How to Unclog Bathroom Sinks in Vancouver

Vancouver homeowners, are you frustrated with a clogged bathroom sink? Dealing with a drain clog can be not only time-consuming but also messy. It's a problem that can disrupt your daily routine and make your bathroom sink uncomfortable. Fortunately, unclogging bathroom sinks don't always require a plumber. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver, we unclog bathroom sinks all the time!

It's common in most households, but that doesn't mean it's any less frustrating. We want to offer our expert advice and a few tips and tricks so that your bathroom drains return to their proper working condition. Before calling your local Vancouver plumber, here's a step-by-step guide to help you unclog bathroom sinks, save time, and prevent headaches.

Remove the Sink Stopper

Sometimes the most frustrating tasks have the most straightforward solutions. This is the first step we recommend since the sink stopper is frequently the culprit and an easy fix to unclog bathroom sinks. To remove the drain stopper, locate the lever at the back of the sink and lift it to release the stopper from the bottom. For a pop-up stopper, pop it up as much as possible, twist it open, and pull with a little force. If your drain stopper is connected underneath your sink, which you can check quickly by looking under the vanity, you may need to unhook the lever that clamps the stopper to the lever in the back of the sink. Regardless of what kind of sink stopper you have, it's a good idea to get familiar with removing it so you can unclog bathroom sinks regularly.

Use a Plunger

If the stopper doesn't solve the problem, we recommend using a plunger to tackle your drain clog. A plunger is the most accessible tool to unclog a bathroom sink. Fill the sink and ensure a few inches of water cover the plunger's suction cup. Then create a tight seal between the plunger and the sink, cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth or drain cover, and begin plunging up and down for about twenty seconds. Then quickly remove the plunger to see if the water drains freely. Make sure you apply steady pressure while plunging, and repeat this a few times to see if it breaks the blockage.

Use a Drain Snake or Wire Hanger

If plunging doesn't work, try a manual plumbing snake or bent wire coat hanger to remove any hair, soap scum, or other debris trapped in the drain. A plumbing snake, or auger cable, is a long, flexible, and thin metal cable with a hook on the end that can be inserted into the drain to loosen and clear clogs. First, straighten out the wire hanger or snake. Then insert it into the drain until you feel it stop at the clog. Once you reach the blockage, wiggle and move it repeatedly, up and down, while applying gentle pressure. Keep doing this until you feel the clog breaking apart or dislodging and the excess water begins to drain. Slowly pull the snake or wire out of the drain, discarding debris. Then flush the sink with hot tap water.

Try a Do-It-Yourself Method

Baking Soda and White Vinegar Method

If none of the above methods work, try a do-it-yourself remedy. You can use many household items to unclog bathroom sinks, and baking soda and vinegar are two. Begin by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/3 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain with the same amount of vinegar. Wait at least ten minutes for the mixture to fizz, foam up, and work its magic. This combination will cause a safe chemical reaction that will help break up and loosen more challenging clogs. Then, after a few minutes, rinse the drain with hot water and repeat.

Boiling Water Method

We strongly advise you to do this DIY method only if you are sure what your plumbing system is made of. Usually, it can be used for bathroom and kitchen sink drains, but only if your pipes are made of metal, such as iron, copper, or galvanized steel. If your pipes are PVC, PEX, or have seals that could dissolve, stop here and don't use boiling water.

You can dislodge the blockage with boiling water if you have metal pipes. It is relatively simple to try. Bring your water to a boil and pour it slowly to help break up and loosen any debris or clogs. Be careful not to burn yourself, and repeat this process a few times with additional boiling water before testing your sink.

Call a Professional Plumber in Vancouver

If all else fails and you have a stubborn clog, call a plumber to take care of the problem and mess. They have specialized equipment to unclog bathroom sinks quickly and safely, ensuring your pipes aren't damaged. While a plumber may be more expensive than trying to fix the problem yourself, it's still a cost-effective solution that will save you time and frustration as they will also complete a necessary plumbing inspection.

Our Plumbers Unclog Bathroom Sinks with Expertise!

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver, we unclog bathroom sinks with specialized tools, like motorized drain snakes and hydro-jetting.

• Motorized Drain Snaking: A clogged sink sometimes needs more power to clear up. We use motorized drain snakes and augers to clear the most impenetrable clogs. These tools are long and threaded into the bathroom sink drain, pulling out and removing the block. Because of the motor, our drain snakes have more accuracy and power behind them.
• Hydro-Jetting: For more stubborn bathroom sink clogs, we will use our HydroScrub® Jetting equipment. It can unclog bathroom sinks and is a thorough drain cleaner. They push highly pressurized water through the drain, blasting the clog and any other debris or soap scum away.

Don't let a clogged or slow drain bring your day down. We can diagnose any block and fix any underlying issue to unclog bathroom sinks. This gives you peace of mind that your bathroom sink won't continue to clog. Call us today!