Why Your Bathroom Sink Won’t Hold Water (And How to Fix It)
A bathroom sink that won’t hold water can be frustrating. Maybe you’re trying to shave, wash your face, or clean something small, and the water keeps draining out. The good news is this is usually an easy fix, even if you’re not handy.
In most cases, the problem comes down to the sink stopper. With a few basic checks and a little time, you can get your sink working like it should again.
Common Reasons a Bathroom Sink Won’t Hold Water
Before grabbing tools, it helps to know what’s likely going wrong. Here are the most common causes:
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The stopper isn’t sealing properly
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The stopper is dirty or worn out
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The lift rod under the sink is loose or disconnected
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Parts under the sink are out of alignment
None of these are major plumbing problems, and most can be fixed without calling a plumber.
Check the Sink Stopper First
Start with the simplest step.
Look inside the sink and press the stopper down. If water still drains, the stopper may not be sealing against the drain opening.
Pull the stopper out if possible. Many stoppers lift straight out. Check for:
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Hair or soap buildup
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Cracks or damage
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A worn rubber seal
Clean off any buildup and rinse the stopper. Sometimes that alone solves the problem.
Look Under the Sink
If cleaning the stopper doesn’t help, it’s time to check underneath.
Open the cabinet under the sink and look for a thin metal rod running up into the drain pipe. This rod connects to the lift handle behind the faucet.
Check for these issues:
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The rod is loose
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The rod is not connected to the stopper
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The clip holding the rod in place has slipped
If something looks loose, gently tighten it by hand. You don’t need to force anything.
Adjust the Stopper Height
Sometimes the stopper is working, but it’s sitting too high to block water.
Under the sink, you’ll see small holes in the metal rod. The stopper connects through one of these holes.
Try this:
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Remove the clip holding the rod
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Move the rod to a different hole
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Reattach the clip
Test the sink again. This small adjustment often makes a big difference.
Replace the Stopper If Needed
If the stopper is damaged or won’t seal no matter what you do, replacing it is the best option.
Sink stoppers are inexpensive and easy to find at hardware stores. Look for one that matches your sink style.
To replace it:
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Remove the old stopper
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Drop the new stopper into the drain
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Reconnect the rod under the sink
Most replacements take less than 15 minutes.
Test Your Sink
Once everything is back in place, fill the sink with water and wait a minute. If the water stays put, you’re done. If it still drains, double-check the connections under the sink and make sure the stopper is sitting flat.
Final Thoughts
A bathroom sink that won’t hold water is usually a small problem with a simple fix. In most cases, a quick cleaning or adjustment is all it takes. Even replacing the stopper is an easy DIY job that doesn’t require special tools.
If you’ve tried these steps and the sink still won’t hold water, it may be time to call a plumber. But for most homeowners, this is a quick win you can handle on your own.
Small fixes like this can save time, money, and frustration—and your sink will be back to working the way it should.