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Jun 05 2025

If your bathroom sink is draining slowly or not at all, don't panic. This happens frequently, and it's usually a straightforward DIY fix. Skip the expensive plumbing service. That said, if things get tricky, companies like Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air are always available to help. Let’s walk you through how to safely and manually unclog your bathroom sink using basic tools and a little patience.

Why Your Sink Gets Clogged

Before we dive into how to fix it, let’s discuss why bathroom sinks clog in the first place. Over time, hair, soap, toothpaste, and other debris can accumulate in the drain. These sticky items combine into a gooey mess that slows down the flow of water.

Sometimes, small items like earrings or bottle caps can fall down the drain, causing even bigger problems. That’s when people usually start looking for a local plumber in California and Arizona or calling a plumbing service.

But don’t reach for the phone just yet—this guide may save you the call.

Step 1: Remove Anything in the Way

First things first, clear off your sink. Take away anything sitting on the countertop so you can work easily.

Next, check the drain for any items that can be removed by hand. Put on rubber gloves if you have them. Sometimes hair or gunk is stuck right at the top of the drain and can be pulled out with just your fingers or a bent wire.

A tool called a “drain hair remover” or a simple wire coat hanger with a hooked end works great for this.

Step 2: Take Out the Stopper

Many bathroom sinks have a stopper that lifts and lowers to block water from draining. That stopper often traps a lot of hair. To remove it:

  • Look under the sink.
  • Find the metal bar attached to the drainpipe.
  • Unscrew the nut holding the bar in place.
  • Slide the bar out and lift the stopper from the drain.

Now you can clean off any buildup on the stopper. It might look gross, but removing it can make a big difference! Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air often sees clogged sinks caused by dirty stoppers—this simple step can make a big impact.

Step 3: Use a Plunger

If cleaning the drain opening doesn’t help, grab a small sink plunger—not the kind used for toilets.

  • Fill the sink with just enough water to cover the rubber part of the plunger.
  • Place the plunger over the drain hole.
  • Push up and down quickly for 20–30 seconds.
  • Lift the plunger and see if the water drains.

This action creates suction to move the clog. If it works, awesome! If not, let’s try the next step.

Step 4: Try a Drain Snake

A trusted plumber often uses a drain snake when a plunger doesn’t work. You can buy a small hand-crank drain snake from a hardware store. Here’s how to use it: Slowly feed the snake into the dry.
 

  • When you feel resistance, you’ve hit the clog.
  • Turn the handle to break up the clog or grab it.
  • Pull the snake out carefully and wipe off the gunk.

You might have to repeat this a few times. It’s not a clean job, but it’s usually effective. And remember—Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air professionals use similar tools for deeper clogs, but they have bigger equipment for tougher jobs.

Step 5: Clean the P-Trap

If nothing else works, it’s time to take off the P-trap. This is the curved pipe under your sink.

Place a bucket underneath to catch water and follow these steps:

  • Use your hands or pliers to unscrew the slip nuts on each end of the P-trap.
  • Remove the trap and pour out the water inside.
  • Use a brush or an old toothbrush to clean out any gunk inside the pipe.
  • Reattach the pipe and check for leaks.

You’d be surprised how often Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air finds clogs right in this little U-shaped pipe.

Tips to Keep Your Sink Clear

Once you’ve cleared your clog, it’s smart to take steps to stop it from happening again.

  • Use a drain cover to catch hair.
  • Avoid rinsing big clumps of toothpaste or hair down the drain.
  • Run hot water after brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Clean your stopper and drain every few weeks.

If you follow these tips, you may not need a trained plumber as often.

When to Call for Help

Sometimes, the clog is too deep or stubborn for DIY methods to resolve. If you’ve tried all the steps and your sink still won’t drain, it’s time to call a professional plumbing service.

A recurring clog could indicate a more significant issue in your pipes. That’s when a visit from Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air is a smart idea. They have the right tools and training to identify and resolve the root cause of the problem.

Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

You don’t have to live with a clogged sink. Most clogs can be fixed in less than an hour using basic tools. But if your drain is still giving you trouble, don’t wait—reach out for help.

Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air has helped thousands of people just like you with stubborn bathroom sinks. Whether you need a quick fix or full drain service, they’ll get your water flowing again.

So, try these simple steps first, and if you need backup, the pros are just a call away!

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