You can fix this
This is a slow drain, not a seal problem
A bowl that holds water but empties slowly is clogged. Our slow sink drain guide covers that problem.
Why this happens
A worn seal lets water out too fast. A clog does the opposite and slows the water down. Bob Vila says that when both sides of a double sink are stopped up, the clog is likely in the trap, and that for a double sink with only one side clogged you block the clear side with its stopper or a wet rag before you plunge.
How to fix it
- If dirty water or sewage has come up out of any drain, tub, shower or toilet in the house, stop using water and call a plumber now. This Old House says continuing to use water can push more wastewater into already blocked pipes.
- Open the slow sink drain troubleshooter linked below. It starts by checking whether this is the only slow drain in the house.
- If a chemical drain cleaner has gone down this sink, do not plunge, snake or take the drain apart. Family Handyman says caustic chemicals pose a danger to anyone who takes the trap apart, and that plunging after them can cause skin burns.
- Bob Vila says that on a double sink you should block the clear bowl with its stopper or a wet rag before plunging the clogged side.
When to stop. If a chemical drain cleaner has gone down this sink, do not plunge or take the drain apart. Call a plumber and say what you used. If dirty water comes up from any drain, stop using water and call a plumber.
If this does not fix it, tell the plumber
- The bowl holds water but empties slowly or not at all.
- Whether one bowl or both bowls of a double sink are affected.
- Whether a garbage disposal is on this sink.
- Whether a chemical drain cleaner has gone down this sink.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
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