How to Unplug a Drain Line From a Bathroom Sink

The bathroom sink drain is equipped with a trap that helps seal it off from the sewer.

A sink drain is equipped with a trap. the trap is an "S-shaped" pipe that traps a small amount of water in the pipe. The water in the trap seals the drain off from the sewer system, thus preventing dangerous sewer gas from emanating from the drain. This makes the trap a necessary nuisance. The same, S-shaped pipe often traps hair and other debris in it and clogs the drain. If you drop a diamond ring into the sink drain and it is caught in the trap, you're glad it's there.

Things You'll Need

• Lock jaw pliers
• Wet dry vacuum
• Drain cleaner
• Plunger

Instructions

1. Bail all the standing water out of the sink until the drain opening is free of water.

2. Plug the wet vac into a socket away from the sink. Turn it on and place the suction hose over the drain opening. Wrap a wet rag around the hose end if it does not seal.

3. Remove the wet vac hose from the drain and plunge the sink drain to loosen any remaining clog.

4. Place the wet vac suction line over the drain one more time and turn it on. Again seal the vacuum suction line with a damp rag if the suction line does not seal. If the drain is not unclogged proceed to step 5.

5. Remove the sink trap using the adjustable pliers. Place the suction line of the wet vac over the drain pipe that goes into the floor or wall and turn on the wet vac. This will suck any remaining debris that might remain int he main drain pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• Always seal the vacuum suction line with a wet rag.

• If the drain opens but runs slow, add drain cleaner and follow all instructions on the label

• Keep the electrical plug and cord away from any standing water.

• Drain cleaner is caustic and should not come in contact with skin.

References

• Moterhearthnews.com: Drain related article