No Water in Bathroom Sink But Everywhere Else? Fix It Now!

You open the bathroom faucet like always, but this time — nothing comes out. You try the kitchen tap, it’s working. You flush the toilet — it’s fine too. But your bathroom sink? Completely dry. This is a frustrating and confusing problem that many homeowners face. The good news? It’s usually something simple, and you can fix it yourself in most cases. In this article, we’ll walk through the most common reasons for no water in the bathroom sink but everywhere else and how you can fix it step-by-step without stress.

Check the Bathroom Sink Faucet First

When there’s no water in the bathroom sink but everywhere else, the first thing you should check is the faucet itself. Many times, the problem is not with your whole plumbing system — it’s just with this one fixture. You want to make sure that your faucet handles are working correctly. Try turning both the hot and cold handles all the way on. If there’s no water, it might be something inside the faucet.

Start by looking underneath the sink. You’ll see two small pipes going up into the faucet — these are the supply lines. Follow those lines and make sure they are both turned on. Sometimes, they get accidentally turned off if someone bumped them while cleaning or moving something under the sink.

If the supply valves are open and still no water, the problem could be a clog or a faulty cartridge inside the faucet. You can try to remove the faucet handle using a screwdriver. Once removed, you can take out the cartridge. If it’s dirty, rinse it under clean water. If it’s broken, you’ll need to replace it with a new one from the hardware store.

Another thing to check is the aerator — that little screen at the end of the faucet spout. It can get clogged with dirt or minerals. Just unscrew it with your fingers or pliers, clean it, and screw it back on. Sometimes, doing just that solves the problem instantly.

• Try both hot and cold sides of the faucet
• Make sure the water supply valves under the sink are open
• Remove the faucet handle and check the cartridge
• Clean or replace a clogged faucet aerator
• Replace the faucet if the parts inside are too damaged

Look at the Shut-Off Valves Under the Sink

The shut-off valves are small knobs or handles under your sink. These control the water flow to your faucet. If you’re getting no water in the bathroom sink but it works everywhere else, it could be that these valves are closed or partly closed.

First, crouch down and take a look under your sink. You should see two pipes with knobs — one for hot and one for cold. Try turning each valve counterclockwise to open them fully. If one or both were closed, that’s likely your entire issue. After opening them, turn on the faucet again and see if the water comes out.

If the valves were already open, try closing and opening them again. Sometimes debris inside the valve can stop water flow, and moving them can clear it out. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the water lines and place a small container under the pipe. Open the valve and see if water flows out directly. If it does, your faucet may be clogged. If not, the valve might be broken inside.

Replacing a shut-off valve is a little more work, but still something a beginner can handle. You’ll need a wrench and a new valve. Turn off the main water supply first before removing the old one. Then install the new valve and reconnect the water lines.

• Locate the shut-off valves under the sink
• Make sure both valves are turned all the way open
• Turn them off and on again to clear possible blockage
• Test water flow directly from the valves
• Replace broken valves if no water comes out

Clean or Replace the Faucet Aerator

A very small part can cause a big problem. The aerator is the little round piece at the end of your bathroom faucet. It controls the water flow and helps prevent splashing by mixing air into the stream. But over time, it can collect dirt, rust, or calcium from hard water.

To check this, take a dry cloth or use a wrench and gently twist off the aerator. Inside, you’ll find a small screen. Hold it up to the light — if it’s full of brown or white bits, it’s probably blocked. Rinse it with water or soak it in vinegar for 10 minutes. This will help remove mineral buildup. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn particles.

After it’s clean, screw it back on and try your faucet again. If water starts flowing, you’ve solved it! If the aerator is too damaged or rusty, you can get a replacement at a hardware store. Most aerators are inexpensive and easy to install without tools.

Sometimes a broken aerator can also stop the flow. If cleaning it doesn’t help, changing it is your best option. Just make sure you buy the right size for your faucet. Take the old one to the store with you to match it properly.

• Unscrew the aerator at the tip of the faucet
• Clean the small screen by rinsing or soaking in vinegar
• Use a toothbrush to scrub away buildup
• Replace the aerator if it’s damaged
• Make sure the new aerator fits your faucet model

Inspect the Water Supply Lines

If everything else looks fine, the issue might be the water supply lines themselves. These are the flexible tubes that run from your shut-off valves up to the faucet. If they get kinked, clogged, or broken inside, water won’t reach the faucet.

Start by looking at the lines — are they bent sharply? Do they look old or corroded? Any of these signs could mean the water isn’t getting through. You can disconnect the lines using a wrench. Put a bucket underneath to catch any leftover water.

Once disconnected, try running water from the valve to make sure it’s working. Then take the lines and blow through them. If air doesn’t pass easily, they’re clogged. You can try rinsing them out or replacing them.

Installing new supply lines is easy. Buy the right length and size at the store and attach one end to the shut-off valve and the other to the faucet. Make sure they’re tight but not overly tight, or they can break or leak.

• Look for kinks, bends, or signs of damage in the supply lines
• Disconnect the lines and test for water flow
• Blow through the lines to check for clogs
• Rinse or replace old or blocked lines
• Install new lines carefully and securely

Clear Out Clogs in the Faucet or Pipes

Sometimes, even if everything else seems okay, the pipes themselves may be clogged. This is especially true if your home has older plumbing or hard water that leaves mineral buildup inside the pipes.

Start with the faucet. Remove the handle and cartridge again. Shine a flashlight into the opening. If you see gunk or buildup, use a small brush or cloth to clean it. You can also try pouring white vinegar down into the opening to loosen minerals.

If the clog is deeper in the pipes, you may need to remove the faucet completely. Once it’s off, try using a pipe cleaner, small brush, or even compressed air to clear the blockage. Be gentle so you don’t damage the pipe.

If that still doesn’t work, the blockage may be in the wall or deeper in the plumbing. In this case, using a plumbing snake might help. You can buy or rent one from a hardware store. Push it slowly into the pipe and twist it to grab and break up the clog. Pull it out and flush the pipe with water.

• Remove the faucet and check inside for dirt
• Use vinegar or a brush to clear mineral buildup
• Detach the faucet completely if needed
• Use a plumbing snake to clear deeper clogs
• Flush the pipe with water after cleaning

Replace the Bathroom Faucet If It’s Broken

If nothing else works, your bathroom faucet itself may just be broken. Faucets can wear out after many years. Inside, the parts that move and control the water can crack, rust, or get stuck. In that case, replacing the whole faucet is your best option.

Start by turning off the water at the shut-off valves. Then use a wrench to disconnect the supply lines and unscrew the faucet from the sink. It might take a little work if it’s rusted or tight. Clean the sink surface once the old faucet is out.

Take your old faucet to the store so you can find the right size and match the holes in your sink. Many new faucets are easier to install than old ones. Follow the instructions in the box — usually it just involves tightening a few nuts and connecting the water lines.

Once the new faucet is in, turn the water back on and test it. You should have a nice steady flow of water now. If it still doesn’t work, you may have a plumbing issue that needs professional help, but in most cases, replacing the faucet will solve the problem.

• Turn off water and disconnect the old faucet
• Remove the old faucet from the sink
• Clean the area and check the sink holes
• Buy a new faucet that fits your sink style
• Install the new one and test for water flow

Final Thoughts

It’s stressful to find no water in your bathroom sink while everything else works. But the good news is, most of the time the fix is easy and quick. From cleaning the aerator to checking supply lines or just replacing an old faucet, you now know how to handle it like a pro. These small issues can be fixed in just an hour or two without calling a plumber. If nothing helps, then it might be time for expert help — but at least you’ve tried everything first.

Problem Area	What to Check	Quick Fix Tip
Faucet	Cartridge or handle issues	Remove and clean or replace parts
Shut-off Valves	Turned off or stuck	Open fully, turn off/on to reset
Aerator	Dirty or clogged screen	Remove and clean or replace
Supply Lines	Kinked, old, or clogged	Replace with new flexible lines
Inside Faucet/Pipes	Blocked by minerals or dirt	Clean with vinegar or a plumbing snake
Old Faucet Unit	Worn out or broken parts	Replace faucet with a new one

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for only one faucet to stop working?

No, it’s not normal. If only your bathroom sink faucet isn’t working while other faucets in your home work fine, there’s likely a problem specific to that sink. This could mean a shut-off valve is turned off, a clog is blocking water flow, or the faucet is damaged. It’s not a system-wide issue. So, you should begin checking things like the valves under the sink, the faucet cartridge, and the supply lines. Fixing this is often easy and doesn’t need a plumber.

Can a clogged aerator cause no water flow at all?

Yes, a clogged aerator can completely block water from coming out of your bathroom sink. The aerator is a small screen at the tip of the faucet that can collect dirt, rust, or minerals over time. If it gets fully blocked, water can’t pass through, and it might look like your faucet is broken. Removing the aerator, cleaning it, and putting it back is usually enough to fix the problem. If cleaning doesn’t help, just buy a new one. It’s cheap and easy to replace.

Do I need to turn off the main water to fix a bathroom sink?

Usually, no. You don’t need to turn off your whole home’s water just to fix your bathroom sink if the shut-off valves under the sink are working. These small valves control water just for that sink. You can turn them off before working on the faucet or supply lines. However, if these valves are broken or missing, then you’ll need to shut off the main water to avoid flooding. Always test your shut-off valves before starting any repair.

Is it okay to use vinegar to clean faucet parts?

Yes, vinegar is safe and very effective for cleaning mineral deposits from faucet parts like the aerator, cartridge, and even the spout. White vinegar breaks down hard water buildup and rust naturally. Just soak the parts in vinegar for about 10 to 15 minutes and scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse before putting the parts back. It’s a cheap and eco-friendly cleaning method that can help restore water flow without chemicals.

Can worn-out supply lines stop water completely?

Yes, if the supply lines under your sink are clogged, kinked, or damaged inside, they can stop water from reaching your faucet. Even if your shut-off valves are working, water won’t get through blocked lines. You can test this by disconnecting the lines and seeing if water flows from the valve. If not, replace the lines. New ones are flexible and easy to install. This often solves water issues quickly.

Do I need tools to clean the bathroom faucet?

Most of the time, you only need simple tools like a screwdriver, pliers, and maybe a wrench. For cleaning the aerator, you might be able to remove it with your hands or pliers. To open the faucet or remove the cartridge, a screwdriver is enough. If you’re removing the entire faucet, you might need a wrench. These are all basic tools you can find at home or buy cheaply.

Is it possible that the faucet is just broken?

Yes, it’s definitely possible that the faucet itself is broken, especially if it’s old or has been used heavily for years. Inside the faucet are small moving parts that can rust, break, or wear out. If cleaning the aerator, checking the valves, and clearing the supply lines doesn’t help, replacing the entire faucet is a smart solution. Many new faucets are simple to install and come with easy instructions.

Can I fix the bathroom sink faucet without a plumber?

Yes, most of the time you can fix this on your own without calling a plumber. Issues like clogged aerators, stuck shut-off valves, and even replacing supply lines or the faucet can all be done with a little patience and some basic tools. There are plenty of beginner guides (like this one) that walk you through each fix. You don’t need special training — just follow each step carefully and take your time.