The most common source of a clog in a drain is the U-joint, the U-shaped pipe under the sink. The water goes down and then curves up into the pipes. Soap residue, hair and other items can collect in the belly of the U and make it impossible for water to drain. Here are some common household materials and products that will unclog your bathroom sink.
Instructions
1. Remove any standing water from the sink, and remove the sink stopper. Depending on how your faucet is configured, you might have to unfasten the stopper under the sink.
2. Plunge the drain three times. Place the plunger over the sink opening, press down firmly until the plunger collapses, and lift up quickly. This will help dislodge the clog.
3. Reach into the drain with tongs, and pull up all the balls of hair and gunk.
4. Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by a teakettle of boiling water. Let this sit for about 30 minutes, and then plunge three times. If the water still does not drain, remove the standing water from the sink.
5. Pour 1 cup of bleach down the drain, and let this sit for 15 minutes. Follow with a teakettle of boiling water. Let this sit for 30 minutes. If there is still standing water, plunge three or more times. If the drain has not cleared, remove the U-joint.
6. Clear out the underneath of the sink, and place a bowl under the U-joint. Loosen the nuts that hold the U-joint onto the pipes. Carefully remove the U-joint, making sure to turn it away from your face. Bleach and water may still be trapped in the pipes.
7. Use a wire coat hanger or the tongs to loosen the clog. Put the stopper into the bathtub drain, turn the water on high, and let it flow through the U-joint. This should totally dislodge the clog. Continue until the water runs freely through the U-joint.
8. Reinstall the U-joint and replace the sink stopper.
Tags: standing water, boiling water, boiling water this, dislodge clog, down drain