How to Unclog a Pedestal Sink

Written By
Melissa Kelly
Melissa Kelly
Published: Dec 30, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Unfortunately, the pop-up mechanism tends to create an area prone to clogs from hair, soap, toothpaste residue and many other common bathroom items.

  1. Remove the drain stopper. Some drain stoppers simply lift out while others require a quarter turn prior to lifting. If your drain stopper cannot be removed in one of these ways, remove the pivot rod connected to the pop-up mechanism. Clean the stopper and set it aside.

  2. Insert a damp rag into the sink overflow holes to prevent water from traveling up through the overflow.

  3. Place a plunger into the sink and keep the water level above the cup of the plunger. Plunge the sink several times with a series of quick plunges to clear the clog from the sink.

  4. If the clog persists, remove the trap from the underside of the sink by using a wrench to loosen the slip nuts on either side of the trap. Place a bucket below the area to catch any excess water or debris and remove the trap. Remove any debris by shaking the trap or running a auger through the area to clear the blockage.

  5. If there was no debris in the trap, then the clog is most likely in the waste line. Insert the auger into the drain opening that leads to the sanitary tee and waste stack until you feel some resistance. Then, rotate the auger handle to clear the clog.

  6. Replace the drain trap by tightening the slip nuts. Replace the sink stopper (reconnecting the pivot rod if necessary) and test the sink for proper drainage.

Things You Will Need

  • Damp rag
  • Plunger
  • Bucket
  • Wrench
  • Auger

References

Melissa Kelly

Melissa Kelly is a freelance writer from Indianapolis who focuses on scientific and medical topics. Kelly attended Marian College where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. Recently, she completed her Master's in…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.