


The blocked drain in the bathroom is more than just an eyesore, isn’t it? Imagine the smelly bathroom drain that hits your nose. It’s enough to make you gag and send chills down to your spine.
You might think about giving up the shower head and grab the phone to call a plumber service instead. But, unblocking a bathroom sink is often easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of a blocked sink and some effective DIY solutions. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to know how to unblock a sink in minutes!
What Causes a Clogged Bathroom Sink?

Is your sink draining slower than usual, or have you noticed a gurgling drain? It’s likely a sign of a blockage. Before getting into how to unblock shower drain, here are some common things that cause the blockage:
- Hair: Whether it’s from shaving or just daily washing, hair is a top culprit. It clumps together and traps other gunk.
- Soap scum: The combination of soap and hard water can create a sticky build-up that narrows your pipes over time.
- Shaving products: Shaving cream, gels, and foams can contribute to build-up, especially if they contain oily ingredients.
- Toothpaste: It might seem harmless, but toothpaste residue can contribute to blockages, especially if it contains gritty ingredients.
- Dirt: Everyday grime from washing hands or cleaning can accumulate and contribute to clogs.
- Grease: Even if you don’t wash greasy dishes in the bathroom sink, traces of oil from your hands can build up over time.
- Foreign objects: Sometimes things like jewellery, small toys, or even dental floss can accidentally slip down the drain and cause a blockage.
- Installation fault: If your sink wasn’t installed correctly, it could have inherent issues that lead to blockages.
- Broken pipes: If there’s a crack or leak in your pipes, it can trap debris and cause a clog.
How to Unblock a Bathroom Sink in 6 Steps
When it comes to a blocked bathroom drain, you must be thinking about pouring boiling water down the drain. The thing is, not all DIY methods are generally safe. That’s why you should never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain. We don’t recommend those two methods. Anyway, we’ll discuss it later.
Now, comes the simple method that we’ve tried. It’s effective, safe, and can be done by everyone!

Here are the equipments you need to unclog bathroom sink:
- Protective gloves
- A plunger
- Cloth or rag
Step 1 – Clear the area
Wear the gloves, just in case. Remove anything that’s sitting in the sink.
Step 2 – Plug the overflow
If your sink has an overflow hole, use the cloth or rag to cover it completely. This will help create a good seal for the plunger.
Step 3 – Pour some water
Fill the sink with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger’s cup.
Step 4 – Plunge away
Place the plunger over the drain and make sure it’s sealed tight. Push down firmly and then pull up sharply. Repeat this several times.
Step 5 – Check for movement
Does the water start draining? If not, give it a few more plunges.
Step 6 – Repeat if necessary
Sometimes it takes a bit of persistence to dislodge a stubborn clog.
If plunging doesn’t do the trick, you might be tempted to try some other popular DIY methods. Don’t worry, they are also good alternatives without any negative effects.
Other Methods to Unblock a Bathroom Sink (Recommended by Plumbers)
If the plunger hasn’t cleared the blockage, don’t worry! The expert in-house plumbers at Neighbourhood Plumbing recommend these two effective methods to tackle those stubborn sink clogs:
1. Using a Zip-It (for hair clumps)

This handy and affordable tool is specifically designed to grab hair. It’s perfect if you suspect that’s your main issue.
What you’ll need:
- A zip-it tool
- A plastic bag (for disposing of the gunk)
- A pair of gloves (optional, but recommended)
Step 1 – Insert the zip-it
Feed the plastic strip of the zip-it into the drain opening.
Step 2 – Push and twist
Push it down gently while twisting it. The barbs on the zip-it will catch onto hair and other debris.
Step 3 – Pull it out
Slowly withdraw the zip-it. You’ll likely see a collection of hair and other gunk on the barbs.
Step 4 – Dispose of the gunk
Use the gloves to carefully remove the debris from the zip-it and place it in the plastic bag.
Step 5 – Repeat if necessary
Give it a few more goes to make sure you’ve cleared out as much as possible.
2. Using a Snake Drain

This flexible tool can navigate through bends in your pipes to reach deeper blockages.
What you’ll need:
- A snake drain (also known as a plumber’s snake)
- A cloth or old towel (to protect your sink)
- A bucket (optional, for collecting dirty water)
Step 1 – Insert the snake
Gently feed the end of the snake into the drain.
Step 2 – Crank the handle
As you push the snake further in, start turning the handle. This will help the snake navigate through the pipes and break up any blockages.
Step 3 – Push and pull
Keep pushing and pulling the snake while turning the handle. If you feel resistance, you may have hit a blockage.
Step 4 – Break up the clog
Keep working the snake until you feel the resistance lessen.
Step 5 – Withdraw the snake
Slowly pull the snake back out, wiping it on the cloth or towel as it emerges.
Step 6 – Run the water
Turn on the tap and run the water to flush out any remaining debris.
Hopefully, these methods have solved the mystery of how to unblock a sink for you! If not, and you’re still having a blocked bathroom drain, it’s best to call in a professional plumber to avoid causing any damage to your pipes.
Methods We DO NOT Recommend

While the internet is full of DIY solutions, our expert at Neighbourhood Plumbing strongly advise against using the following methods, as they can potentially damage your pipes and worsen the blockage:
Using Boiling Water
While it might seem like a good idea to melt away gunk, pouring boiling water down the drain can warp or even melt plastic pipes. If you have older metal pipes, the sudden change in temperature can cause them to contract and create leaks.
Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
This popular combination can cause a chemical reaction that might seem like it’s clearing the clog, but it’s often not powerful enough to break down tough blockages. The mixture can also solidify and create a harder blockage if it doesn’t completely flush out.
In addition, if your drain is already filled with standing water, the reaction could cause it to bubble up and create a messy overflow.
What’s more, the acidity of the vinegar can corrode certain types of pipes over time, leading to leaks and other issues.
That’s not how to unblock a bathroom sink, after all.
Using Carbonated Drinks
Some people claim that the phosphoric acid in cola or other carbonated drinks can help dissolve clogs. However, this acid is present in very small amounts and is intended for human consumption, so it’s unlikely to be effective against a stubborn sink blockage.
In addition, the carbonation in colas often creates bubbles and pressure that can push the blockage further down the pipe, causing the bathroom sink to be blocked even more.
The sugar and other ingredients in these drinks can also leave a sticky residue that attracts more debris, further worsening the issue.
Conclusion
With these tips on how to unblock a sink, you’re well on your way to tackling that stubborn blockage and getting your bathroom sink flowing again. But, if the clogs are too persistent, or you’d rather leave the mess to the pros, don’t hesitate to call Neighbourhood Plumbing. We’ll have your sink sparkling clean in no time!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.