How to Fix a Slow-Draining Sink

DRAINAGE issues often start as a minor annoyance, a pool of water that lingers a few seconds too long after you wash your hands. If left unaddressed, this slow crawl eventually becomes a complete blockage, often requiring far more invasive measures to clear. Most sink clogs occur within the first few feet of the piping, specifically in the pop-up stopper or the U-shaped pipe known as the P-trap. By tackling these two locations, you can resolve the vast majority of drainage problems without needing professional help or harsh chemical cleaners.

1. Remove the Pop-Up Stopper. Pull the stopper straight out of the drain. If it is held by a pivot rod, unscrew the nut at the back of the drain pipe under the sink, slide the rod out, and pull the stopper upward.
2. Prepare Your Work Area. Place a bucket directly under the P-trap to catch the water that will inevitably spill. Use a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers to loosen the slip nuts on both sides of the trap.
3. Extract the P-Trap. Unscrew the slip nuts by hand once they are loose. Slide the trap down and away from the tailpiece and the drain line, allowing the contents to empty into your bucket.
4. Scrub the Trap Interior. Check the interior of the pipe for compacted debris or foreign objects. Use a small bottle brush or a stiff wire to scrape the inner walls clean.
5. Clear the Tailpiece. With the trap removed, take a long plastic drain brush and push it up through the tailpiece connected to the sink. Clear any remaining gunk that might be hanging from the sink opening.
6. Reinstall the P-Trap. Slide the P-trap back into position, ensuring the slip nuts catch the threads correctly. Tighten the nuts firmly by hand until snug, then give them an additional quarter turn with the pliers.
7. Verify Your Seal. Turn on the faucet and let the water run for a full minute at high pressure. Check each connection point carefully for any signs of moisture.