A woman using a plunger on a kitchen sink.

5 Ways to Unclog a Sink Drain Quickly

Have you noticed your bathroom or kitchen sink drains slowly? Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent problem is one of the most common signs of a drain clog.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but clogged drains can happen for various reasons. For example, bathroom sinks often fall prey to hair blockages and soap scum buildup. Alternatively, kitchen sinks can become overloaded with food scraps and foreign objects, among other things.

If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, you probably want to fix the problem as soon as possible. After all, a blockage can lead to foul smells, water backups, and other inconveniences over time. Fortunately, we’ll discuss ways to unclog a sink drain quickly. Let’s get started!

What Causes a Sink to Clog?

Before you can learn how to clear a clogged drain, knowing what you might be dealing with can be helpful. Blockages can have many different causes, and some clogs will require specific methods of removal.

Use this guide to learn about the most common causes of drain clogs:

What Causes Sink Clogs infographic

Use a Plunger

There are many simple ways to unclog a sink drain quickly, but none are as convenient as using a trusty plunger. Plungers are common household plumbing devices that almost every homeowner has. Although you might think that plungers are only used for toilet clogs, they can also be used on your sinks. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll want to specifically use a cup plunger for your sink.

Now, you might be wondering how to clear a clogged drain with a plunger. Of course, you’ll use this device just like you would on your toilet. There should be a little water in your sink to cover the plunger cup. This water will help the plunger create a seal on the drain.

Once you’ve positioned the plunger over the drain and secured a tight seal, you can get to work. Quickly plunge up and down for about 30 to 60 seconds. To check if the blockage has been dislodged, remove the plunger and see if water is draining out of the sink. If water is draining like normal, there’s a good chance you’ve removed the blockage.

Invest in a Drain Snake

There are many options available if you want to learn how to clear a clogged drain without a plunger. For example, you might want to consider using a drain snake.

Drain snakes, otherwise known as “plumber’s snakes,” are devices that are used to manually remove drain clogs. These devices include a handle and a long, flexible cable with a coiled auger head attached. This auger head will wrap around the blockage so that it can be quickly removed. You’ll often know that the auger head has reached the blockage when you feel resistance.

Are you interested in using one of these handy plumbing tools? The good news is that drain snakes can usually be purchased at hardware stores. However, it’s critical to recognize that not every drain snake is created equal; some devices are easier to use than others. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact your local plumber.

Check the P-Trap

Every sink has a p-shaped pipe. This pipe, known as the “P-trap,” contains a small amount of water that is used to prevent sewage gases from drifting up from the drain and into your home. Of course, this strangely bent pipe can easily collect all kinds of debris, leading to a nasty blockage.

If you’ve been looking for ways to unclog a sink drain quickly, cleaning the P-trap could be an option. However, you might not want to tackle this specific project if you haven’t performed a lot of DIY plumbing jobs in the past. If you’ve never cleaned the P-trap before, you can potentially damage it — which can lead to an even bigger plumbing problem.

Contact a Professional Plumber

As we discussed above, there are many easy ways to unclog a sink drain quickly. However, the best option is to schedule a drain cleaning service with an experienced plumber. Although there are many methods you can try yourself, professional drain cleaning companies use advanced, high-quality equipment that the average homeowner simply isn’t capable of using.

Schedule a Speedy Drain Cleaning

Now that you know how to clear a clogged drain quickly, don’t wait to contact Magnolia! We’re proud to offer drain repair services that will fix the problem quickly and effectively.

Unclogging a drain can be a stressful, frustrating process. If you’re struggling to remove a drain blockage, rest assured that our experts can help. Contact us today to learn more about our professional drain cleaning services in Washington, DC, and beyond!