Clearing a slow-draining sink is always one of those jobs we put off until the sink becomes unusable. But if you have a clogged bathroom sink, don’t immediately start googling professionals. Unblocking a drain could be easier than you think, even without a plunger!
Read on for our handy tips on how to unblock a bathroom sink:
How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink Drain?
You might be asking, "Why is my sink blocked?”. Typically in bathrooms, a sink will become blocked due to a build-up of hair, dirt and soap scum. If you don’t look to clear this sooner rather than later, the bathroom sink could become completely clogged, making the job harder to rectify.
If you don’t have a plunger or it’s not doing the trick, there are many alternative solutions you probably already have available at home.
Blocked Sink Home Remedies
Bicarbonate Of Soda And White Vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and white vinegar are typical staples that most of us will find in our kitchen cupboards. When combined, they make a fantastic cleaning solution for lots of different areas in the bathroom.
When mixed together, baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction. This blend acts as a degreaser, so it’s the perfect solution for drain unblocking.
How To Unblock A Sink With Bicarbonate Of Soda And White Vinegar?
Simply, pour one cup of baking soda into your drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Don’t be alarmed by the fizzing. This effect is the chemical reaction just mentioned which simply means it’s getting to work.
Once the fizzing dwindles, flush your drain with boiling water - approximately 2 cups should do the job. You should now have a free flowing sink. If your drain is particularly clogged, you may have to repeat the process two or three times.
Check out our recent post on bathroom cleaning hacks for additional tips and tricks!
Washing Powder
Another household staple which can be utilised to unblock a sink is washing powder. Washing powder is designed to break down dirt, oil and fats from our clothes. Therefore, it is an effective tool to also unclog a sink.
Be aware with this one though, the washing powder needs to be biological to take effect.
Simply, spoon 3 teaspoons of washing powder carefully into the drain and follow immediately with boiling water. If there are still signs of a blockage, you may need to repeat the steps a couple of times.
Alka Seltzer And White Vinegar
One of the more unusual household staples you can use to unblock a sink is Alka Seltzer! Similarly to bicarbonate of soda, when combined with white vinegar, Alka Seltzer is a good blocked sink home remedy.
With this one, put two Alka Seltzer tablets into the drain and pour approximately 500ml white vinegar straight in after them. Leave for around 5 minutes then flush with boiling water. Repeat if needed and signs of a blockage are still apparent.
Recommended Cleaning Products For Blocked Sinks
There are many specifically designed cleaning products on the market which are used for drain cleaning. These come in various different consistencies such as gels, powders and pastes.
However, if you’re not looking to use a home remedy, good old bleach is the way forward with cleaning products.
Does Bleach Block Sinks?
Bleach is often an essential cleaning solution to use in bathrooms due to its strong anti-bacterial properties. Bleach can also be an effective tool to unblock a sink without a plunger. Due to its strength however, you do need to take care when using bleach in any area of the home.
How To Unblock A Drain With Bleach?
To unblock your sink using bleach, pour approximately one cup of bleach directly into your drain. Let it soak for approximately 15 minutes and then flush thoroughly with boiling hot water.
Be sure to remember to clear your drain with boiling water as bleach could potentially corrode pipes if not flushed through.
Bleach and water are effective tools for unclogging a drain, but you may need to repeat the process if your sink is severely blocked.
How To Prevent A Bathroom Sink Becoming Blocked
As with all cleaning tips, prevention is always better than cure! So, how do you avoid clogging your drains in the bathroom? Try following these steps for prevention:
- Purchase a drain screen that fits over your plug hole. It helps to prevent the build-up of hair, soap scum, and other fats reaching your drain.
- Although you can never completely prevent hair from getting into your drain, brush your hair before showering or bathing to reduce the amount of loose hair entering your drain.
- Pour boiling water down your drain once a week. This will help to dissolve fats and soap scum before it starts to build and form a blockage.
For other great bathroom cleaning hacks and tips such as how to prevent mould, be sure to check out our blog
