A bathroom sink not draining can be an inconvenience and frustrate you, especially when it happens suddenly. A clogged or slow-draining sink disrupts your daily routine both during your morning preparations and during your evening wind-down time.
Blockages, buildup, and unidentified plumbing concerns create this common drainage issue that occurs across Singaporean households. You are among many people asking themselves why their bathroom sink is not draining effectively.
If you’re wondering, “Why is my bathroom sink not draining?” you’re not alone. Let’s explore seven common reasons behind a clogged bathroom sink and how to fix it. if you follow the guidelines by LS Plumber Services Singapore. They also offer toilet bathroom leak repair, drain choke repair, and drain cleaning services in Singapore.
1. Hair Clogged in the Drain
It is one of the primary and basic reasons why my bathroom sink is not draining. Long tangled hair strands accumulate to create clogs, causing slow drainage and eventually block the pipes completely.
How to Fix It:
- Try a drain snake (or an unbent wire hanger) to remove hair clogs.
- A drain cover installed at the opening will prevent hair from getting into the pipes.
- Regularly remove visible hair from the sink to stop hair from piling up and causing blockages.
2. Soap Scum and Residue Buildup
Toothpaste and soap can mix to form a sticky layer. This can block pipes and lead to drainage problems.
How to Fix It:
- Pour hot water down the drain. This helps dissolve the sticky soap scum and residue.
- Mix baking soda with vinegar. Let it sit in the drain for 15 minutes. The mixture will fizz. Then, pour hot boiling water to flush it away.
- Choose liquid soap over bar soap. Liquid soap is less likely to cause buildup.
3. Grease and Oil Accumulation
Oils from skincare and beauty products often stick to pipes. Over time, this can lead to blockages.
How to Fix It:
- Hot water mixed with dishwashing liquid will dissolve sticky grease buildup.
- Never throw away extra skin products or oily substances by pouring them straight into the sink.
- Use degreasing agents to clean your drain.
4. Small Objects Blocking the Drain
If you have ever dropped a toothpaste cap, cotton bud, or jewelry into the sink, it might be the reason why your bathroom sink not drain properly.
How to Fix It:
- Remove the stopper from the sink drain to check for anything that might be caught inside.
- If you find trapped items, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck them up.
- Pay attention to small objects around the sink to avoid accidentally dropping them in.
5. Blocked Vent Pipes
The correct functioning of your plumbing depends on appropriate air circulation. Intertwining debris such as leaves or bird nests or accumulated dirt within vent pipes will generate slow drainage.
How to Fix It:
- Check whether any objects obstruct your roof vent.
- Use a plumber’s snake to unclog blocked vent pipes.
- Contact a plumber if you face serious blockages in your plumbing system.
6. P-Trap Clog
P-trap can be found underneath the sink area. The U-shaped pipe exists under the sink to retain water that blocks sewer gases from rising through the pipes. The accumulation of hair along with dirt and soap scum in bathroom sink drains will eventually create obstructions that lead to drainage issues.
How to Fix It:
- Put a bucket under the P-trap.
- Unscrew the P-trap and remove any debris that is blocking the pipeline.
- After cleaning, reattach the P-trap securely.
- Run the water and see if it dissolves the blockage.
7. Clogged Main Drain Line
A clogged main drain line could be the cause when each sink from the kitchen to the bathroom drains very slowly. This serious plumbing problem demands an immediate response to address it properly.
How to Fix It:
- Check if other drains in your home are clogged.
- Use a plumbing auger, a long flexible tool, to try to clear the blockage yourself.
- If the issue persists, call professional plumbing services.
DIY Methods to Unclog Bathroom Sink
Here are 7 easy and quick fixes to your toilet sink not draining before you call a plumber.
- Plunge It: Dip a drain plunger deep into the pipes to generate suction, which breaks up clogs.
- Baking Soda & Vinegar: Pour 1 cup of each into the drain. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, which can help break up blockages, and then rinse with hot water.
- Drain Snake: Insert and twist the snake into the drain to grab and remove debris inside the pipe.
- Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water can help dissolve minor grease and soap buildup.
- Chemical Drain Cleaners: Use sparingly, as they can corrode pipes over time.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Singapore
Contact a professional plumber when your DIY fixes fail to solve the drainage issue or when a bathroom sink not draining issue appears repeatedly. Professionals have the required expertise along with specific tools to identify and safely clear blocked pipes.
Key Takeaways
While a bathroom sink not draining in Singapore can be inconvenient, you can usually solve the problem yourself with these top tips. It could be hair buildup, soap residue, or a blocked vent pipe, but taking action early can prevent you from costly plumbing repairs. If nothing else works, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to get expert help!