Searching for advice on how to fix a slow draining sink? You’ve come to the right place!
A slow draining sink is a common problem that many homeowners face. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, or utility sink, the sight of water slowly and, in some cases, noisily swirling down the drain can be frustrating.
At Mammoth Plumbing, we understand the importance of keeping your home’s plumbing systems in proper working order and pride ourselves on providing expert advice as well as fast and reliable plumbing services throughout the Greater Houston area.
In this guide, we share some of our best tips as experienced plumbers on how to fix a slow draining sink.
The Most Common Causes of a Slow Draining Sink
Before diving into the fix, it’s important to find the root cause of your slow draining sink. Some of the most common causes include:
- Hair and Soap Scum: Hair, soap residue, and toothpaste in bathroom sinks can accumulate over time and form clogs.
- Food Debris and Grease: In kitchen sinks, grease, oil, and food particles are major culprits that build up and restrict water flow.
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water, which is common in Houston, can cause mineral deposits to accumulate in the pipes.
- Foreign Objects: Small objects accidentally dropped into the sink, such as jewelry, bottle caps (and even small toys if you have children), can obstruct the drain.
- Old Pipes: Aging or corroded pipes can also contribute to slow drainage.
Signs You May Have a Clogged Drain
A slow draining sink can often indicate a developing clog, but there are other signs to watch for that suggest your drain is blocked. Knowing these symptoms can help you catch the issue before it becomes a more significant and costly problem.
- Foul Odors Coming From Your Drain: If your sink is giving off a persistent bad smell, it could be a sign that food particles, grease, or organic debris have accumulated in the pipes. As this buildup decays, it can cause unpleasant odors, especially in kitchen sinks with garbage disposals.
- Gurgling Sounds During Drainage: If you hear gurgling or bubbling noises when water is draining, this is usually a sign of air trapped in the pipes due to a partial blockage. As the water struggles to pass through the clogged section, it creates air pockets that produce these sounds.
- Water Backing Up: One of the most obvious signs of a clogged drain is water backing up into your sink, shower, or bathtub. This happens when the drain is so obstructed that water can no longer flow freely, forcing it to reverse direction.
- Pooling Water in the Sink: If water pools around the drain and takes a long time to go down, you likely have a clog building up. This slow drainage can progressively get worse if not addressed.
- Multiple Drains Clogged: If you notice that more than one sink or drain in your home is draining slowly, this could be a sign of a more severe blockage in your main sewer line. This issue requires immediate attention from a professional plumber.
Now that you understand the possible reasons behind a slow draining sink, let’s explore some DIY steps you can take to restore your sink’s draining speed.
How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink Step-by-Step:
1. Boiling Water: Your First Line of Defense
Boiling water is one of the simplest solutions for clearing a slow draining sink when caused by grease or soap buildup.
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully pour the boiling water directly into the drain in stages, allowing a few seconds between each pour.
- Test the drain by running water to see if the clog has cleared.
This method works particularly well for kitchen sinks where grease may be causing the blockage. However, be cautious with porcelain sinks and plastic pipes, as excessive heat can damage them.
2. Use a Plunger
Sometimes, when dealing with a slow draining sink, a plunger can help dislodge clogs that are a little more stubborn but still within reach.
Instructions:
- Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger’s bell.
- Place the plunger directly over the drain and press down firmly to create suction.
- Pump the plunger several times, then quickly lift it off the drain.
- Check if the water drains more quickly. Repeat if necessary.
For best results, use a flat standard plunger for kitchen sinks and a smaller cup plunger for bathroom sinks.
3. Clean the Sink Stopper
The stopper in your sink often collects hair, soap scum, and debris, which can slow down drainage. Removing and cleaning it can solve the problem.
Instructions:
- If your sink has a pop-up stopper, lift it out of the drain.
- Remove any visible hair or gunk on the stopper and around the drain opening.
- Rinse the stopper and replace it.
If the problem persists, move on to deeper cleaning methods.
4. Try Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are a simple and eco-friendly solution that can help break down minor clogs and build-up.
Instructions:
- Pour about a cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Follow it with a cup of white vinegar.
- Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to contain the fizzing reaction.
- Wait 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
This method works well for minor clogs caused by organic materials, but it may not be effective for serious blockages.
5. Snake the Drain
If you are still dealing with a slow draining sink, you might need to use a plumber’s snake, also known as a drain auger.
Instructions on How to Snake a Drain:
- Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to push it through the pipe.
- When you encounter resistance, turn the snake to break up the clog or pull it out.
- After removing the snake, flush the drain with hot water.
A drain snake can reach further down the pipe to clear clogs that simpler methods might miss. However, if you’re not comfortable using this tool, you may want to call a professional.
6. Remove and Clean the P-Trap
The P-trap is the curved section of pipe beneath your sink that often collects debris. Cleaning it may solve your slow draining sink issues.
Instructions:
- Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch water.
- Use a wrench to loosen the slip nuts/slip-joint nut and remove the P-trap.
- Clean out any debris inside the P-trap.
- Reassemble the P-trap and run water to check if the problem is fixed.
Tips On Preventing Future Drain Clogs
Once your sink is draining smoothly, consider taking preventive steps to avoid future clogs:
- Use drain covers to catch hair and food particles.
- Avoid pouring grease down the kitchen sink. Let it solidify and throw it in the trash instead.
- Run hot water down the drain after each use to clear minor buildup.
- Use baking soda and vinegar monthly to keep the pipes clear.
- Schedule professional drain cleaning services.
When to Call a Professional Plumber For Your Clogged Drain
A slow draining sink can be an annoying inconvenience, but with a little effort, most drain blockages can be resolved using the methods listed above. However, if the problem persists or you’re uncomfortable attempting these fixes, Mammoth Plumbing is just a phone call away and ready to help with any plumbing issue, big or small.
Our experienced plumbers in Houston can quickly diagnose and address any plumbing issue you may be having, whether it’s a blockage deep within the pipes or a more complex problem in need of investigation.
If you need professional assistance, contact Mammoth Plumbing now at 281-398-1700. We can get your plumbing back to running smoothly in no time!