A slow drain is a common plumbing problem that often occurs in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry sink. There are several factors that can cause the drain to slowly drain water, often being a Blocked Drain. Most times the only way to avoid the problem is to prevent blockages and ensure the drain is cleaned regularly. Here at Optimised Plumbing Services our Emergency Plumber team are here when water drains slowly in a sink plumbing system.
Five methods to fix a slow drain are:
- Taking off the drain stopper or pop-up and removing debris on it
- Removing hair and debris close to the drain using a coat hanger wire or similar tool
- Pouring a homemade or chemical drain cleaner for removing the blockage
- Clear the sink overflow opening
- Use a plunger tool
Why is My Drain Slow?
Most times a slow drain will occur from a clogged drain so combating the issue will be by clearing the blockage. When the pipes and drains are blocked water cannot efficiently flow through the drain. This may be why the water drains slowly and may take time to leave the sink basin. A slow drain and blockage can also lead to water coming back through the pipes and also overflowing drains are possible.
How Can I Fix a Slow Drain?
Without the help of a professional plumber, there are five main ways any person can fix a slow draining sink. The best solutions to a slow drain and clearing the clog are:
Drain Stopper and Pop-Up
The drain cover and the sink pop-up will often collect hair and other debris on it. Removing them can be done by removing the screw or joints or simply lifting them up. Make sure to wear gloves and dispose of the hair and debris that has caught on it. Clean the drain stopper or the sink pop-up before carefully placing it back in place. If this did not fix the slow draining issue then the blockage may be deeper down.
Coat Hanger Wire, Zip-It Tool or Similar Device
Removing the blockage if it was not there when removing the stopper or pop-up means it is further down the drain. Using a coat hanger wire, a zip-it tool or another tool that can grab clogs inside the drain will be useful. The tool should be able to grab the clog inside and easily be able to pull it up. Removing the drain cover and pop-up before placing the tool inside the drain will help.
Drain Cleaner
A drain cleaner can be poured into the drain to dissolve and break down the clog inside of the sink. They can break down hair, debris and soap, which is another type of clog that can form inside sinks. There are two types of drain cleaners that can be used and poured into the sink being natural and chemical cleaners.
The natural cleaner consists of baking soda and vinegar along with hot water to break down the blockage. One cup of baking soda then one cup of white vinegar is poured into the sink, left for 15 minutes then pouring boiling water down the drain follows. Using this method is easy and can be effective at clearing soap scum, hair and other blockages inside of the drain.
Drain cleaning products bought from the store can also be used to combat the slow drain blockage. These often contain mild to harsh chemicals sp purchasing the right one for the job is important. Following the instructions is important to ensure the cleaner works correctly and can resolve the blockage and slow drain issue.
Sink Overflow Opening
One reason why there is a slow drain issue can be from the overflow drain opening being blocked. This is used so if the water has to rise too high in the sink the water can flow down there. Another important aspect of the overflow opening is to allow air to flow inside the drain. Air allows the water to flow faster down the drain, so when it is blocked it the water will drain slowly instead. Cleaning the overflow drain is simple, often scrubbing or removing any debris will help.
Plunger
A plunger is a great tool to deal with a slow drain as using it can remove hair and other debris caught in the drain. The main way to use a sink plunger is to have the sink filled with water, submerge the plunger, remove any air inside it then plunge away. The plunger should remove any blockages that are causing the slow drain.
Trusted Emergency Plumbers Resolving Slow Drains
Optimised Plumbing Services will be able to deal with a slow drain reliably and professionally with our emergency plumbers. Each fully qualified plumber will ensure to use the best techniques to remove the clog from the drain and allow it to drain properly. We will be able to resolve slow drain issues in all properties across Sydney, including North Shore and South Sydney.
When needing a plumber to resolve slow drain concerns – trust Optimised Plumbing Services!
