This Plumber Shows How to Unclog A Bathroom Sink., by Jay that drain guy on YouTube. 2 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Remove the pop-up stopper so the drain is open. Pull it up and twist, or reach under the sink and loosen the pivot nut if it will not lift out.
Pull out any hair or debris you can see with tweezers or a small hook. Do not push it further down the drain.
Stuff a wet rag into the overflow hole on the front of the basin. This forces the plunger's pressure down the drain instead of out through the overflow.
Put on rubber gloves and set the cup plunger over the drain. Add water until the rubber cup is fully covered, which helps it seal.
Push down and pull up quickly 10 to 15 times, keeping the cup flat against the sink. On the last stroke, pull the plunger away to release the pressure.
Check the drain by running hot water for 30 seconds. If it drains slowly, repeat the plunging a few times.
If the water still stands, feed a hand drain snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Crank the handle clockwise and pull back to hook the hair.
Pull the snake out slowly and wipe the debris into a bucket. Run hot water to flush the drain, then refit the stopper.
Look under the sink for drips after you finish. Tighten the trap slip nuts by hand if you see water.
Tips and common mistakes
Never plunge after pouring chemical drain cleaner down the sink, because the splash can burn your skin and eyes.
Use a flat cup plunger for sinks, not the flanged plunger made for toilets.
A drain snake removes hair better than chemical cleaner and will not damage the pipes.
If water backs up in another sink or the shower, the clog is deeper in the shared line and may need a plumber.
Questions
Do I need to seal the overflow hole?
Yes, on most bathroom sinks. If you leave it open, the plunger pushes air and water out of the overflow and gives you little suction.
How do I know if the clog is in the trap?
If the sink drains slowly but never fully clears, the clog is often hair in the pop-up assembly or trap. A snake that meets resistance close to the drain opening points to the trap.
Can I use a wire coat hanger instead of a snake?
It can work in an emergency, but the sharp end can scratch the drain and push the clog deeper. A hand snake is safer and easier to control.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
