My bathroom sink has been draining slower by the day, and plumbers are fully booked until after Christmas. What can I try first?

After cleaning the stopper, run water through the drain to see if the flow has improved. This simple step is often all it takes to restore proper drainage, as hair and soap scum are common culprits of slow drains.

If removing the stopper didn’t solve the problem, the next step is to try using a zip tie or a small drain snake to remove any hair buildup that’s deeper in the drain. A zip tie can be transformed into a makeshift tool by cutting small notches into it, creating hooks that can snag hair clogs.

Gently insert the zip tie or drain snake into the drain, twisting and pulling up to catch and remove any debris. This method is effective for catching hair that the stopper missed and can often clear minor blockages without needing to disassemble the plumbing.

Boiling water can be a surprisingly effective solution for clearing minor clogs caused by soap scum and grease buildup. Boil about a gallon of water and carefully pour it down the drain in stages, allowing each portion to work its way through the clog.