How to Unclog Your Bathroom Sink Drain Without Calling a Plumber

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Things You'll Need

  • Rag

  • Plunger

  • Pipe wrench

  • Bucket

  • Pipe snake/cable auger

Save time and money by unclogging a bathroom sink yourself.

Bathroom sinks can become clogged with residue, hair and/or household objects, and hiring a plumber can take time and cost money you don't have. Before you assume the situation is dire and consult a plumber, try a few simple methods to unclog the drain yourself. You may be able to unclog that drain in less time than it would take for a plumber to arrive.

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Step 1

Fill the sink partway with water. Plug the overflow drain with a rag and plunge the main drain several times.

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Step 2

Place a bucket underneath the sink drain if the clog remains. Use a pipe wrench to unscrew the sink trap, the U-shaped section of pipe, and empty it into the bucket. Check the trap to see if that is where the clog is located.

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Step 3

Remove the horizontal trap arm that sticks out from the wall pipe. Pull a length of cable from the auger and lock it in place. Insert the cable into the drain from under the sink until it reaches the clog. Alternately crank the cable toward you and back toward the clog until it begins to loosen. Replace the trap and turn on the hot water, plunging again if the clog has still not washed away.

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Step 4

Pour a liquid drain cleaner into the sink and follow the directions if the drain is still clogged and the other bathroom drains are working properly.

Warning

Some drain cleaners can be corrosive to certain types of plumbing, so check the label before use.

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