Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500168
06/24/03
Fixing Slow-Emptying Bathroom Lavatory
Usually the problem is hair and soap curds caught in
the stopper. Check first to be sure all the other drains
in the house are working. If a regular rubber stopper is
used, the hair is probably hanging on the screen in the
drain pipe just below the stopper. Take the screen out
and clean it.
Next use a plunger which applies first pressure and
then suction to the plugged drain. To provide the suction
and pressure, smear a good layer of petroleum jelly on
the edge of the rubber stopper. Then plug the overflow
with a wet rag so the air will not short circuit through
the overflow pipe. Pump the plunger to loosen the
stoppage. If this loosens the plug, rinse the drain with
hot soapy water. (Vis. 1)
If the screen can't be removed and the plunger does
not seem to help, try removing the hair and trash.
Take a piece of wire (a regular hair pin, bobby pin,
or thin coat hanger), put a very short bend on one end
maybe 1/4" or less. If the piece of wire is very short,
bend the other end so you can hold onto the wire and turn
it without dropping it. Work the hair back out of the
drain. This may take patience until it is all out.
(Vis. 2)
After all the hair has been removed, flush several
cups of hot water down the drain. This should allow the
bowl to empty.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan
Extension bulletin First Aid for Plumbing.
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
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