When your bathroom sink begins to drain slower, it may indicate there is a clog. A clogged drain can cause unexpected water backup, damage to the plumbing system, and unpleasant odors. A professional drain cleaning service can clean the clogs to prevent corrosion, leakages, or bursting of pipes in your drainage system. Here are the best practices for bathroom sink drain cleaning:
Remove Visible Debris
Foreign objects, hair, and soap residue can accumulate over time and cause blockages. Removing visible debris is the first step in drain cleaning. Use pliers or a pair of scissors to extract visible debris. Be gentle so as not to push the debris further into the drain. Throw away the waste and run water for several seconds from the faucet. Doing so helps avoid mold and mildew growth and keeps your bathroom sink drain in good condition.
Vinegar, Salt, and Baking Soda
One of the best practices for cleaning your bathroom sink drain is using baking soda and salt mixed with boiling water and vinegar. Take about a cupful of pickling salt/rock salt and pour it into the drain opening. Confirm that the salt goes to all the areas where there may be a waste buildup.
After a few minutes, flush hot water down the drain to clear blockages. Follow this with a vinegar and baking soda mixture for a deep cleaning. Add equal parts vinegar to about half a cup of baking soda. Mix them to form a thick paste that can stick to the opening of the bathroom drain. After about 10 minutes, pour hot water around the edges. Use a scrubbing brush or toothbrush to clean any remaining grime in your sink drain.
Chemical Cleaners
Over-the-counter chemical cleaners are effective and are readily available. Each has its specific method of use, which should be followed carefully. While chemical cleaners can work effectively, most people choose to try other cleaning methods first. They can be dangerous around children or pets and can cause harm to the environment. Look for products that are specifically meant to clear bathroom sink drains. These chemicals can be highly abrasive and acidic. Avoid using them often, as they may pose a risk to your health and cause damage to your plumbing system.
Tools To Clean Your Bathroom Sink Drain
Drain Snake
A drain snake is designed for unclogging pipes and drains. It is a flexible, long shaft that can contour and snake around bends and pipes, clearing blockages as it moves. Put the tool down your sink or drain. Push it gently as far as possible until you encounter some resistance. The resistance is usually the blockage. The blockages should come out as you remove the snake. Run hot water into your drain sink to help wash away any unpleasant odors. The sink should drain well and have no lingering smell after cleaning.
Plunger
Cup-shaped plungers are ideal for unclogging a bathroom sink. To use the tool effectively, fill the sink almost halfway with water. Submerge the plunger around your bathroom sink drain. Press and pull it for several seconds. The repeated motion creates pressure, which helps to free clogs within the pipe. When the water begins to drain away slowly, keep filling the sink with water. Repeat the process until the drain starts flowing freely.
Wire Hanger
Bend a wire coat hanger to form a helpful clog drain tool. Remove the sink stopper and twist the end of your hanger to form a hook. Push it down your drain until you meet resistance. Keep turning the wire hanger for the hook to catch the clog and pull it out to remove any gunk. Keep doing so until you clear the entire clog. Run water to check if the drain empties smoothly. Be careful when using a wire hanger as you don’t want it to get stuck in the drain. When in doubt, call a professional drain-clearing expert to safely remove clogs.
Get Help From a Reliable Drain Cleaning Service
A clog can become a massive problem if you don’t address it quickly. Hire a professional drain cleaning service with a reputation for clearing clogged bathroom sinks quickly and efficiently. They should have a trained and qualified team and the best equipment to provide quality service. Contact a company that offers emergency plumbing services round the clock to handle unexpected backups and clogs.