How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink: Easy DIY Fixes & When to Call a Plumber

A clogged bathroom sink can be a frustrating problem, especially when water drains slowly or not at all. Whether it’s hair, soap scum, toothpaste, or debris buildup, there are several effective ways to unclog your sink without damaging the plumbing.

In this guide, we’ll cover step-by-step DIY methods, recommended tools, natural solutions, and when to call a plumber in Montreal for stubborn clogs.

1. Common Causes of a Clogged Bathroom Sink

Before fixing the issue, it’s important to identify what’s causing the blockage.

Why Is My Bathroom Sink Clogged?

🔹 Hair & Soap Scum – Hair and soap mix to form sticky clogs inside the drain.

🔹 Toothpaste & Grooming Products – Thick products harden over time and create blockages.

🔹 Hard Water Buildup – Mineral deposits from Montreal’s water can restrict water flow.

🔹 Foreign Objects – Jewelry, cotton swabs, or toothpaste caps can fall into the drain.

🔹 Clogged P-Trap – The curved pipe under your sink traps debris and needs periodic cleaning.

💡 Pro Tip: If your sink is draining slowly but not completely blocked, try a simple hot water flush before moving on to other methods.

2. Quick & Easy DIY Methods to Unclog Your Bathroom Sink

Here are some effective DIY solutions to clear your clogged sink without harsh chemicals.

A. Boiling Water Method (For Minor Clogs)

✔ Best for: Soap scum and grease buildup.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Boil a full kettle of water.

2️⃣ Slowly pour it down the drain in stages.

3️⃣ Wait a few minutes and test the drainage.

💡 Avoid this method if you have PVC pipes, as excessive heat may damage them.

B. Baking Soda & Vinegar (Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaner)

✔ Best for: Organic buildup and mild blockages.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.

2️⃣ Add 1 cup of white vinegar and cover the drain for 10 minutes.

3️⃣ Flush with hot water to clear the debris.

💡 This method is safe, natural, and works well for routine drain maintenance!

C. Use a Plunger (Best for Tough Clogs)

✔ Best for: Stubborn clogs blocking water flow.✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water to create suction.

2️⃣ Place a cup plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously for 20-30 seconds.

3️⃣ Test the drain and repeat if necessary.

💡 Make sure to block the overflow hole with a wet cloth for better suction.

D. Remove & Clean the P-Trap (For Deep Clogs)

✔ Best for: Hair, toothpaste, and debris buildup in the pipe.

✔ How to do it:

1️⃣ Place a bucket under the sink to catch water.

2️⃣ Unscrew the P-trap (curved pipe) using a wrench.

3️⃣ Remove debris buildup and rinse the pipe.

4️⃣ Reattach and test the drain.

💡 Tip: If the clog is deeper in the wall pipe, use a plumbing snake to clear it.

3. When to Use a Drain Snake or Auger

If DIY methods fail, a plumbing snake (drain auger) can help.

✔ Insert the drain snake into the pipe.

✔ Rotate the handle to break up the clog.

✔ Pull out debris and flush the drain with hot water.

💡 A handheld drain snake is available at Home Depot or Rona for under $30.

4. When to Call a Plumber in Montreal

🚨 Signs You Need a Professional Plumber:

✔ The clog keeps coming back despite DIY fixes.

✔ Water backs up into other drains when you use the sink.

✔ There’s a sewage smell coming from the drain.

✔ The pipes are old or leaking under the sink.

📍 Best Plumbers in Montreal for Drain Cleaning:

✔ Plomberie Roger Chayer – Specializes in sink drain unclogging.

✔ Plomberie Richard et Fils – Trusted for fast emergency plumbing.

✔ Drain Montreal – Experts in deep clog removal.

💡 Pro Tip: A professional drain cleaning service costs between $150 – $300, depending on the severity of the clog.

5. How to Prevent Future Bathroom Sink Clogs

✔ Use a Drain Strainer → Stops hair and debris from entering the pipes.

✔ Run Hot Water Weekly → Prevents soap and grease buildup.

✔ Flush with Baking Soda & Vinegar → Cleans pipes naturally.

✔ Avoid Pouring Oil-Based Products → Moisturizers and shaving cream can solidify inside pipes.

💡 Regular maintenance can save you from costly plumbing repairs!

6. Cost of Unclogging a Bathroom Sink in Montreal

Method	Estimated Cost
DIY Boiling Water Flush	Free
Baking Soda & Vinegar	$5 – $10
Drain Plunger	$10 – $20
Plumbing Snake	$20 – $50
Professional Drain Cleaning	$150 – $300

💡 Fixing a clog early prevents expensive plumbing repairs later!

Conclusion: Keep Your Bathroom Sink Flowing with BonBain Construction

A clogged bathroom sink can be a real inconvenience, but knowing how to unclog a bathroom sink can save you time and money. Fortunately, there are several DIY solutions that often do the trick, including boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, plungers, and drain snakes.

However, if your sink remains clogged despite these efforts, it may be time to call a professional plumber in Montreal or the South Shore.

At BonBain Construction, we specialize in bathroom renovations and plumbing solutions to ensure your sink drains properly and efficiently. Contact us today for expert service!