Some clogs happen fast (and make you furious). Others can build over time. A surefire sign of a growing clog is a sink that takes its sweet time to drain. While this is annoying to deal with, neglecting the issue can lead to bigger problems. Keep reading to learn how to treat a slow draining sink.
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Fix a Partial Drain Clog
If your sink backs up but drains eventually, you’re likely dealing with a partial clog. Hair, toothpaste, biofilm, soap scum and other debris can attach to pipe walls and build up in layers. Over time, this constricts the opening, slowing down the draining process.
While it may be tempting to reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners, this can have a detrimental effect on your plumbing. Here are a few alternative ways to deal with a slow moving drain.
Clean the Stopper
Bathroom sinks with pop-up stoppers are prone to develop a sludge-like buildup around the stopper. Removing and cleaning the stopper frequently can help prevent issues like slow draining and unpleasant odors.
Plunge the Sink
Plunging your sink can help a partial clog break up and move along. To do so, stop up the overflow drain hole, add a few inches of water to the sink to create a seal over the drain and plunge vigorously for about 30 seconds. Follow up with hot water and check drainage.
Snake the Drain
More severe clogs may need to be broken up or pulled out with a drain snake. Slowly feed the tip of the drain snake into the drain. If you meet resistance, you’ve either reached a bend in the pipes or you’ve found your clog. To navigate around a bend, simply wiggle the drain snake to work past it.
If you believe you have found the clog, gently push into it and try to hook it before pulling it out slowly.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
For an all-natural cleaning solution, pour one half to one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by one or two cups of white vinegar. Stopper the drain and wait roughly 30 mins before running hot water. This solution can be used in conjunction with any of the aforementioned methods.
Not Sure How to Treat a Slow Draining Sink? Call a Professional Plumber
We hope you find this guide on how to treat a slow draining sink helpful. If you’d like to skip the troubleshooting, or if you are unable to solve the issue at home, have a professional plumber take a look.
Solution Based Plumbing, Heating and A/C proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware and Chester County. Call (215) 584-2098 or contact us online for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs.