Are you tired of spending hours in front of your bathroom sink every day? A slow-draining sink can make your daily chores difficult and time-consuming. People often ask – why is my bathroom sink not draining? If you’re also worried about a clogged sink, we’ve got you covered!
Your sink may be clogged if any hard objects such as – jewelry, toothpaste cap, or any plastic items accidentally fall through the drain. Hair or soap buildup and accumulated grease can also cause slow draining.
Clogged sinks may be a bit difficult to handle, so it’s important to know which equipment or cleansing solution works the best. Find out why your sink is malfunctioning and learn how to fix it by following easy steps.
Why is My Bathroom Sink Not Draining?
The most common reason behind clogged sinks is dirt buildup or foreign objects, such as – wipes or tissues down the drain. However, there may be other reasons as well –
1. Accumulated Hair or Soap
The bathroom is where people take showers or freshen up, so it’s not unlikely that fallen hair or soap will be stuck down the sink pipe. Hair and soap tend to accumulate and create a persistent blockage over time.
This limits water flow and stops the sink from draining.
2. Foreign Objects
Small objects like cotton swabs, toothpaste caps, and jewelry can occasionally fall into the sink drain if you’re not careful enough. These objects may become stuck in the pipes, restricting the flow of water and causing drainage problems.
3. Lack of Vents
Plumbing systems have vents to control air pressure and help drainage. Lack of adequate venting can cause your sink to clog completely or drain slowly.
You may need to contact professionals to fix the vents in your sink.
4. Grease Buildup
The grease and fat from soap, toothpaste, or personal care items can accumulate and leave a sticky residue in the sink pipes. This buildup may trap other particles that are moving through the drain and cause a clog.
Always keep an eye out to notice any unusual change in the flow of water in your bathroom sink. Take steps immediately to get it fixed because clogged sinks can overflow anytime and ruin your house.
By understanding these causes and using some DIY solutions, you can often resolve the issue. If the clogging problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional plumber, as it may also block the drainage system in the long run.
How to Fix a Bathroom Sink That’s Not Draining?
Now that you know how your bathroom sink may become blocked, it’s time to know how to unclog it –
1. Pour Boiling Water
Start by pouring boiling water down the drain first to break up any grease and clear small obstructions. Be careful if your sink is made of porcelain or contains PVC pipes since extremely hot water might harm these materials.
2. Use A Plunger
Always use a tiny plunger that is specifically made for sinks. After partially filling the sink with water to create a seal, forcefully plunge up and down.
The produced pressure and suction can help in clearing the blockage.
3. Prepare a Cleansing Solution
Mix baking soda and vinegar in equal amounts, then pour it down the drain, after a brief period of fizzing, flush with hot water. This chemical reaction may dissolve organic waste and unclog small clogs.
4. Clean Pipes Using A Wire Hanger
Reach down the drain with a straight wire hanger or a drain snake to try to remove any obvious clogs or hair. Use the tool with caution to avoid harming the pipes.
5. Find Chemical Drain Cleaner
As your final method, you can use chemical drain cleaners found in the market. These cleaners can be abrasive and might harm your pipes, so be cautious and pay close attention to the directions. They should only be used as a last option.
What Are the Chemicals that Help to Unclog Bathroom Sinks?
There are typically three types of chemical dry cleaners that are available in the market. While these chemicals can be useful for unclogging clogs, it’s crucial to remember that they should always be used carefully and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
1. Caustic Drain Cleaners
These are strong alkaline substances and contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. They work by turning grease and other organic debris into a soap-like substance that can be easily flushed away.
2. Acidic Drain Cleaners
These cleaners contain sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and remove blockages by dissolving or destroying the clog’s components. These chemicals can be dangerous to use and may harm some types of pipes and fittings.
However, they’re excellent at removing mineral deposits and unclogging jams brought on by organic waste.
3. Enzyme Based Drain Cleaners
Enzyme cleansers may take longer to work than caustic or acidic cleaners, but they’re generally considered safer for pipes and the environment. They’ve built-in microbes and enzymes that break down organic debris and slowly remove blockages.
It’s crucial to take safety precautions when using any chemical cleaner, including using protective gloves and eyeglasses. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and keep kids and pets away.
You should also keep in mind that not all plumbing systems or materials may respond well to chemical cleansers. Always read the list of ingredients and instructions provided to use them safely.
How to Prevent Drainage Problems in Bathroom Sink?
By following five simple steps, you can keep your bathroom sink functioning to perfection –
- Clean or disinfect your sink at least once every month and arrange frequent plumbing maintenance.
- Avoid excessive use of chemical cleansers.
- Throw out fallen hair separately and keep an eye out for any foreign objects near the sinkhole.
- Practice running hot water down the sink after using it to remove any grease or dirt residue.
- Don’t use toiletries that have too much grease or oil in them.
Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of encountering bathroom sink drainage problems. Maintaining toilet hygiene is always a must.
FAQs
Clogged bathroom sinks are a common phenomenon and people frequently ask many questions, which include –
Q. How can I improve the drainage system of my bathroom sink?
Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the drain and wait for a few minutes before flushing it down. This will clear any greasy debris and improve the water flow.
Q. What is the fastest way of unclogging a malfunctioning sink?
You can use baking soda and white vinegar to clean the clogged sink. Soda crystals can also prove to be effective.
Q. Can chemicals affect the bathroom sink pipes?
PVC pipes are much more enduring than metal ones. As long as you carefully follow the instructions and make sure the product you’re using is safe for your plumbing system, there shouldn’t be any issues.
Final Thoughts
Bathroom sinks are used every day and can be clogged very easily. One of the most asked household questions is – why is my bathroom sink not draining? Grease buildup, inadequate vents, and hair accumulation are some of the common reasons.
To keep your bathroom sink functioning effectively, maintain cleanliness and avoid abrasive cleansers. If you’re confused or dealing with a persistent clog, make sure to consult a professional plumber for assistance. Bathroom sinks are sensitive and should always be handled with care.