Categories: Kitchens

How to fix a slow draining bathroom sink that’s not clogged

Published by
James marcus
Video kitchen sink drains slow but not clogged

How to fix a slow draining bathroom sink that’s not clogged

A slow draining bathroom sink that’s not clogged can be a real nuisance. If you’ve noticed that your bathroom sink is draining slowly, but it doesn’t seem to be completely clogged, don’t worry – there are several steps you can take to fix the problem before it gets worse. Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot and solve the issue.

How to Fix a Slow Draining Bathroom Sink That’s Not Clogged

Check the pop-up assembly

The pop-up assembly is the mechanism that controls the stopper in your sink. Over time, hair and other debris can get trapped in the assembly and slow down the drain. To check the pop-up assembly, you will need to remove the stopper. Depending on the type of stopper you have, you may need to unscrew it or lift it out of the drain.

Once the stopper is removed, inspect the pop-up assembly. Look for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks or rust. If you see any damage, you may need to replace the pop-up assembly.

Next, clean out any debris that you find in the assembly. You can use a small brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away any buildup. If necessary, you can soak the assembly in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to help loosen any stubborn debris.

Once the pop-up assembly is clean and free of debris, reinsert the stopper and test the sink to see if the drain is flowing more quickly.

Clean the drain with baking soda and vinegar

If the pop-up assembly looks fine, the problem may be further down the drain. In this case, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean the drain.

Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. This will help to loosen any buildup and debris that may be clogging the drain. Next, pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow this with a cup of vinegar. You may hear a fizzing sound as the baking soda and vinegar react – this is normal.

Cover the slow draining bathroom sink that’s not clogged with a plug or cloth to keep the mixture in the drain. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the acid in the vinegar to break down any buildup in the pipes. Finally, pour another pot of boiling water down the drain to flush out the mixture and any debris.

You can repeat this process as necessary until the drain is flowing smoothly.

Use a plunger

If the baking soda and vinegar don’t work, you can try using a plunger to dislodge any blockages that may be causing the slow drain.

First, fill the sink with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger. Then, place the plunger over the drain and plunge vigorously several times. This will create suction and push any blockages through the drain.

If you have a double sink, you may need to cover the other sink drain with a plug or cloth to create the necessary suction.

Check the vent

Your plumbing system has a vent that allows air to flow through the pipes. If the vent is blocked, it can cause water to drain slowly. You can check the vent outside your house to make sure it’s not blocked by leaves or other debris.

If you have access to the attic or crawl space, you can also check the vent system there to see if there are any blockages. If you find any blockages, you can use a snake or other tool to remove them.

Use a drain snake

If the above methods do not work, then a drain snake may be required. You can buy a drain snake at your local hardware store.

To use a drain snake, insert the snake into the drain and slowly turn the handle to feed the snake down the drain. Keep turning the handle until you feel resistance, then pull the snake back up. Repeat the process until the blockage is cleared.

Be careful when using a drain snake. Fast moving parts, and heavy machinery can be dangerous, and can potentially do harm to your hands, pipes, fixtures, or other parts. Using a plumbing snake is not for everyone do to, but this is certainly an option for some DIY plumbing options.

Call a Plumber

If none of the above methods work, it may be time to call a plumber. A plumber can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and efficiently. Sometimes, there may be an issue with the plumbing system itself, and a professional will be needed to fix the problem.

Preventative Measures

While a slow draining bathroom sink that’s not clogged is a common experience, there are things you can do to prevent slow draining bathroom drain in the future:

  1. Regularly clean the drain: To prevent buildup and clogs, clean your bathroom sink drain on a regular basis. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or a drain cleaning solution, to keep your drain clear.
  2. Use a drain stopper: A drain stopper can help prevent hair and other debris from entering your drain. Make sure to clean the stopper regularly to prevent buildup.
  3. Dispose of grease and oils properly: Grease and oils can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs. Avoid pouring them down the drain and instead dispose of them in the trash.
  4. Use a strainer: A strainer can catch hair and other debris before it enters the drain. Make sure to clean the strainer regularly to prevent buildup.
  5. Flush the drain with hot water: Once a week, flush your drain with hot water to prevent buildup and keep your drain clear.
  6. Install a water softener: If you have hard water, installing a water softener can help prevent mineral buildup in your pipes, which can cause slow draining.
  7. Don’t use chemical drain cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes and may cause damage over time. Use natural cleaning solutions instead.

By following these preventative measures, you can help keep your bathroom sink drain clear and prevent slow draining in the future.

This Is What We Do

Are you looking for help going from having a slow draining bathroom sink that’s not clogged to a smooth and swiftly draining bathroom sink that gives you peace of mind? Don’t wait until there’s a clog. Give us a call now and we’ll clean your bathroom drain! As top rated local plumbers, clearing bathroom drains is what we do. We’re available anytime you need at 626.448.6455

We got this!

This post was last modified on 04/11/2023 07:22

James marcus

Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.

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Published by
James marcus

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