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D
David
Nashville, TN · March 14, 2026
Plumbing

My bathroom sink takes forever to drain. The water just sits there and goes down very slowly. I have tried Drano but it did not help.

R
Ryan Giles
Red Seal Certified Plumber · 8 years experience
Verified Expert

Bathroom sink slow drains are almost always caused by hair and soap scum buildup in the drain pipe, specifically in the P-trap and around the pop-up stopper. Chemical drain cleaners like Drano are often ineffective because they cannot dissolve hair. Here is what actually works: First, remove the pop-up stopper by pulling it straight up or twisting and lifting. You will likely find a ball of hair wrapped around it. Second, use a drain snake or zip-it tool ($3) to fish out hair from the drain opening. Push it in about 18 inches, twist, and pull slowly. Third, if the clog is deeper, place a bucket under the P-trap, unscrew the slip nuts, remove the curved pipe, and clean it out. For prevention, use a drain hair catcher ($3-5) to stop hair from entering the drain.

👍 71 people found this helpful·Answered March 14, 2026
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