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Bathroom Sink And Shower Drain Blockages: Effective Solutions For Clearing Clogs

October 25, 2023

Blocked bathroom sinks and shower drains are common plumbing issues that can disrupt daily routines and lead to inconvenience. These blockages typically occur due to the accumulation of hair, soap scum, and other debris. In this article, we will explore effective methods for unclogging bathroom sinks, showers, and tub drains, helping you keep these fixtures running smoothly.

1. Clearing Bathroom Sink Blockages:

  • The Plunger: A plunger is not just for toilets; it can also be used to clear sink blockages. Ensure that the sink’s overflow hole is plugged with a cloth or tape for a better seal. Place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously to dislodge the clog.
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour a cup of baking soda down the sink followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and work its way through the pipes for about 30 minutes. Finish by flushing the drain with hot water. This natural combination can help break down the clog.
  • Remove the P-Trap: If the clog persists, you can remove and clean the P-trap. Place a bucket under the trap to catch any water. Unscrew the nuts securing the P-trap, and carefully remove it. Inside, you may find the source of the blockage. Clean it thoroughly and reassemble.

2. Unclogging Shower and Tub Drains:

  • The Drain Snake: To tackle clogs in shower and tub drains, a drain snake can be highly effective. Insert the snake into the drain, turn the handle clockwise, and push it through the pipes. When you feel resistance, you’ve likely reached the clog. Turn the handle to break up and dislodge the blockage. Slowly retract the snake, pulling the clog out.
  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: Similar to the sink, you can use the baking soda and vinegar method for shower and tub drains. Pour baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for about 30 minutes, and then flush with hot water.
  • Hair Catchers: Preventing hair from entering the drain in the first place can be an effective preventive measure. Install hair catchers or strainers in your shower and tub drains to trap hair and other debris before they enter the plumbing system. Regularly clean these catchers to maintain water flow.

3. When to Call a Professional:

While DIY methods are effective for most minor blockages in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs, there are situations where calling a professional plumber is the wisest choice:

  • Recurrent Blockages: If you find yourself constantly dealing with blockages, it may be a sign of an underlying plumbing issue that a professional plumber can identify and address.
  • Slow Drainage: If slow drainage doesn’t improve with DIY methods, it can indicate a more severe blockage deep within the plumbing system. A professional plumber can use specialized equipment to locate and address the blockage efficiently.
  • Foul Odors: Persistent foul odors coming from your bathroom drains can be a sign of a blocked vent pipe or an issue in the plumbing system. Plumbers can locate and address these problems to restore proper ventilation and eliminate odors.
  • Visible Water Damage: If you notice water damage around your bathroom fixtures or on the ceiling below, it’s essential to call a professional plumber. Water damage can be a sign of a leaking pipe or fixture that requires expert attention.

In conclusion, bathroom sink and shower drain blockages are common issues that can be resolved with DIY methods like plunging, baking soda and vinegar, or using a drain snake. However, recognizing when to call a professional plumber is equally important. For recurrent blockages, slow drainage that doesn’t improve, persistent foul odors, and visible water damage, professional plumbers have the expertise and tools to diagnose and resolve complex drain blockages and any underlying plumbing issues. By recognizing when to call a plumber, you can ensure a swift and effective solution to your bathroom drain clogs.

Testimonials

Hear what our customers have to say about their experiences with Pinnacle Plumbing Group. 

  • Joel

    5 stars
    Fixed the bathroom drain, the plumber is a top bloke. Great service!
  • Daria Khan

    5 stars
    Great experience from booking to actual service. Job was done quick and efficient. Big thank you to Damon and Blake. Polite, friendly and professio...
  • J Scholz

    5 stars
    Very helpful and professional service. An additional concern was found and fixed as well.
  • Karry Sheng

    5 stars
    Damon is professional and had my heating valve fixed. Appreciate it!
  • Cath Beynon

    5 stars
    Damon was fantastic, very quick and super respectful. Thank you
  • Michael Luu

    5 stars
    Efficient and professional
  • Emily Saxton

    5 stars
    Wonderful advice and customer service from Brent, an absolute hero. Give this man a raise
  • Kahmanpreet Sekhon

    5 stars
    Good service done by blake today at urgent basis. Blake replaced hot water system today. Reliable and efficient lad. Thanks blake.
  • andrew wilson

    5 stars
    We had an excellent experience with Pinnacle Plumbing. We had a fairly urgent situation and they were straight onto it and figured out the problem ...
  • Lindsay Ford

    5 stars
    Prompt attention to problem.Very happy with result.
  • Dan Walker

    5 stars
    Nick and the team really know there stuff! Very professional Company that I have had the pleasure of working with. Highly recommend!
  • Todd Bruton

    5 stars
    Quick, professional and highly skilled tradesman. Cannot speak highly enough of Nick and the team
  • Michael Higgins

    5 stars
    I've worked closely with the owner Nick this year and have found him and the company to be very professional. Highly recommended!
  • Jenni Meaney

    5 stars
    Pinnacle resolved a roof plumbing issued efficiently and effectively. They were good to deal with on the phone and provided a clear quote. Plumber ...
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    5 stars
    Tom did a fantastic job and he is absolutely fabulous work and extremely polite and helpful time efficient, does a good though clean work 😀 👍
  • Siddharth Plumber contractor

    5 stars
    I am from India. I am a paid plumber. I have a certified plumbing trade. I have cleared only 12th education. I have 8 years experience certificate ...
  • Breanna G

    5 stars
    Thanks Mark and Blake! Exceptional service and very technically sound. Sorted a conplex problem very easily, Highly recommended.
  • Barbara Weinberg

    5 stars
    Can’t rate this company any higher or I would!! Toilet flushing issue on a Saturday morning was fixed within a 2 hour maintenance request! The gent...
  • Chris Andrews

    5 stars
    Nick came the same day to clean some blocked drains I had. Same day call out as well as left the job super clean
  • Simon Zelinka

    5 stars
    Had Pinnacle plumbing group attend for a sewer blockage. On time efficient, and cleaned there mess up. Repaired drains would highly recommend this...
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    5 stars
    Nick and the team are beyond helpful. Quick to respond, quote and repair. Highly recommend.
  • Tawanda Whata

    5 stars
    Thanks Ben for organising a quick response. Had a blocked drain but thanks to Pinnacle Plumbing, we didn’t get to feel the pain for much longer. Th...
  • David Boyle

    5 stars
    The guys came and fixed my blocked drains. Did a great job. Would recommend.
  • Jo Schafer

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing were great to deal with when I had a blocked pipe at home. They were efficient and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend t...
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    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing Group came straight away and fixed my plumbing issue which could have been distarrous if left any longer they were efficient frie...
  • Kate G

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing fixed my urgent blocked drain pipe, Brent was here in an hour and fixed it. Super professional with excellent communication, serv...
  • Jimmy S

    5 stars
    Had a backed up toilet that would not go down, Tom came out from Pinnacle within the hour, unblocked the pipe and while he was there swapped out a ...
  • Wade Milverton

    5 stars
    Big thanks to nick and his team from pinnacle plumbing group for an outstanding job on our sewer. We have had problems for many years and struggled...
  • Alex Hogg

    5 stars
    Would definitely recommend these guys. Had two blocked drains and am sick of tradies giving me the run around. Great communication and show up when...
  • Dennis Zilberman

    5 stars
    Great job done, by great bunch of guys… highly recommend
  • Ben I

    5 stars
    I recently needed to find a plumber to fix an issue with my blocked drains. Pinnacle responded almost immediately to my request and turned up on si...
  • Simon Younis

    5 stars
    Great service had a badly blocked drain. When I called they asked what the problem was and said they would send someone out they then gave me an ET...
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    5 stars
    Well done Pinnacle Plumbing on a timely and professional service resolving my blocked drain. Highly recommend
  • jure velic

    5 stars
    Nick and his team from Pinnacle unblocked my drains at my house,they were efficient fast and very reliable and reasonably priced. I'd recommend the...
  • BMX Life

    5 stars
    After being quoted way too much by a competitor (and had I followed through, they weren't solving it) I contacted Pinnacle Plumbing Group for a lea...
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    5 stars
    Nick and the rest of the team has been very prompt to action on all the maintenance request being sent. Really love their service, their report is...
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    5 stars
    Brent really got us out of a spot-of-bother with a blocked toilet. He cleared the blockage and sent a camera down so we could get a proper diagnosi...
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    5 stars
    This plumbing service was great at communication, understanding immediately what the issue seemed to be. They asked if it was an emergency - no, we...
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    5 stars
    All staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Great service and I will definitely use them again in the future.
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    5 stars
    Nick and his team are the best! Super quick, professional and the staff are awesome and friendly 11/10!
  • Anthony Wall

    5 stars
    We have used Pinnacle Plumbing Group for more than 10 years for many jobs, large and small - clearing drains, leaking roof repairs, new hot water s...
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    5 stars
    Andrew is very professional, on time, and reliable. I had a leak but didn't know the cause. He managed to find out that it was from the balcony and...
  • Nick

    5 stars
    Great experience with this business. Needed a tempering valve replaced at my apartment. Nick R was really responsive on emails, and costing was pr...
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    5 stars
    Excellent work. Nice and effective.
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    5 stars
    No nonsense friendly service from Andrew and Nick. Unblocked our dunny quickly and gave some great advice. Would definitely recommend.
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    5 stars
    Fantastic service from Pinnacle Plumbing when we had to have the gas pipe running from the meter under our house replaced. I called Harry on the T...
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    5 stars
    Good service! Very responsive! Highly recommend for reliable and professional plumbing work!
  • Sarah Bardwell

    5 stars
    Nick and the team are great. They're very professional, responsible, and do a great job. We've used Pinnacle a number of times for both business an...