skip to main content

B'room sink drain very slow

13 years ago

Can hardly brush my teeth before the sink fills up and drains very slow. It's been doing this for about 2 years. I want to say since we had the new roof put on but I'm not sure. Roommate ran a snake in the drain pipe under the sink and checked the vent up on the roof. Says everything looks ok. There isn't an overflow gizmo on the sink. Prior to 2 years ago the sink drained fine.

I would be ever so grateful if anyone can offer any suggestions.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

randy427
13 years ago
There's probably a clog of hair and 'gunk' between the drain stopper and p-trap. Remove them and look down to see if you have an unobstructed view.
homebound
13 years ago
If you can't pull out the pop-up, do the following:

Reach under the sink with your hand and unscrew the ring that holds the pop-up lever into the drain. Then slide out the lever a little bit and it will release the pop-up in the sink. Remove and clean, then put everything back. The ring that holds the lever just needs to be "finger snug, but not too tight" (technical description). Run water and check for leaks with a flashlight, if you're concerned.

Alternatively, there's a gizmo in some old-fashioned hardware stores that is a bendable rubber-coated wire with tiny bristly hooks on the end. You stick it into the drain and it catches the hair. Costs about 8-10 bucks.

(If you're anywhere near Springfield VA, Fischer's hardware has them.)
Related Discussions
Hello and question on alternatives for slow running drains?
Q
Comments (22)
They make covers for the drains that allow water thru but not hair. Well worth the few bucks they cost. For sink drains I had a tip given to me by a plumber. He says to fill both sides of the sink with hot water once a week and then open them up at the same time and let the water drain. It will help clean out the grease that builds up from washing dishes. I got this tip about 20 yrs. ago and have used it. NEVER have had a clogged kitchen drain since. BTW I usually use hot water from the food I cooked on one side and from the washed dishes on the other so I'm not burning fuel to keep my drains clean.
...See More
Slow drain in bathroom sink
Q
Comments (3)
I assume it was working well for a while? Not sure, but let me ask you- is the volume of hot water that comes alone as much as when you also have the warm/cold, such that the smaller volume would drain, but as the flow increases, it slows down? Was the drain vented? Is the vent blocked? Have you had snow in your area- is it possible the vent is blocked with either snow or ice, or of course critters like warm air that rises- possible nest? I am not sure how to go about trouble shooting these situations, though... don't forget to ask in Plumbing...
...See More
Slow draining sink with water in wall pipes
Q
Comments (1)
As a follow-up, there was standing water in the pipes. There was a clog downstream where I think the drain pipe from that attic geo unit connects in (I thought it was a vent but it is a real drain). I was away for several weeks and I think some black slime grew and clogged it. I used a snake and broke the clog about 8 feet into the pipe. I'll go pop in some bleach and geltab into the drain of that geo unit to counteract the slime growth.
...See More
diagnosis-bubblingand slow drain
Q
Comments (2)
You probably have a birds nest(s)/some blockage in one or more vents. Time to climb!!
...See More

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Design Your Landscape to Slow Down Water

By Falon Mihalic

Putting the brakes on stormwater runoff is the first step in sustainable water design

LIFE Slow Living 101: Tips for Turning Off the Chaos

By Laura Gaskill

It may feel as though you're too busy to slow down and enjoy life. But even little changes can have a big effect

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Best Drain for Your Shower

By By Any Design Ltd.

Don't settle for a cheap fix when you can pick a shower drain that suits your style preferences and renovation codes alike

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

ORGANIZING Your Total Home Organizing and Decluttering Guide

By Vanessa Brunner

Take it slow or be a speed demon — this room-by-room approach to organizing and storage will get your home in shape no matter how you roll

KITCHEN DESIGN The Return of the High-Back Farmhouse Sink

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

See why this charming and practical sink style is at home in the kitchen and beyond

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Design Your Landscape to Sink Water Into the Ground

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to infiltrate stormwater, even on challenging sites

KITCHEN DESIGN Try a Copper Sink for a Warm Glow in the Kitchen

By Rachel Grace

Bring polish and patina to your kitchen with a sink done in endlessly interesting copper

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Right Bathroom Sink

By Anne Ellard Design

Learn the differences among eight styles of bathroom sinks, and find the perfect one for your space

KITCHEN SINKS Everything You Need to Know About Farmhouse Sinks

By Anne Ellard Design

They’re charming, homey, durable, elegant, functional and nostalgic. Those are just a few of the reasons they’re so popular

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can't decide gold fixtures what would you do

29

Best skirted toilet for reduced clogs?

26

Fotile In-Sink Dishwasher

0

Check valve required for hot water recirculation pump & water softener

1

Minimizing 2 x 1 1/2 drain connection

0