How do I easily clean the drains in the sink and tub?

Darlene
by Darlene

Any advice on how to unclog a bathroom sink and tub? Thanks!


  6 answers
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Oct 02, 2019

    How badly are they clogged?

    Kitchen sinks need live enzymes (septic tank type).

    Bathroom sinks & bathtubs need soap scum & hair clog dissolving “Draino”. Hair is a big culprit & vinegar nor bleach won’t do a thing to it.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 02, 2019

    I clean my drains with a hair grabber, first, since an unbelievable amount of hair gets trapped. They are long, flexible wires with barbs to catch the hair, if you aren't familiar with them. Super cheap. You just work them through the openings in your drain. My shower drain holes are too small, so I unscrew the cover for that one.

  • Toni @ Girl, Just DIY! Toni @ Girl, Just DIY! on Oct 02, 2019

    Every drain has a trap that can get clogged with soap scum, hair and grime. I don't like using chemical cleaners and have resorted to using one of these Mini/Compact Drain Plungers.


    I fill the sink with hot soapy water first and then let it start draining and start plunging. In a bathroom sink or tub you have to cover the overflow drain. It might take a few tries but the drain will clear. Warning, it can smell pretty rank.


    They also sell a model specific for double kitchen sinks where the trap might be further away, or there's a garbage disposal involved. If it doesn't clear it the problem might be in a trap further under the house.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 02, 2019

    This can be a frequent consideration if you have someone blessed with curly long hair like we do.


    Even though we have an auger, most commonly we find that our drains need to be physically fished out. Either using an unbent hanger as a refashioned hook or plastic barbed tool from the dollar store to explore the drain obstruction.

    Fishing out the blockage with that in -our experience— to partially involve hair seems to most readily alleviate stoppage in our faucets and shower drains.


    There are some retrofit devices out there and that could be helpful if you get your drain clean consider the little mushroom cap for collecting the hair. There is also a more refined looking chrome for one but if you look at customer reviews and Q&A’s it seems like this mushroom one has a higher review. You may consider having a look at these existing devices to see if that will help the problem from from reoccurring.


    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BYRMGCC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01BYRMGCC&pd_rd_wg=OtdJu&pd_rd_r=5KMQ44Z70FGJK9DD4BBE&pd_rd_w=nxIOf

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 02, 2019

    Remove as much as possible with a snake or drain cleaning tool. Pour ½ cup baking soda then ½ cup white vinegar in the drain and cover, letting sit for 20 minutes. Boil water, remove cover, and pour water down the drain. You may have to repeat the process.

  • Darlene Darlene on Oct 03, 2019

    thank you