A slow drain may be easy to fix at home or a serious problem only the professionals can fix. Before you decide who should fix it, you must first figure out the problem’s source.
Have you been dealing with slow drains in your house? Let’s identify what might be causing it. Then we can provide solutions to your drainage problem.
What Causes A Slow Drain?
Everyday uses commonly cause a slow drain, but not always. Over time, things can build up, narrowing the flow and causing your drain to empty slower and slower. Before you know it, you’re standing in an inch of water in the shower or looking at a soap-filled sink that refuses to drain.
Common causes of drain buildup include:
- Hair
- Shaving cream and hair trimmings mixed
- Soap scum
- Toothpaste
- Food debris
- Grease
- Oil and fats
Clothes fibers can also cause problems in your washing machine over time. So can putting items down the toilet that never should be there, like wet wipes, too much toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, cotton swabs, and other bathroom products.
How To DIY Fix Your Slow Drain
There are a few simple things you can DIY at home to fix your slow drain problem.
Plunger
Plungers are great for clogged toilets but also work well for blocked drains. Using a plunger may help dislodge the clog, making it easier for other DIY methods to work their magic. If your sink or shower is still draining slowly, you can set the plunger over the drain and fill the sink or shower no more than halfway full of water. Then, plunge away!
Use A Zip-It Tool
The Zip-it tool is an inexpensive drain clearing device at any hardware store. It helps to clear out things like hair and debris from your drain. Follow the directions to insert the tool and then pull it out, hopefully removing your clogging problem.
Clean The Pop-Up
The sink pop-up can collect debris over time, as well as buildup. If the Zip-it tool didn’t solve the problem, try removing the pop-up in your sink to clear the buildup. You may be able to unscrew the pop-up, or there may be a nut behind the drain pipe you can remove. Clean the pop-up and reinstall it.
Use Baking Soda And Vinegar
Another method is one even the kids might enjoy. Take ½ cup of baking soda and sprinkle it down the drain. Follow it with ½ cup of vinegar. Wait about five minutes for the mixture to fizz and do its thing to dislodge debris. Then, carefully dump a large pot of boiling water down the drain.
You can also use this method to unclog the toilet. Just go slow with the boiling water to avoid burning yourself.
When To Call In The Drain Cleaning Experts
If none of your drain clearing methods work, or you can’t find debris that would warrant a slow-moving drain, it’s best to call in the drain cleaning experts. Abend Services professionals in Baltimore, Maryland, are ready to take your call. We’ll figure out the problem and help you resolve the slow drain, so you’ll be back to fast-draining fixtures in no time!
