Clearing a Slow-Draining Bathroom Sink

Drainage in a bathroom sink usually grinds to a halt because of hair, soap scum, and toothpaste residue accumulating in the pivot rod assembly or the P-trap. When water starts to pool rather than flow freely, it is a sign that the narrowest point of your plumbing is obstructed, and ignoring it will eventually lead to a total blockage that is much harder to clear. Fixing a slow drain does not require chemicals or a professional plumber. By working systematically from the stopper down to the P-trap, you can restore flow in under an hour. When done well, the water will evacuate the basin with a audible vortex, signaling that the pathway is completely clear and the inner walls of the pipe are free of gunk.

1. Access the pivot rod. Reach under the sink and locate the horizontal pivot rod connected to the drain pipe. Loosen the retaining nut, pull the rod out just enough to release the stopper, and lift the stopper assembly out of the sink drain.
2. Scrub the stopper clean. Use a paper towel or an old brush to scrub the slime and hair matted onto the stopper. Rinse it under a separate tap or in a bucket to ensure the pivot hole is clear.
3. Hook out visible hair. Use a flashlight to peer into the open drain. Use a wire coat hanger or long tweezers to pull out any clumps of hair or debris visible near the top of the pipe.
4. Dislodge the hidden clog. Insert a flexible plastic drain snake into the opening and push it down until you hit the curve of the P-trap. Rotate the tool as you pull it back up to catch and dislodge hidden clogs.
5. Flush and reassemble. Pour a kettle of hot, not boiling, water down the drain to flush away loosened debris. Reinstall the stopper assembly by inserting the rod back through the stopper eyelet and tightening the retaining nut.
6. Test flow and dispose waste. Run the faucet at full volume for sixty seconds to ensure the water flows away instantly. Wipe down the basin and dispose of all removed organic waste in the trash, not the toilet.