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 toclean the drainperiodically to keep it flowing.

Water in a slow draining sink surrounded by white marble

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

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

Clean the Stopper

Remove 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.

Zip-it tool used with yellow gloves to clean out sink drain

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

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.

Use Homemade Drain Cleaner

Employ a DIY solution.

Pop-up removed from sink with yellow gloves to clear drain

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Ahomemade drain cleanercan clean the drain pipes after the larger debris has been pulled out.

Tip

Using a DIY drain cleaner avoids adding harsh chemicals to the water supply and saves money.

The sink overflow is another place where debris and build-up can be collected over time.

Homemade drain cleaner poured into sink drain with spoon and yellow gloves

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Theoverflow openingis 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.

Use a Plunger

Give it a good plunging.

Sink overflow hole cleaned out with old toothbrush and yellow gloves

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Plunging can help loosen and dislodge hair and debris in the pipe.

Use a Snake

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Try a snake.

If straightforward methods aren’t working, consider getting a drain auger or snake to clear abathroomorkitchen sink drain.

Black plunger used over sink drain with blue rag covering sink overflow

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

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.

Clean the P-Trap

Unclog the P-trap.

Snake cable pushed into drain pipe

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Once you remove the drain pipe, you need a bucket to catch residue, water, and debris.

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.

Old trap bend pipe removed from sink tailpiece with bucket underneath

The Spruce / Kevin Norris