How to Get a Cap Out of a Bathroom Sink Drain

Introduction

A bathroom sink drain is the plumbing component that connects your bathroom sink to the main sewer line. A clogged bathroom sink drain can be a cause of many problems, including lack of water drainage. There are various ways to get rid of it, but one easy way that works perfectly well in most cases is pushing it out with a capless bottle. In this article, I will discuss how to get a cap out of a bathroom sink drain. So let us get started.

How to Get a Cap Out of a Bathroom Sink Drain

A Detailed Stepwsie Guide on How to Get a Cap Out of a Bathroom Sink Drain

Step 1:

Check your local hardware store or big-box retailer for a new drain assembly.  If you are unable to find one, continue to step 2.

Step 2:

Pry the metal slip nuts off the old drain assembly with a pair of pliers.  The slip nuts sit between the sink trap and the wall flange in most cases; this is where you will insert your new drain assembly.  After removing them, remove and discard the old sink trap/plug (if applicable).

Step 3:

Use P-trap sealant (provided by the manufacturer) to coat both ends of the P-trap when installing it into place.   The top-end will slide down over the slip nuts, and the bottom will snug up against the wall flange.

Step 4:

Attach slip nuts to each end of the P-trap, ensuring they are firmly in place before continuing step 5.  Be sure not to tighten too much, or you may crack your sink.

Step 5:

After installing all parts, turn the water back on to test for leaks.   If any leaks exist, re-tighten and reseal as necessary and retest.

After repairing the leak, it is now time to try and extract your lost cap. Usually, this can be done with a bent hanger or coat hanger; however, if neither of those items is available, you may try one of these methods:

Method A: Wrap several layers of newspaper around a standard ax handle (not too tightly), wet them, and feed them down the drain (do not use dry paper as it will quickly burn/melt/explode).  Once at the bottom, tape the end securely to the handle and begin pulling up.   Ensure that you do not pull too hard as you will bend/kink/snap your p-trap.

Method B: Purchase a fiberglass plumbing snake (again, do not use a metal snake as it will likely damage your p-trap).  Feed the snake down the drain and begin cutting at the bottom.  

Method C: Purchase a smaller wire mesh cap to replace your lost one and use that for extraction purposes.

Precautions While Getting a Cap Out of a Bathroom Sink Drain

If you attempt to get a cap out of the bathroom sink drain, there are some precautions. The first thing is, do NOT flush any other items down the toilet or the sink while trying this. For example, paper towels, tampons, wipes, etc. Just leave all those in there, for now, so they don’t become part of the clog. These precautions should be taken no matter what you decide to use to remove your cap from the sink. But it’s even more important not to flush anything else down if you are trying an alternate method that isn’t using drain cleaner/root killer/etc.

A root killing agent will work best since its job is specifically to kill roots that cause clogs in drains, and this is what you need to do, but if you are trying to get creative and use something other than drain cleaner, make sure you take these precautions.

How to Unclog Bathroom Drain?

A clogged bathroom sink can be an irritating problem, but it is usually easy to fix. While there are services, you can call to solve the issue for you, tackling small plumbing jobs yourself can save time and money in the long run. With your clogged drain cleared up, you will be able to enjoy having a free-flowing sink once more. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1 – Remove Clogs

Make sure that you feel comfortable working underneath your stopper in the sink when you take out your plugin sink. This requires about 12 inches of clearance from where the drain enters into the wall down into the bowl itself. Alternatively, if necessary, remove enough of the sink’s piping to make sure you can reach the clog once you are ready. Clear your workspace around your bathroom sink.

Remove Clogs

Step 2 – Remove and Clear Clogs

Remove the stopper and invert it so that you can look in and see where and what kind of material is blocking it. Some common culprits include hair, toothpaste, soap scum, or other small debris. You may also need a bent wire coat hanger to help remove the obstruction if it is too large for easy removal by hand. If nothing else helps, you will at least be able to flush out any remaining smaller pieces with warm water when done.

Step 3 – Preventing Future Clogs

Keep your bathroom sink drain unclogged and your bathroom sink working its best by regularly cleaning it out. Use a plunger to remove hair and debris, or use a drill (like a plumbing snake). If you find clogs becoming a frequent issue, consider installing a “hair snare” to keep the drain running smoothly. This system will divert any hair in the gutter away from the pipes before becoming a problem.

You Can Check It Out to: Retrieve Jewelry From Bathroom Sink

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Drano Dissolve Plastic Cap?

Drano is a household cleaning product that has been around for decades. It is mostly used to clean clogged drains and toilets, but it can also be used to dissolve plastic caps.

The active ingredient in Drano is sodium hydroxide which will break down the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) molecules of the plastic cap in a process called hydrolysis. This means that the polymer chains in the plastic cap are broken down into smaller molecules by the solution, so they cannot bond together as strong and cannot hold up under pressure.

Another advantage of using Drano on your plastic caps is that it leaves no residue behind, which means you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals getting into your drinking water or onto your food while you’re cooking.

Will Drain Cleaner Eat Through Plastic?

Drain cleaner is a strong chemical used to remove clogs from drains. The drain cleaner can eat through plastic pipes and fittings, but it won’t harm the pipe itself. The chemicals in the drain cleaner will also dissolve grease and oil from your sink or bathtub.

Is Caustic Soda Good for Unblocking Drains?

Caustic soda is a strong solution of sodium hydroxide that can be used to unblock clogged drains. It has high alkalinity and also helps prevent the formation of calcium carbonate deposits in pipes, which can cause blockages.

The Following Are Some Benefits of Using Caustic Soda :

  • Caustic Soda helps dissolve grease and fat from cooking oil.
  • It kills bacteria that cause food poisoning by oxidizing them into harmless compounds.
  • It is non-toxic to humans, animals, plants, and aquatic life because it is only mildly corrosive to most metals (such as copper).
  • When dissolved in water, it forms an aqueous solution with an extremely high pH level.

Is It Bad to Pour Soda Down the Drain?

Pouring soda down the drain is a common habit, but it’s not good for your home or environment. Soda is acidic and can corrode pipes and other plumbing. It can also leach into the soil if you pour it on the ground outside your home. The best way to dispose of soda cans is to recycle them. You can recycle them at any recycling center or by bringing them to any large grocery store with a recycling bin near the entrance.

Conclusion

I hope this article has effectively taught how to get a cap out of a bathroom sink drain. Ensure all the precautions are correctly. Thank you and have a nice day!

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