Learning to fix a slow-draining sink instead of calling a plumber can help you save money while solving the problem quickly and easily. A slow, sluggish drain, particularly the bathroom sink, can be caused by minor clogs and the buildup of soap scum. Also, the pop-up or drain catch may collect a lot of hair and debris daily. This drainage issue happens naturally over time and is tough to avoid. The only solution is to clean the drain periodically to keep it flowing.

There are several ways to address a drainage problem, as outlined here.

Best Solutions for Slow-Draining Sinks

• 01of 07Clear Out Debris With a Drain Zip Tool The Spruce / Sarah LeeFix a slow-draining sink without vinegar or other drain cleaners using a simple drain zip tool to manually remove hair and debris clogs. A drain zip is an inexpensive, flexible 2-foot plastic zip-tie-looking snake with barbs or bristles that can catch or attach hair and soap scum. The zip tool is threaded down the drain and can be used in a sink drain with or without a pop-up because it is thin enough to fit even with a pop-up.
• 02of 07Clean the Stopper The Spruce / Sarah LeeRemove and clean the stopper. A pop-up drain stopper and the sloped shape of the sink are designed for optimal debris and build-up collection. If you do not have a drain zip tool, or the tool cannot clear out all debris, another option is to remove and clean the pop-up.Most pop-ups are held in place with a nut attached to the drain just under the sink. To remove the pop-up, reach behind the drain pipe under the sink to find the pop-up nut. Once the nut is removed, the pop-up can be removed from the sink drain, cleaned, and reinstalled.
• 03of 07Use Homemade Drain Cleaner The Spruce / Sarah LeeEmploy a DIY solution. A homemade drain cleaner can clean the drain pipes after the larger debris has been pulled out. The chemical reaction caused by combining two common and inexpensive household products, like vinegar and baking soda, can help break down the mucky build-up on the inside of the drain pipes and get the drain flowing freely again.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down a slow-draining sink.
  • Follow it with 1/2 cup of vinegar.
  • Let the mixture rest for a few minutes.
  • Rinse the solution with boiling water to clear the clog.
  TipUsing a DIY drain cleaner avoids adding harsh chemicals to the water supply and saves money.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.643.0_en.html#goog_15224155900 seconds of 1 minute, 56 secondsVolume 90%1:56Watch Now: How to Unclog Your Drain With Baking Soda
• 04of 07Clear the Sink Overflow The Spruce / Sarah LeeClean the overflow. The sink overflow is another place where debris and build-up can be collected over time. If a sink drains slowly and cleaning the drain doesn’t work, try to clean the overflow.The overflow opening is intended to divert water into the drain if it accidentally rises too high in the sink. It also allows air into the drain when the sink is filled with water, helping it drain faster.
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• 05of 07Use a Plunger The Spruce / Sarah LeeGive it a good plunging. A plunger can be used on a slow sink drain; it does not have to be reserved for a complete drain stoppage. Plunging can help loosen and dislodge hair and debris in the pipe. To ensure the plunging motion is effective, cover the sink overflow with a rag or some duct tape to make a seal before plunging.
• 06of 07Use a Snake The Spruce / Kevin NorrisTry a snake. If straightforward methods aren’t working, consider getting a drain auger or snake to clear a bathroom or kitchen sink drain. A drain snake is a thin, flexible metal cable that can be wound or unwound on a reel. It has a drill or corkscrew-like end that can penetrate clogs, dislodge them, and pull them out.
• 07of 07Clean the P-Trap The Spruce / Kevin NorrisUnclog the P-trap. If all other methods fail to clear a stubborn clog, the last step before calling a professional is removing and cleaning the P-trap or the drain pipe under the sink with a bend shaped like a “P” rotated 90 degrees, clockwise to the right. That U-shaped bend in the pipe is a top spot for gunk, like hair, food, grease, and debris, to build up and get clogged.Once you remove the drain pipe, you need a bucket to catch residue, water, and debris. You might need Channellock pliers or a wrench if you can’t unscrew the slip nuts by hand.
  • To safely remove and clean the P-trap, turn off the water supply to the sink.
  • Unthread the slip nuts.
  • Pull the trap down to remove it.
  • Clean the pipe.
  • Reinstall it.

Tips to Prevent Slow-Draining Sinks

The best way to prevent a slow-draining sink is to be careful about what you allow down it. Use the trash can for shedding hair, gunky toothpaste, or cleaning dust or crumbs around a sink. Here are some other helpful tips for preventing a slow drain.

• Sinks are only for water, soap, or toothpaste: Use toothpaste correctly and fully lather it in the mouth; do not let globs of toothpaste go undissolved down the drain.
• Stop hair and debris from going down the drain: Refrain from brushing your hair over the sink, or get a fine mesh drain hair catch for the drain hole. If shaving your face over the sink, wipe away the stubble with a washcloth, and rinse the washcloth and razor in a wash basin. Empty the water into the toilet or tub drain.
• Clean the sink stopper regularly: Remove the stopper and clean out any hair and dirt that may have lodged in the drain.
• Flush the sink with hot water regularly: Hot water will help move or loosen hardened or sludgy toothpaste, grease, mineral deposits, and hair. Some experts suggest using boiling water; however, beware since boiling water might melt PVC or crack porcelain.