Quick Answer:
If the sink stopped draining right after you swapped a faucet, the most likely cause is something dropped or shifted into the drain opening during the work — plumber’s putty, tape, a small screw or a piece of packaging. Start by looking down the drain and removing any visible debris. If nothing is obvious, remove the pop-up/strainer or the P-trap to inspect and clear the blockage before trying stronger fixes.
Why This Happens
Faucet installation puts small parts and materials around the sink drain. Things that commonly fall or get pushed into the opening include:
- Plumber’s putty or sealant scraps
- Plumber’s tape or thread sealant pieces
- Nuts, washers, and packaging bits
- Fragments of the old faucet’s O-rings or solder
Those items can lodge at the strainer, in the tailpiece, or at the top of the P-trap and stop water flow. Sometimes the trap fills and the sink appears to “drain” only until the trap fills, or you may see water drain and then be pushed back by trapped air; in those situations consult the guidance on Sink drains until trap fills and Sink drains then air pushes water back.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Stop and inspect the drain opening
Before doing anything else:
- Remove any loose parts or tools from around the sink so they can’t fall in.
- Use a flashlight and look straight down the drain opening for putty, tape, screws, or other debris.
- If you can see and reach the object, use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to pull it out.
2. Remove the sink strainer or pop-up assembly
If you can’t see the blockage from the top, the next step is to remove the strainer or pop-up:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you still have them. If not, check the underside of the sink to locate the retaining nut for the pop-up/strainer.
- Place a small bucket under the area to catch water or debris.
- Loosen the retaining nut and lift out the strainer or pop-up parts to inspect the opening and tailpiece.
3. Check and remove the P-trap
If clearing the top of the tailpiece didn’t help, remove the P-trap:
- Put a bucket underneath to catch water.
- Unscrew the slip nuts by hand or with pliers and remove the trap.
- Inspect inside the trap and tailpiece for debris and clean them out.
4. Use a flashlight, magnet, or wet/dry vacuum
- If the object is metal, a small magnet on a string can help pull it out.
- A wet/dry vacuum (set for wet) at the drain opening can sometimes pull debris up where pliers can reach.
- Be gentle — don’t force tools into the drain where they could push debris further down.
5. Reassemble and test
- Reinstall the strainer/pop-up and P-trap (use new slip washers if old ones are damaged).
- Tighten slip nuts by hand and then a small additional turn with pliers — don’t over-tighten.
- Run water to test the drain and check for leaks.
What Not to Do
- Do not assume the faucet caused it without checking debris in the drain.
- Don’t pour chemical drain cleaners into the sink while you expect foreign objects may be inside — they can be dangerous and won’t remove solid parts.
- Don’t force tools down the drain in a way that could push the obstruction farther into the drain line.
- Don’t cut or modify permanent piping unless you are confident in plumbing repairs.
When to Call a Professional
- There’s no visible debris but the sink still won’t drain after you removed the trap.
- You find a broken metal part or the obstruction is deep in the drain line and won’t come up.
- Reassembly causes leaks you can’t stop or a damaged tailpiece/strainer needs replacement.
- Multiple fixtures are slow or blocked, which can indicate a main line or vent issue.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves and eye protection when reaching into drains or handling old putty and debris.
- Turn off water supply valves if you’ll be disconnecting supply lines or working under the sink.
- If the sink has a garbage disposal, switch its power off at the breaker before working on the drain.
- Avoid chemical cleaners if you plan to reach into the drain; they can cause burns and harmful fumes.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why didn’t the sink clog immediately? Sometimes debris settles just past the strainer and only blocks once the P-trap fills.
- Can I remove the P-trap myself? Yes, most homeowners can; have a bucket and gloves, and don’t overtighten when reassembling.
- Will chemical drain cleaners help with dropped objects? No. Chemical cleaners dissolve organic clogs but won’t remove solid items like tape, putty, or screws.