How to Fix a Slow Draining Bathroom Sink

A slow draining bathroom sink is one of those everyday annoyances that can wear you down, especially when it happens at a particularly inconvenient time. One minute you’re brushing your teeth or washing your hands, and the next you’re staring at a pool of dirty water that won’t budge.

The problem is usually caused by hair and soap scum, a wonky sink stopper or a build up of other debris lurking just below the drain cover. While a slow draining bathroom sink might seem a minor issue, it can lead to bigger plumbing problems if you ignore it.

The good news is that there are easy ways to fix it before it gets out of hand.

What Causes a Slow Sink Drain?

Nine times out of ten, a slow sink drain means something’s in your bathroom sink drain that shouldn’t be. The usual suspects are hair and soap scum, liquid soap residue and other gunk that clings to the inside of your drain pipe.

Over time, this builds up and blocks the water flow, so your sink drains slowly. Sometimes it’s a faulty or clogged sink stopper or even an object that has fallen into the drain hole.

If the blockage is further down the line, it can affect other parts of your plumbing system. This is especially true if you have numerous slow draining sinks.

DIY Ways to Fix a Slow Draining Sink

If your bathroom sink is draining slowly, there are a few simple DIY tricks that can usually get things moving again without calling a plumber. So grab your gloves as things will likely get a little messy, but these blocked drain fixes are usually quick and easy (these will work at your kitchen sink, too, FYI).

• Pour hot water or boiling water slowly down the sink drain to melt away grease buildup.
• Mix baking soda and vinegar for a safe, fizzy chemical reaction to break up soap scum and grime.
• Remove the sink stopper and fish out trapped hair and soap scum with a zip it tool or straightened coat hanger.
• Give a sink plunger a few good pumps to shift any minor clogs.
• Check the P-trap – that is the U-shaped bend under the sink – for gunk. Loosen the slip nuts, remove the trap and clean it thoroughly.

Fixing a slow draining bathroom sink yourself can be satisfying and save you money. Just don’t forget to rinse everything with hot water afterwards. And if things get too complicated, call a licensed plumber.

When to Use a Drain Snake or Drain Auger

If your slow draining bathroom sink isn’t clearing with basic measures like those listed above, it might be time to bring in a drain snake or drain auger. These tools are designed to reach deeper into the drain pipe and break up stubborn clogs that are out of reach.

A manual drain snake works well for minor blockages, especially if you’re dealing with hair and soap scum. For more serious blockages, though, you may need a powered plumber’s snake or auger. Just feed it gently down the drain hole, twist and pull. There is no need to force it.

If you use either of these tools in the proper way, they can clear the bathroom sink drain without damaging your plumbing system.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Fixing a slow draining sink yourself can work wonders, unless you make a misstep that makes things worse. These common mistakes can damage your plumbing system or turn a simple fix into a costly repair job from an experienced plumber.

• Using harsh chemicals in the bathroom sink, at least as a frequent first resort option, can corrode your drain pipes over time.
• Forgetting to place a bucket under the p-trap when removing it leads to dirty water everywhere.
• Reassembling the slip nuts either too loosely or too tightly can cause leaks or cracks.
• Forcefully using a drain snake risks damaging the pipework or pushing the clog further.
• Ignoring signs like a gurgling sound, foul smell, or recurring slow drainage delays proper repairs.

Avoiding these mistakes helps keep your sink drain clear and your plumbing safe.

When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Bathroom Sink

If your clogged bathroom sink still won’t drain after trying all the usual tricks, it’s probably time to call in a licensed plumber. In most cases, when it comes to pipework, it may even be a legal requirement too.

Persistent slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or multiple slow draining sinks in the house usually indicate a deeper issue with your plumbing system. A pro can use specialised tools like a plumber’s snake or drain camera to find and fix the problem without damaging your pipes. They’ll also spot signs of hidden leaks or pipe damage that DIY fixes can miss.

In the end, getting expert help from a professional plumber early can save you from major drain blockages, costly repairs, and even a complete drain replacement down the line.

How to Prevent Your Bathroom Sink from Draining Slowly

Once you’ve fixed a slow draining bathroom sink, the next step is to keep it that way. A few simple habits can go a long way in preventing future clogged drains and keeping your sink drain flowing freely.

• Install a drain stopper or strainer to catch hair and soap scum before it enters the drain hole.
• Don’t pour common causes of blocked drains like liquid soap, grease, or food debris down the bathroom sink—that’s what bins are for.
• Rinse the drain pipe regularly with hot water to flush away minor grease build-up.
• Clean your sink stopper often, it’s a magnet for gunk.
• Keep a bottle of baking soda handy for the occasional homemade drain refresh.

With a little effort, you’ll maintain proper water flow and avoid another round of slow sink drain dramas.

Don’t Let a Slow Drain Disrupt Your Day

A slow draining bathroom sink might not seem like a big deal at first, but ignoring it can lead to worse problems like full-blown clogged drains, unpleasant smells or even damage to your plumbing system.

Whether it’s soap scum, hair or other debris causing your sink to drain slowly there are plenty of DIY methods that can clear things up before it gets out of hand. And if those tricks don’t work? A licensed plumber is just a call away.

Staying on top of your sink drain maintenance keeps your bathroom sinks working properly and helps you avoid costly repairs down the track.

Please note: Thank you for reading our blog “How to Fix a Slow Draining Bathroom Sink”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.