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Bathroom Sinks
A clogged bathroom sink drain is a common problem, but you can often fix it without harsh chemicals. Start by using a simple plunger. Make sure there's enough water in the sink to cover the rubber cup of the plunger. For a better seal, stuff a wet rag into the overflow hole on the front of the sink. Then, place the plunger firmly over the drain and pump it up and down vigorously about ten times. The pressure from the plunging can break up hair and soap scum clogs stuck close to the surface. After plunging, run hot water to see if the drain is clear. This method is safe for your pipes and is usually the first step you should try.
If your sink is leaking from the area underneath the bowl, the problem is often the drain pipes. The leak usually comes from the plastic slip nuts that connect the pipes. First, place a bucket under the pipes to catch any water. Then, try tightening the large plastic nuts by hand. Do not use a wrench, as you can crack them. If tightening doesn't work, the washers inside the nuts are likely worn out. You can buy a replacement kit with new washers and nuts for a few dollars. Simply take the old parts to a hardware store to find a match. Turn off the water, disassemble the pipes, swap the old washers for the new ones, and reassemble everything. This simple washer swap fixes most under-sink leaks.
