Skip to main content
24 Hours 365 Days - Get Services Now. Pay with       or pay later with  

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. 

  • Chris Friday

    5 stars
    This company is very reliable and offers prompt service.
  • Alona Reid

    5 stars
    Fabulous team to deal with from the start to finish on my carport roof plumbing! Nick and the crew, 5 stars!
  • Donna Taylor

    5 stars
    Plumbers came to the site and fixed my drains for a decent price , very professional. Highly recommend.
  • Ashleigh Smith

    5 stars
    Amazing work and great prices ! Best plumbing company in Melbourne. Highly recommend Nick and his team
  • Angela Rybalko

    5 stars
    I had a burst pipe at 7pm on a Wednesday night, called about 3 plumbers before finally I got on to Pinnacle who answered straight away. They arriv...
  • Stephanie Crawley

    5 stars
    I have used Pinnacle Plumbing Group for various plumbing jobs during my renovations. Each time, the expertise of the team has saved me time and mon...
  • Peter Wards

    5 stars
  • Dan Kelly

    5 stars
    Great service, very responsive, and showed up on time! Would highly recommend.
  • grant belchamber

    5 stars
    Second time I have used Nick Rybalko's Pinnacle Plumbing Group, last year for roof leak, this week for leaking toilet cistern. Fixed promptly both...
  • Kelvin Wang

    5 stars
    The most professional and reliable plumbing company I have ever used. Brilliant work with reasonable price. Customer service is amazing as well, es...
  • Joe Reed The Crafty Corner

    5 stars
    So grateful to Pinnacle Plumbing for working hard to accomodate me at short notice. They went out of their way to ensure that my issue was fixed pr...
  • Yanni Anastasiadis

    5 stars
    These guys do absolute quality work ! Nick and his team are easy to work with and ensure the job was smooth for us from start to finish! Thanks aga...
  • Charli Tjoe

    5 stars
    Nick and his team have been very prompt, friendly and professional. They've done great work for our pub and we will happily use them again for any ...
  • Craig Rowston

    5 stars
    Nick and Andy were great to deal with. Organised, on time and efficient to deal with on an older style roof, with a "bit going on". Support your lo...
  • Josh Branton

    5 stars
    Very impressed with the service for a replacement sink. Compared to other quotes we received, the price was competitive and took the time to confir...
  • Ch Farren

    5 stars
    I would definitely recommend this company. They responded promptly and fixed a roof leak, partially replacing the box guttering. Good service, goo...
  • Sheryl Carnie

    5 stars
    Pinnacle Plumbing were helpful, efficient and professional when the hot water service in our rented property failed on the eve of the Easter holida...
  • Brendan Corr

    5 stars
    Great service, very professional and competitive pricing. Fantastic to do business with.
  • Bel Karaliamis

    5 stars
    Thank you so much Pinnacle Plumbing! Special thx to Kyle and Simran. Kyle have given us a valid quote parameters and attended as emergency case. Si...
  • Franklin Lofts

    5 stars
    I have had a variety of works completed from Pinnacle, all with professionalism and courtesy. They are quick to respond and easy to deal with, high...
  • sophie su

    5 stars
    Kyle and Nick were both excellent , experienced good plumber. very responsive and provide good solutions , will recommened !
  • Jean Healey

    5 stars
  • Kim R

    5 stars
    Nick was my first contact at pinnacle, he was lovely on the phone and managed to fit us in that week! Rhys, came out to camera our pipes. He was v...
  • Reign W1

    5 stars
    Great service. Thank you Dan!
  • Marcus Trainor

    5 stars
    Superstar plumbers.
  • Liam McCallum

    5 stars
    There was a leak in the bathroom that was running to the apartment below. The plumber was professional and friendly with both myself and the tenan...
  • Brione Johnston

    5 stars
    Great service - Dan was professional, on time and listened to what we needed done. We definitely recommend Pinnacle plumbing.
  • Michael Piritidis

    5 stars
    The basics of what you want from a tradesperson they did what they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it and at the pr...
  • Dan Ryan

    5 stars
    Really happy with our service from Pinnacle - professional, great communication, and they resolved our issues. Would recommend and use again.
  • Naomi F

    5 stars
    I was very happy with the service I received. Zach arrived within 24 hours of my phone call and was friendly and professional. I had a complicated ...
  • Melissa Wingard

    5 stars
    I would not hesitate to recommend Nick and his team at Pinnacle Plumbing. The hot water in our shower was getting increasingly colder (Melbourne wi...
  • Lindsay Mann

    5 stars
    Isaak provided great service. He fixed the problem that was the reason for the call plus advised on some improvements to the plumbing setup that ...
  • 아트하트

    5 stars
    Our plumber, Isaak from Pinnacle, was very friendly and did a great job. He even wiped the dirty remaining parts when he changed the kitchen waste....
  • Kerrie Setiawan

    5 stars
  • T M

    5 stars
    On behalf of Anne Goyne:- They did an amazing job on in a very difficult location and got everything done within the quote and on time before the r...
  • Stephen Anderson

    5 stars
    Tradesman (Basil) turned up on time and was very polite. He was very professional keeping us updated with progress and after completion cleaned the...
  • Frank McCulloch

    5 stars
    Seamless experience - onsite within the hour and work completed professionally. Well done
  • Jack McCarthy

    5 stars
    Jack and Basil provided a high level of professional service and workmanship, which made what was a stressful situation, all the easier. Keep up th...
  • christian

    5 stars
    Sewer was blocked for an investment property. Pinnacle were quick to respond and resolved the issue promptly. Tenants were very happy.
  • Judy Daniels

    5 stars
    We had a roof leak that was detected and fixed very professionally. We recommend this Plumbing Company to anyone requiring a plumber. 👍👍
  • Phillip Calcagno Australianhairdresser

    5 stars
    These guys were great! I had a Hot water service that needed to be repaired b4 l had to open my business to the public. Jack who to my call organis...
  • Judy Rigg

    5 stars
    Jay did a great job replacing our down pipe - he was friendly, courteous and professional and went above and beyond the call.
  • CDP

    5 stars
    I can’t speak highly enough of the professionalism and quality of service from Ben from Pinnacle Plumbing. He quickly identified and fixed my leaki...
  • Fiona Hall

    5 stars
    Pinnacle plumbing have done quite a bit of work for me over the last couple of years - most recently was an emergency leaking pipe. Nick and his g...
  • Sam Pappas

    5 stars
    Nick and the team at Pinnacle Plumbing have been brilliant in providing a thorough and detailed service with our kitchen plumbing needs. Nick cond...
  • Michelle Hanning

    5 stars
    trying to find a gas plumber to be able to carry out the works on a gas fireplace, I was wanting to do became very hard, lots of phone calls but no...