I replaced a very old bathroom sink in my house with a new sink that sits on top of the counter. It was a relatively cheap one that we got at Lowes. The drain out of the sink is a strainer type with about 20 holes about 1mm in diameter each. The water moves slowly out of the sink immediately after it is put in. This may sound weird but it acts like it is having trouble getting through the strainer. There is a bubble underneath and if you fill the sink with water and run your finger over the strainer and “release the bubble” the sink drains really fast with a whirlpool effect until it is empty.
Am I crazy or is this really happening? We are thinking about changing the sink anyway but should I be looking for other causes. The other things that may be affecting it are the tail piece is pretty long at about 18 inches long and there is a 90 degree bend right out of the p trap. I don’t know if either of those things may be playing a role. TIA for any help. Brian
Replies
Yup. It's the strainer causing the prob. The small holes create a large surface tension that 'locks' the air bubble. This is a common problem w/ splash guards on garbage disposals. They make the kit. sink seem like it won't drain. One has to insert a finger into the guard and 'bust the bubble' to make the water go down. No know solution other than to eliminate the guard, or in your case, the strainer.
I had a similar problem a long time ago. I simply drilled a few of the holes a little bigger. Worked for me.