Occasionally, sinks clog, and when that happens, you don’t need to call a handyman or plumber to fix the problem. Here’s how to unclog a sink.
To unclog a bathroom sink drain using a plunger:
- Remove the pop-up drain from the sink.
- Wet a rag and use it to seal up the sink overflow drain.
- Apply petroleum jelly to the bottom lip of the plunger.
- Run water in the sink.
- Place the plunger over the drain, and plunge up and down several times in quick succession.
- Run more water in the sink, and repeat as needed.
If using a plunger doesn’t clear the drain, remove the P-trap from under the sink and clean it out by hand.
Watch the video above to learn more about unclogging a sink.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Danny Lipford: Now something that can really be frustrating is a slow-draining sink or a clogged sink.
Joe Truini: Most homeowners who want to unclog a sink first reach for a plunger. But here are a few plumbing tricks that can help improve the efficiency of the plunger.
First, start by removing the pop-up drain from the sink bottom. Then take a tissue or a rag, dampen it, and use it to plug up the overflow openings on the side of the sink. That helps direct the plunging pressure directly to the clog.
Next, take a little petroleum jelly, and smear it along the bottom lip of the plunger. That’ll help form an airtight seal against the sink bottom. Next, run a little water down the drain, then plunge vigorously three or four times. Run a little more water to clear out the clog.
Danny Lipford: Now, if this method doesn’t unclog your sink, you may have to go under the sink and disconnect the P-trap, and use a plumber’s snake.
