Ah, a slow-draining bathroom sink—classic holiday frustration 😅. Don’t worry, there are safe DIY fixes you can try before the plumbers arrive. Let’s go step by step from the simplest to slightly more involved methods.
1️⃣ Remove the Stopper
- Many bathroom sinks have a pop-up stopper.
- Pull it out (or disconnect the lift rod under the sink).
- Clean off any hair, soap scum, or gunk stuck on the stopper.
2️⃣ Boiling Water
- Carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain in stages.
- This can dissolve soap residue and minor clogs.
- Repeat 2–3 times, letting it sit for a few minutes between pours.
3️⃣ Baking Soda + Vinegar (Natural Drain Cleaner)
- Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with ½ cup white vinegar.
- Cover the drain (cloth or stopper) for 10–15 minutes—you’ll see fizzing.
- Flush with hot water.
Repeat once if necessary. Works well for soap and hair buildup.
4️⃣ Use a Plunger
- Fill sink with a few inches of water.
- Use a small cup plunger designed for sinks.
- Pump vigorously for 20–30 seconds.
- Check if water drains faster.
5️⃣ Check the P-Trap
- Place a bucket underneath.
- Unscrew the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe).
- Remove hair, gunk, or debris manually.
- Reassemble and test the drain.
6️⃣ Snake / Wire Hanger
- If the clog is deeper than the P-trap:
- Straighten a wire coat hanger or use a drain snake.
- Insert carefully and fish out hair/debris.
- Avoid excessive force to prevent pipe damage.
⚠️ Tips & Cautions
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can damage pipes and aren’t great for small bathroom sinks.
- Wear gloves; hair and grime can be gross!
- If multiple drains are slow or there’s gurgling, it could be a main line issue, and professional help is safer.
💡 Quickest fix if you’re desperate: Baking soda + vinegar + hot water + plunger usually clears minor slow drains within 15–20 minutes.
If you want, I can give a step-by-step holiday-safe method that almost always clears hair clogs without any chemicals—perfect while you wait for the plumber.
Do you want me to do that?
