      How To Unclog Bathroom Sink Drain (5 Steps)

      Step #1: Prep

      Whenever working on your plumbing, you need to prepare yourself for a mess. 

      Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. You also want to keep your phone and watch away from the water. 

      At this point, you should also do your research on the clog and the products you plan to use. 

      Step #2: Try a Plunger 

      If you have a small rubber plunger available, use it first. 

      Put the sink stopper somewhere safe and create a tight seal around the drain with a little bit of water in the sink. 

      Plunge for about 20 seconds and check the drain. 

      If you don’t notice much progress after 2 – 3 attempts, you may want to move on to another method. 

      Step #3: Use a Drain Snake

      Slowly place the auger down the bathroom sink until you reach the clog. 

      When you have reached the clog, use the crank to turn the snake or turn on the power to a powered auger. 

      As mentioned, if you suspect the clog is hair-based, and located near the drain opening, first try a remover tool.

      Step #4: Take Apart P Trap 

      You may need to remove the P trap to gain access to the clog.

      This requires moderate plumbing knowledge, and you may feel more comfortable requesting the services of a professional plumber for this task. 

      Turn the water off before you take apart the P trap, and use a bucket to catch any remaining water. 

      Use a screwdriver and pipe wrench to take apart the plumbing and find the clog to remove it. 

      This may not work if the clog occurs further down your plumbing system where you can’t reach it.

      Step #5: Apply Drain Cleaner Regularly 

      After you resolve the clog, pour a natural drain cleaner down your drain every month as a part of regular plumbing maintenance

      The enzymes eat and dissolve hair and other organic waste to prevent clogs before they happen

      In some cases, a drain cleaning product can attack a stubborn clog, but it’s important to understand that they work best as maintenance, especially non-chemical drain cleaners. 

      You want to reduce how often you use a chemical drain opener so that it doesn’t damage your pipes, leading to early replacement. 

      What Do You Look For In The Best Products To Unclog Bathroom Sink?

      Environmentally Friendly 

      It’s important to take the planet into consideration in everything we do, even when dealing with a clogged drain

      Look for biodegradable products in recyclable containers from companies that follow eco-friendly manufacturing and business practices. 

      Safe For Pipes/Appliances

      You whatever product you use to be safe for every pipe it comes in contact with from the sink pipe to the drain pipe. 

      Cast iron pipes can be susceptible to corrosion, and PVC pipes can withstand more, however, you still need to check the label and consider the age of your plumbing system. 

      You should also check if you can use the product for your garbage disposal, washing machine, septic tank, grease trap, drain trap, and other sensitive areas of your plumbing. 

      Appropriate for Your Clog

      You can probably guess exactly what caused the clog, and you need to use a product specifically designed for your specific type of clog. 

      Some common items that can clog your bathroom drain include:

      did you know how to unclog bathroom sink

      Best Products To Unclog Bathroom Sink Drain Reviewed

      Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner

      This highly rated 18-inch manual auger rotates 360 degrees to break up your clog with the ⅛” diameter head. It’s easy to connect the wand to the plastic handle, and it’s easy to turn once you reach the clog. 

      You can use this product on the bathroom sink as well as the shower drain and kitchen sink drain. 

      Pros

      • Easy to use
      • Safe on pipes
      • Includes 5 refills

      Cons

      • One application per wand 
      • 18” may not reach all clogs
      • Low power

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Luigi’s Sink and Drain Plunger

      This commercial-strength plunger is specifically made to work on sinks and drains instead of the toilet, and it works 10x better than a standard cup plunger in just about 10 seconds. 

      You can use this product on the shower drain and kitchen sink, too. It’s made from recyclable PVC plastic, which is easy to clean with bleach.

      Pros

      • Innovative, compact space-saving design
      • 10x stronger than plunger
      • Works in 10 seconds

      Cons

      • Not for use with toilet
      • Must cover overflow drain
      • Must clean after each use

      Our #3 Rated Pick: POPULO Electric Drain Auger,25Ft Plumbing Snake Drain

      This cordless, powered auger reaches 25 feet down your drain and spins at speeds up to 560 RPM (revolutions per minute), making it far more powerful than a crank auger. 

      The battery charges in roughly one hour. If you have questions or problems, customer service responds in 24 hours. 

      Pros

      • LED light ensures you see
      • Flexible for S trap, U bend
      • Spins clockwise and counterclockwise

      Cons

      • Can’t correct main line problems 
      • Not safe for toilet
      • Difficult to use

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Professor Amos’ SuperFast 2-Pack -32oz Drain Cleaner

      Eliminate standing water in your sink or shower thanks to a clog caused by hair, oil, grease, soap, and fat with this commercial-strength chemical drain cleaner that is safe for all types of pipes. 

      Simply pour the cleaner down the affected drain and let it work for a couple of hours before rinsing with hot water. 

      Pros

      • Enough for 8 treatments 
      • Highly effective, commercial-strength
      • Safe for PVC and metal pipes

      Cons

      • Chemical ingredients 
      • Takes 6 -8 hours to work
      • Not suitable for toilets

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Xion Lab Safer, Greener Drain Clog Remover

      This environmentally-friendly product is biodegradable, odorless, non-flammable, and it comes in a recyclable container. Its industrial-strength formula of enzymes and bacteria makes it more effective than most natural drain cleaners. 

      This product is safe for all pipes and appliances, and it won’t irritate the eyes or skin. Only works on organic waste. 

      Pros

      • Safe for plumbing 
      • Environmentally friendly 
      • All-natural ingredients

      Cons

      • Won’t dissolve paper clogs
      • Made for maintenance, not tough clogs
      • Not made for a toilet clog

      Final Thoughts On How To Unclog Bathroom Sink

      A slow draining sink, thanks to gunk in the drain can make getting ready in the morning uncomfortable and a hassle. When hot tap water doesn’t dissolve the clogged sink, try the products in this review to create a drain opening again. 

      Need help unclogging your shower drain? Follow these steps.

      FAQs For Unclogging Bathroom Sink Drain

      How do you fix a slow draining bathroom sink?

      Use a plunger or drain snake to fix a slow draining bathroom sink. 

      What can you pour down a sink to unclog it?

      You can pour baking soda and white vinegar down a sink to unclog it. You can also try boiling water or drain cleaner. 

      How do you unclog a bathroom drain naturally?

      Naturally, unclog a drain with boiling water or an enzymatic drain cleaner. 

      What will dissolve hair in the drain?

      Enzymatic drain cleaners eat at hair and other organic waste.

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      About Plumbing Navigator

      We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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