Clear a slow bathroom sink at the stopper

Confirm this is a local sink restriction

Several slow fixtures point beyond the stopper.

• • Run nearby fixtures briefly and confirm they drain normally.
• • Inspect under the sink so any new leak after service will be obvious.
• • Do not add chemical drain opener before opening a stopper or trap that may later expose you to the chemical.

Verify before moving on: The slow drain appears local to this sink and the work area is safe to open.

Safety: If drain chemicals were already used, avoid opening the drain assembly until you know the product and can control splash/exposure risk.

Remove or release the stopper without forcing it

Stopper type: pop up stopper with pivot rod. Most bathroom hair clogs collect immediately below or around the stopper.

• • Photograph the linkage position, place a bucket below, then disconnect only the pivot rod/retainer needed to free the stopper.
• • Keep small clips/nuts in order.
• • Inspect the stopper stem and drain throat as soon as it is exposed.

Verify before moving on: Stopper is removed/released without damaging linkage or drain parts.

Remove hair and soap mechanically

Clear the material you can actually reach before escalating deeper.

• • Pull hair/debris from the stopper and drain throat with gloved hands, brush, or a non-damaging plastic tool.
• • Clean sludge from the stopper sealing surfaces.
• • Do not push a solid wad deeper into the drain.

Verify before moving on: Visible restriction at the stopper/throat is removed.

Reassemble the stopper and linkage before full testing

A clean drain still fails if the pivot seal leaks or the stopper no longer moves correctly.

• • Reinstall the stopper in the correct orientation.
• • Reinsert the pivot rod through the stopper opening and snug the retaining nut only enough to seal while allowing free movement.
• • Operate the lift rod/stopper several times before running water.

Verify before moving on: Stopper opens/closes normally and linkage is secure.

Run flow tests and check below for leaks

Prove both drainage and the disturbed seal.

• • Run a small stream first while watching below the sink.
• • Then fill the basin partway and release it for a higher-flow test.
• • If the sink is still slow with a clean stopper/throat, move diagnosis downstream to the trap/branch rather than repeatedly cleaning the same area.

Verify before moving on: Sink drains normally and no disturbed connection leaks.