Why Is Your Bathroom Sink Clogging?

Bathroom sink clogs can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to get ready in the morning. Here are three main causes of sink clogs and how plumbing services in Etobicoke can help.

Hair

Hair is one of the most common reasons for a bathroom sink clog. You may not even realize it, but strands of your hair fall down the drain while you brush your teeth or wash your face. Because hair clumps together when it’s wet, it sticks to the walls of your pipes. To make matters worse, the water coming down through the pipes makes the hair clump together even more. This process continues until the clump becomes so large that no water can flow through, therefore leading to a clog.

Keep in mind that all types of hair can cause clogs. Whether it’s fine hair, thick hair, facial hair or even pet fur, any type of hair can block water from flowing freely through your pipes. Installing a drain stopper can help prevent future clogs from occurring.

Soap Scum

Soap scum is a white or gray layer of film that covers surfaces of sinks, bathtubs and showers, as well as the sides of pipes. It forms when chemicals in soap react with magnesium and calcium ions in water. Similar to hair, soap scum builds up on the insides of pipes and catches any material that comes into contact with it due to its sticky nature. This can lead to clogs that are difficult to remove without a snake or professional tool. Therefore, contacting plumbing services in Etobicoke is your best bet when trying to remove soap scum from your pipes.

Damaged Pipes

Another reason why bathroom sinks clog is due to pipe damage. Over time, rust builds up on the inner walls of pipes, decreasing the circumference and restricting water flow. If a pipe becomes dented, this can constrict water flow or completely cut it off. Additionally, pipes that aren’t fastened properly can disconnect over time and lead to leakages.

It can be difficult to avoid pipe damage because all pipes age over time and therefore begin to corrode. Therefore, it’s best to install replacement pipes if you’re having trouble with your drain that isn’t due to hair or soap scum. Plumbing services in Etobicoke can help you determine which types of pipes to choose and how to install them to ensure that they’re properly fastened.

How Can You Prevent Your Bathroom Sink Drain From Clogging?

Although DIY solutions can unclog your sink drain in the short term, you may need to contact a plumbing professional for more stubborn blockages.

One of the first methods you should try if your sink is clogged is to pour boiling water down the drain. The high temperature breaks up the soap scum and dirt so that it can be washed away. If you think hair is the culprit, creating a solution of baking soda and vinegar is an easy and natural way to dissolve clumps. First, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Add one cup of vinegar after a few minutes have passed. Be sure to wait a few hours to give the mixture enough time to dissolve the hair, and then use boiling water to rinse out the remaining solution.

Drain-cleaning chemicals can also help unclog your bathroom sink drain, but they can damage your pipes and cause health problems. Therefore, it’s better to contact a professional.

How Plumbing Services in Etobicoke Can Help

While at-home methods can work temporarily, the most effective way to fix blockages and prevent them from recurring is to contact plumbing services in Etobicoke. At Handyman Connection, we’re your number one source for high-quality plumbing services. Call us today to learn more about how we can fix your bathroom sink clog or other plumbing-related issues.