Don’t let a clogged bathroom sink ruin your day. Get rid of that hair and get back to enjoying your morning routine.
We’ve all experienced it – you’re going about your morning routine and suddenly, your bathroom sink starts draining slower than a sloth moves. The likely culprit? Hair clogs. It’s a common issue, but it can be easily resolved. Here’s a straightforward guide to tackle this problem.
Things You’ll Need
Firstly, gather the essentials. You’ll need:
- Clog-removal tools: A straightened coat hanger, drain snake, or a wire/cable tie can be used to hook the hair. So, make sure you have any one of them.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar: An excellent, non-toxic way to dissolve minor clogs and clean the drain.
- Plunger (optional): It might help to suck up hair clogs, if you have one, keep it aside.
- Rubber Gloves: For hygiene and to protect your hands. You’re dealing with a hair-clogged sink, after all.
- Chemical Drain Cleaner: As a last resort, this powerful solution can dissolve hair and grime. Be cautious and follow the safety instructions.
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Unclog Bathroom Sink Clogged with Hair: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Surface Cleaning
Start by clearing the drain’s surface of as much hair as possible. Yes, it’s a dirty job, but that’s what the rubber gloves are for!
Step 2: Use a Clog-Removal Tool
Next, pick up your clog-clearing tool—be it a wire tie, a drain snake, or a straightened coat hanger. This tool should be long and flexible, like a mini fishing rod. Carefully insert it into the drain, hook onto, and extract any remaining hair.
Step 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you can’t reach the clog with your clog-removal tool, use baking soda and vinegar to give it a try. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. This mix will fizz up, helping to dissolve the hair clog. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to ensure it thoroughly penetrates the blockage.
Step 4: Rinse with Hot Water
After the baking soda and vinegar have done their work, rinse the drain with hot water. If the clog persists, you may need to repeat the process a few times.
Step 5: Chemical Drain Cleaner
The next best alternative is a store-bought chemical drain cleaner if the homemade approach fails to clear your drain. If you already have one, that’s fantastic! Use this product carefully and follow the directions on the packaging. Please remember to protect yourself by wearing gloves.
Step 6: Call a Plumber
It may be time to hire a licensed plumber if your DIY efforts have failed thus far. They are equipped with the necessary gear and know-how to clear up stubborn clogs. Remember, if things get a little too difficult, there is absolutely no harm in calling for assistance.
There you have it, your guide to unclogging a hair-filled bathroom sink! And remember, prevention is always the best solution. Regular maintenance can save you from the hassle of clogs in the future. So, the next time you brush your hair over the sink, take a moment to ensure stray hairs are properly disposed of. Your bathroom sink, and your future self, will thank you.
By following these steps, you can easily unclog a bathroom sink clogged with hair. And by taking steps to prevent clogs, you can keep your sink flowing freely for years to come.
FAQs
The best solutions for removing hair clogs are those made explicitly for the purpose, including chemical drain cleaners. Although less effective, homemade remedies like vinegar and baking soda solution might also be helpful.
Yes, hair is one of the most common causes of clogged sink drains, especially in bathrooms. Over time, hair can accumulate and intertwine to form a blockage that hampers water flow.
Baking soda alone won’t dissolve hair, but when combined with vinegar, it can help break down the hair’s structure and loosen the clog, making it easier to remove.
Sodium hydroxide, often found in chemical drain cleaners, is known to dissolve hair. It’s potent and should be used with caution, always following the product’s safety instructions.
Due to its phosphoric acid content, Coca-Cola can help break down some clogs, but it’s not typically as effective as purpose-made drain cleaners or mechanical methods like using a plunger or drain snake.
Salt alone won’t dissolve hair, but when combined with baking soda and followed by boiling water, it can help to break down and loosen the clog.