Bathroom sink draining slowly? This easy DIY drain hack uses gloves and a straw cleaner brush to pull out hair and buildup near the drain.
A slow bathroom sink is often caused by hair, soap film, toothpaste residue, and everyday buildup sitting near the drain opening. Before using harsh drain cleaners, you can try this simple method with a straw cleaner brush.
This works best for minor clogs where the sink still drains, but drains slower than usual.
What You Need
- Disposable gloves
- Straw cleaner brush
- Paper towel or trash bag
- Warm water
Step 1: Put On Gloves
Put on gloves before touching the drain. Keep a paper towel or small trash bag nearby for the hair and gunk you pull out. This keeps the cleanup simple and helps you avoid spreading debris around the sink.
Step 2: Insert the Straw Cleaner Brush
Slowly insert the straw cleaner brush into the drain opening. Do not force it. Gently move it down until you feel light resistance. If it catches on something, twist the brush lightly instead of pushing harder.
Step 3: Twist and Pull Out Hair
Twist the brush a few times, then slowly pull it back out. The bristles should catch hair, soap buildup, and other debris near the drain opening. Wipe the brush clean and repeat the process until it comes out with little or no buildup.
Step 4: Flush the Drain
Run warm water for 30 to 60 seconds to rinse away loosened buildup. If the water drains faster, the clog was likely close to the opening. You can repeat this quick cleaning every so often to help prevent hair from building up again.
Signs It’s More Than a Simple Sink Clog
This DIY hack can help with small hair clogs near the drain opening, but it will not fix every slow drain. It may be time to call a plumber if the sink is still draining slowly, keeps backing up, has a bad smell, or if more than one drain in your home is having problems.
Still Dealing With a Slow Bathroom Sink?
If the sink is still draining slowly after this quick DIY fix, the clog may be deeper in the line. Contact P&L Plumbing for bathroom sink clogs and drain cleaning in Mesa and the East Valley. Our team can clear the blockage safely and check for issues that could cause it to come back.