How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink With Standing Water

A clogged bathroom sink is a common household problem that can be easily fixed at home. Standing water in a sink is an indication that the drain is clogged and debris has built up, blocking the passage of water. If left unattended, a clogged sink can cause several problems, including bad odors, slow drainage, and even flooding.

There are several methods that can be used to unclog a bathroom sink with standing water. The most common and effective methods include using a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner. However, before attempting any of these methods, it is important to take a few safety precautions:

Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and bacteria.
Ventilate the area by opening windows or turning on a fan to prevent exposure to fumes from chemical drain cleaners.
Check the sink's overflow hole and remove any visible debris that may be blocking it.

Once safety precautions have been taken, you can proceed to unclog the sink using your preferred method. Here are detailed instructions for each method:

Using a Plunger

A plunger is a simple and effective tool that can be used to clear minor clogs in bathroom sinks. To use a plunger:

Fill the basin with enough water to cover the cup of the plunger.
Place the plunger over the drain hole and pump it vigorously up and down.
Continue plunging for several minutes until the water starts to drain.
If the clog is not cleared after the first attempt, remove the plunger and repeat the process.

Using a Drain Snake

A drain snake is a flexible wire tool that can be inserted into the drain to remove clogs. To use a drain snake:

Insert the snake into the drain and push it down until it reaches the clog.
Turn the handle of the snake clockwise to feed it into the drain.
Continue feeding the snake into the drain until the clog is broken up.
Slowly remove the snake from the drain while turning the handle counterclockwise.
Run hot water through the drain to flush out any remaining debris.

Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Chemical drain cleaners are powerful chemicals that can dissolve hair, grease, and other organic materials that clog drains. To use a chemical drain cleaner:

Read and follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Pour the chemical drain cleaner into the drain and allow it to sit for the amount of time specified on the label.
Run hot water through the drain to flush out the chemical drain cleaner and the dissolved clog.
Repeat the process if the clog is not completely cleared.

If the clog is still not cleared after trying the above methods, you may need to call a professional plumber to inspect and clear the drain. However, in most cases, using a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner should be sufficient to unclog a bathroom sink with standing water.