Symptoms
- Water doesn't go down at all
- Sink was slow before it stopped completely
- Water sits at the same level even after minutes
- May smell musty near the drain
Likely causes
- CommonDense hair and soap clog at the stopper or just below itBuilds up gradually until it fully blocks the opening.
- CommonClog in the P-trapA thick clog can lodge in the curved trap under the sink.
- PossibleForeign object dropped down the drainSmall caps, jewelry, or floss picks can fully block flow.
- Less commonBlockage further down the branch lineMore likely if other fixtures are also affected.
What to do
- Remove the pop-up stopper and check for a hair clog right at the drain opening.
- Plunge the sink with the overflow hole covered by a wet rag for good suction, using firm up-and-down strokes.
- If plunging doesn't work, place a bucket under the P-trap, then loosen the trap's slip nuts by hand or with pliers and remove it to check for a clog inside.
- Clear out anything found in the trap, then reinstall it, making sure the nuts are snug but not overtightened.
- If the trap was clear, feed a hand-crank drain snake into the drain opening and work it slowly to break up or retrieve the clog.
- Run hot water to confirm the sink now drains normally.
- Wipe up any spilled water and dispose of retrieved debris rather than putting it back down the drain.
Tools and parts
- Plunger
- Adjustable pliers
- Bucket
- Hand-crank drain snake
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the trap is clear but the sink still won't drain, since the clog is likely further down the line and needs a longer snake.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.