How to unclog a bathroom sink without chemicals
This is a fast, easy and cheap (under $3) way to unclog a bathroom sink without chemicals.
How to: 4 easy steps
- Figure out cause of the clog.
- After a 30 second Google search, I found The Home Depot’s recommendation on How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink excessive for my needs (lots of steps). But, it did help me learn to first think through what’s causing the issue before jumping to a seemingly easy fix using chemicals that may not be needed.
- My Cause – I knew it was hair because I am the only owner of my home (wasn’t a previous owner/tenant clogging) and my wife has a lot of hair I see go down the drain often. As a dad with three young kids, I also know it is common for recent mothers to lose more hair after pregnancy.
- Get tools
- Since my problem was hair, I used the Cobra Plastic Drain Snake from Lowes.
- I used to think using chemicals was the easiest solution and was ready to throw down some potent cleaner. I have had good experience with Instant Power’s, Hair and Grease Drain Cleaner and recommend the product if snaking or natural methods are not working. But, these basically burn the hair away and the smell of burnt hair will linger. Gross.
- Remove drain stopper to give room to clear clog.
- I learned how to do this from familyhandyman.com.
- Remove stopper by unscrewing the pivot nut from the back of the drain pipe. This nut holds the pivot rod in place which is connected to the knob you use to open and close the drain in the sink.
- Joke to self about rod and nut terms…LOL. See my YouTube channel for a cheesy, blind squirrel dad joke…and the video how-to on this topic.
- Insert snake as far as it goes, wiggle and pullout. Repeat as needed.
Tools
- Hair snake – I used Cobra Plastic Drain Snake from Lowe’s.
Quick tips: Go Full Dad Mode for success
- Try snake before chemicals. It’s cheap and stench free.
- Check The Home Depot’s how to page for alternate ways to unclog sink – How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink.
- “Punt” if the job is too big and pay a plumber, it beats having your wife chew you out for weeks while the problem lingers.
I will evolve the fix it section over time, would love to hear your thoughts on how to make it better.
Thanks,
Britt
About Post Author
Britt
Hey I’m Britt. I run Full Dad Mode to help people like you make the most of life. I share helpful DIY how to's and recipes designed to make busy lives easier. Click here to sign up for email updates to stay up to date on the latest tips and from Full Dad Mode!
