Symptoms
- Water swirls and empties slower than normal
- Standing water lingers around the drain
- Gurgling as the sink finally empties
- Smell near the drain
Likely causes
- CommonHair and soap scum around the pop-up stopperThis is the single most common cause in bathroom sinks.
- CommonBuildup in the P-trap under the sinkSoap and toothpaste residue collects in the curved trap over time.
- PossibleMineral scale narrowing the pipeHard water areas see gradual narrowing inside older pipes.
- Less commonClog further down the branch drain lineMore likely if multiple fixtures are slow together.
What to do
- Remove the pop-up stopper (usually lifts out or unscrews after loosening the pivot rod under the sink) and clean off hair and gunk.
- Use a flashlight to look into the drain opening for visible buildup and remove what you can with a gloved hand or bent wire.
- Try a zip-style drain tool (a plastic barbed stick) pushed a foot or two down the drain to pull out hair clumps.
- Flush the drain with hot water for a minute to help clear loosened residue.
- If still slow, use a plunger with the overflow hole covered by a wet rag to create suction and plunge several times.
- For a persistent clog, use a small hand-crank drain snake through the drain opening after removing the stopper.
- Reinstall the stopper and run water to confirm normal drainage.
- Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners repeatedly, since they can damage old pipes without fixing the underlying clog.
Tools and parts
- Zip-style drain tool
- Plunger
- Hand-crank drain snake
- Flashlight
Plastic zip drain cleaning toolSearch: “plastic barbed drain cleaning tool”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if a hand snake and plunging don't restore normal flow, since the clog may be further down the line.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.