Why Is Your Sink Draining Slowly?
Slow draining sinks are a common household problem that homeowners and renters all have to deal with. Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, most people will ignore the issue of a slow draining sink for a while before taking action. There are plenty of quick fixes that can be done at home, though.
Leaving the clogged drain unchecked can lead to more serious damages and repairs that require calling a professional plumber to fix slow drains. This cheat sheet that follows will outline the causes and fixes for slow draining sinks, as well as how to prevent them.
Causes of Slow Draining
In kitchen sinks, slow draining causes are typically a build-up of food particles in the drain. This is normal and should be expected. Slow draining in the bathroom is usually the culprit of hair, soap buildup, and other debris that washes down the drain with daily use.
Another common cause of slow drains is old or damaged pipes. As water escapes through smaller leaks, that’s less water that’s reaching your fixtures. This, of course, is a more serious concern and should be addressed by a plumber. Again, this is totally normal, and homeowners should prepare themselves with the tips and tricks below to help fix and prevent slow draining sinks.
Tips for Fixing Slow Drains
Most people might assume that fixing slow drains can only be done by a professional plumber. While it is true that professional plumbers have the tools and knowledge to quickly fix a slow draining sink, it’s not the only option.
If caught early, a slow draining sink can sometimes be fixed by homeowners using the methods below.
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Use a zip tool: Similar to the tool used by professional plumbers, homeowners can purchase a zip tool from most hardware stores. This tool can be used to clear out any hair, food particles, or debris that may be blocking the drain. A wire coat hanger can also be used but will be less effective than an actual zip tool. - Use a plunger: Purchasing a small plunger to use for kitchen or bathroom sinks is a great way to clear small clogs and fix slow drains. Simply fill the sink with water, cover the overflow (if there is one) and quickly press the plunger up and down over the drain.
- Clear the P-trap: The P-trap is a U-shaped piece of pipe used to keep odors from rising up through sink drains. Using a pair of pliers, homeowners can loosen and remove this piece of pipe to check for and clear any clogs. Just be sure to place a small bowl beneath it, first.
- Clear the sink overflow: Most bathroom sinks have an overflow feature. If the drain has been cleared but is still draining slowly, homeowners can try clearing out the overflow, too.
If a slow drain persists after trying all the methods above, homeowners should contact a professional plumber, as the underlying issue may be more serious than just everyday debris caught in the drain.
Preventing Slow Drains
Once a drain is clear and the sink is draining normally, here are some quick tips for preventing slow drains from happening again in the future:
- Never pour or rinse cement, grout, or cooking grease down drains.
- Run clean, hot water down the drain for a few seconds after every use. This will help flush out any lingering oils that might build up from food or hand washing.
- Install and use a drain screen to catch debris before it goes down the drain.
- Use bacterial drain cleaner, which doesn’t harm pipes or septic systems. Note that chemical drain cleaners should always be avoided, as they can cause damage to the drain itself, as well to the pipes.
- Schedule frequent plumbing maintenance to clean drains and pipes, and assess mainlines for bigger potential blockages.
Of course, your best bet is to always work with a plumber. While some slow drainage issues can be solved with DIY methods or even preventive care, once there’s a blockage in your plumbing, the issue can worsen quickly.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing has been providing Nashville’s most trusted plumbers for decades. They aim to help homeowners repair and maintain healthy plumbing systems with as few disruptions as possible. Their licensed plumbers provide quality service that has earned them a five-star reputation.
