Myer-Boylen and Schlueter both caution against pouring chemicals down a clogged sink drain. Though the right chemical can work on fat-type clogs, it can damage your pipes and introduce harsh ingredients into your home. A common mistake homeowners make is to continuously use chemicals in a consistently clogged drain.
Some household chemicals are dangerous for human exposure too. If you do use a chemical and end up calling a plumber, tell them what you used and how much. “That’s always a big concern for me—everybody’s safety,” said Schlueter.
What causes bathroom sink clogs?
Hair and soap scum are the culprits of most bathroom sink clogs. Though hair is the main offender, soap and cosmetics can break down into a fatty substance when exposed to hard water. That scum builds up over time inside your pipes, causing a clog. Dropped toothpaste can also glom onto inner pipe walls and constrict water flow.
If your home is older, it could suffer the effects of rust clogs too. Homes built before 1960 may have galvanized steel pipes, which tend to last between 30 and 40 years. Toward the end of that lifespan, rust can flake off and obstruct flow.
How do you prevent your bathroom sink from clogging?
While you could always stop combing your hair, brushing your teeth, or washing your face (please don’t), the best preventative care for any sink drain is simply adequate drainage, Schlueter advised. “When you’re brushing your teeth, just leave the water running. It’s flushing out your drain,” he said.
Schlueter recounted a time when his client disposed of mashed potato leftovers in her garbage disposal without using enough water. “The only way I could get it out was physically cut the pipe in half and take a shop vac and pull it out. It was literally thick-as-you-can-imagine mashed potatoes all the way through this pipe from the kitchen drain down to the main stack,” he said.
Meyer-Boylen recommended not doing your hair care routine over the sink or washing dropped toothpaste down the drain. She also suggested the following preventative care routine:
- Flush pipes weekly with hot water
- Clean drains monthly
- Use a zip tie monthly
Frequently asked questions
What can I pour in the sink to unclog it?
You can pour boiling water into the sink to help clear minor sink clogs. However, it can damage porcelain sinks and plastic pipes, so make sure it’s a compatible method for your bathroom sink before committing. Pour slowly and carefully to avoid scalding yourself.
What is the best way to unclog a bathroom sink?
The best way to unclog a bathroom sink is to plunge it or use a zip tie, as outlined above. If this doesn’t work, you can try secondary methods such as boiling water and—if you’re really brave—P-trap disassembly. After that, your next move should be calling a plumber.
How can I use household items to unclog my bathroom sink?
If you don’t have a plunger or a zip tie handy and you don’t mind a little DIY chemistry, you can try to loosen the clog with a cup of baking soda immediately followed by a cup of vinegar. “Let that sit for 30 minutes, then flush for one minute with hot water,” said Myer-Boylen. With a little luck, this household concoction will dissolve the sludge that’s blocking up your drain.
