Is Your Bathroom Sink Not Draining? Learn How to Fix It.

One morning, you’re brushing your teeth and notice the sink is slowly but surely filling up with more and more water. You check the plug, but it’s not activated, and that “sinking” feeling sets in… You’ve got a sink, not draining issue. 

In today’s busy world, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a sink clogged but no time to fix it. Luckily, unclogging a sink that’s not draining can be a simple fix! 

So, if you’ve come here today to learn how to fix a sink not draining you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll show you step by step (with a video tutorial included!) how to fix it. Keep reading for advice and insights from the professionals at WaterWork Plumbing. 

Common Causes of Sink Clogs 

Of course, before we get into the solution, it’s important to understand the cause—that way, you may be able to prevent the issue from happening again in the future! Bathroom sink clogs are often caused by a buildup of everyday substances accumulating over time. The most frequent culprits include: 

• Hair that sheds while getting ready
• Soap scum and residue from personal care products
• Toothpaste that hardens in pipes
• Mineral deposits from hard water
• Small objects accidentally dropped down the drain
•  food particles if the sink is used for tasks like brushing teeth or rinsing dishes.

In some cases, more severe issues like tree root intrusion or damaged pipes can also lead to clogs. So, if you’re having trouble dislodging the blockage yourself, it’s best to call in the professionals to investigate further. 

How to Fix a Sink Not Draining 

Of course, it can be somewhat simple to fix a nondraining sink yourself with just a few tools. To help you, here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and repairing the sink-clogged issue. 

1. First, investigate how quickly it fills up. Does it back up right away? Or does it take a few seconds for the water to run and begin holding water? 

If the sink fills immediately, it could be the pop-up assembly, which is there when you actually need to fill it up. The pop-up assembly can fill up with hair, creating a blockage. To fix, simply remove the hair or blockage and see if that helps the sink not draining issue. 

2. If your pop-up assembly is void of any hair or blockages, the next place to look is underneath the sink. Underneath the sink, you’ll find what’s called a “P-trap,” or the u-shaped pipe. This is another area where debris can get caught and will require manual removal. After placing a bucket or bowl beneath the P-trap, unscrew the locknut to release the curved part from the pipe. Remove the blockage from inside the pipe, and then reattach with the locknut, tightly, to avoid any leaks. 

3. The third possibility for a clogged sink is beyond the visible plumbing. If the sink takes 5-10 seconds to back up or longer, this could indicate that the clog is further into the system. To investigate, the P-trap is removed, and you can call in a professional plumber to snake the pipe or purchase a hand snake tool from home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes. 

4. To use a hand snake tool (which will only cost you $35-$40), remove the pop-up assembly from the sink and feed the snake line right down the drain. Start spinning the tool clockwise until it reaches your blockage. Spin the snake counter-clockwise to remove it, or simply pull the snake from the drain to remove it. 

Are you more of a visual person? Take a few minutes to watch our video tutorial, walking you through the solution and repair process to help. 

Sink Not Draining: Prevention Tips 

Preventing bathroom sink clogs is far more accessible and cost-effective than dealing with blockages after they occur. Implementing a few simple habits and performing regular maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs forming in your sink. 

These preventive measures not only keep your sink functioning smoothly but also help extend the life of your plumbing system and avoid potentially costly repairs.

Here’s a list of tips and regular maintenance practices to prevent sink clogs:

1. Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris
2. Run hot water through the sink after each use
3. Avoid disposing of thick substances like makeup or toothpaste directly in the sink
4. Clean the sink stopper regularly to remove accumulated gunk
5. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain monthly, followed by hot water
6. Use a plumber’s snake or drain auger every few months to clear minor buildup
7. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners frequently, as they can damage pipes
8. Teach family members proper sink usage habits
9. Periodically check and clean the P-trap under the sink
10. Consider having a professional plumber perform annual maintenance checks

The Final Word: Repairing a Sink Not Draining  

All in all, keeping your sinks in good working order is just good practice. This guide has taught you not only how to fix your sink-clogged problem but also how to avoid it and prevent it from happening again. 

Another sound piece of advice for protecting your home’s plumbing, pipes, and fixtures is to have a regular plumbing service on call for any questions, minor repairs, major repairs, and preventative maintenance. 

If you’re in Metro Detroit, look no further than WaterWork Plumbing, fabulous Ferndale’s premier choice for plumbing repairs and replacement. We serve the area from Ann Arbor to Oxford, X to X, with our team of friendly, professional, and knowledgeable technicians. 

Get in touch to request an appointment, or call us directly for 24/7 services. Before you go, check out our entire collection of resources for more plumbing advice, tips and tricks, education, and more.