Best Ways To Clear A Slow Drain

You come back from work, ready to tackle the mountain of utensils somehow stacked in the sink. But even making breakfast feels like an extreme sport because the dirty water isn’t going anywhere. Yes, the drain is clogged. And, of course, it happens at the worst possible time.

But then, how to clear a slow drain?

Why Do Drains Slow Down?

Drains, whether it is the one in the kitchen or in the bathroom, can slow down even when you’re being careful with debris. Loose hair tends to attach itself to soap scum and become knotted in clumps. These clumps, then, accumulate more debris with each passing day and narrow your draining pipes. Similarly, small grains from food items stick to the grease released from food fats. As the grease cools, it attaches to the inside of the drain along with the chunkier particles, causing the passage to get blocked. As your plumbing system clogs up, the drainage slows down.

Common Causes of a Slow Drain

When the water level begins rising in your sink or bathroom, that is when you know you’ve got a sizable problem. A slow draining sink or toilet can be a real headache. Knowing the common causes can help you think of a quick, slow drain fix. Below are some of them:

• P-Trap clogs

The U-shaped bend in your plumbing is called a P-trap. Solid debris does not move through the bends easily and tends to get stuck midway, leading to clogs.

• Hair and Soap Buildup

Loose hair can get mixed with soapy hair or body products during showers. Commonly known as “soap scum”, this sticky tuft does not move down pipes easily. Moreover, it collects additional debris flowing down your bathroom drain and obstructs the passage of dirty water.

• Food Debris

No one is constantly vigilant of every minute food particle being dropped into the kitchen sink. Grease and fat from the kitchen can act as an adhesive and catch food particles. This solid chunk glues itself to the pipes, causing your plumbing to choke up.

• Tree Roots

Tree roots that weave their way into your pipes can be a drainage disaster. Your pipes will need to be tended by a professional if they clog up due to the growth of underground roots.

• Mineral Buildup

Mineral deposits inside the pipe that remain from hard water can build up over time and jam your plumbing system. The high percentage of calcium and magnesium collects inside the pipe and slows your drain.

How To Clean a Slow Drain: Quick DIY Fixes

If the drainage pipes in your home are clogged but seem manageable without the application of tools, a few quick DIY fixes can help open them up. Here are some effective ways to do that:

1. Slow Draining Kitchen Sink

You can fix a slow-draining kitchen sink in a few simple ways.

• Baking Soda and Vinegar

A popular remedy for a slow-draining kitchen sink, baking soda and vinegar have a fizzing reaction when used subsequently. To get it right, 

• Remove any standing water from the sink. 

• Pour half a cup of baking soda into the pipe drain. 

• Follow up with vinegar.

• Apply a piece of cloth to keep the reaction from bubbling over into the sink. 

The reaction helps break down any gunks or minor blockages in the drain.

• Dish Soap and Hot Water

One of the most effective ways to unclog a sink full of dirty water that refuses to drain, pantry items are all you need. 

• Throw down a ball-sized amount of dish soap down the pipe. 

• Follow it up with hot water. 

• Let it sit for some time.

This combination aids in clearing out stubborn grease glued to the inside of the kitchen pipe, thus promoting drainage.

2. Slow Flushing Toilet

A DIY slow-flushing toilet fix is simpler than it sounds. It is completely doable without expert supervision.

• Strengthen the Flush

It is important to check the basics for the fault. 

• Remove the lid of the water tank

• Check if the water is high enough

• If not, adjust the speed or screw it loose for higher water flow.

• Try flushing again

In case your weak flush is the culprit, a stronger flush will help pull down waste and clear your toilet.

• Clear Clogged Rims

Just like mineral buildup in kitchen drains, hard water can cause complications in the jet holes under the rim. Clogged jet holes can limit the force of the flushing swirl. Scrub out under the rims to clear the holes of minerals and try flushing again.

• Dishwasher and Hot Water

Dishwashers and hot water are versatile unclogging items.

• Pour a substantial amount of dishwasher detergent down the drain

• Let it sit for half an hour

• Pour hot water down the drain and let it sit again

• Try flushing the toilet again now

Fixing Slow Drains With Tools

When easy and convenient DIY fixes fail, the professional equipment has to be unpacked. Here are a few tools you can use to fix slow drains:

1. Plunger

Suction can be an effective technique in unclogging jammed drain pipes. Plungers are used to fix slow drains in the kitchen, toilet, and bathroom plumbing. They form a compact seal over the pipe opening and use plunging movements that act as suction on the clogging debris. This helps dislodge the blockage for easier drainage.

2. Drain Snake/Auger

Inserting a lengthy, solid wire or drain snake down a pipe can help extract sticky particles or waste obstructing free flow. The barbs in the snake are effective in catching hair and debris. Having removed debris with the hair snake, pour hot water and let it sit for some time to clear any additional gunk. These are best for unblocking deep jams inside bathroom sinks and showers.

3. Hydro-Jet

Blasting your blocked pipes with a sharp, high-speed jet of water can help clear blockages more effectively than when using augers or wires. The force of the water pushes out debris and promotes quick drainage of standing water and residue.

Natural and Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners

Natural enzymes and bacteria are powerful drain cleaners that help break down organic waste in the kitchen sink and toilets. They are eco-friendly products that work by chemically digesting the buildup, sealing passages in the plumbing system. Natural drain cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, boiling water, and lemon juice help trigger chemical reactions to promote easy flow.

Enzyme cleaners are effective as well as environment friendly. They:

• Are biodegradable solutions

• Are non-corrosive

• Work by digesting organic materials to maintain clear drains

• Are safe for all types of pipes, including septic tanks

• Are non-toxic and eco-friendly

Preventive Tips To Avoid Slow Drains

Do you know what is better than looking up how to clear a slow drain on your phone while you’re getting late for dinner? It is using cautionary measures to prevent slow clogged drains. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your drains from slowing down:

• Use strainers on your kitchen sink stopper and showers to prevent clogging of the main plumbing

• Use running hot water periodically to keep your drains free of grease or dirt buildup

• Ensure that you dump all food waste into the trash by scraping dishes clean. Fewer food particles mean less probability of pipe congestion.

• Timely maintenance of drain pipes through professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Clogged or slow-draining pipes can cause bacteria and germs to fester in the corners of your plumbing system. This, indirectly, harms you and your family. A clear drain saves you the gross feeling of needing to dip your hands into standing water. You don’t have to worry about your kitchen and washrooms remaining hygienic. As long as your pipes remain unclogged, your health is not adversely impacted.

To ensure you and your family remain healthy, Dr. Pooper offers a range of cleaning and maintenance products that help upkeep your plumbing system and septic tanks. With easy-to-use products that clear blockages without corroding the pipes in your home, they keep your tanks and pipes flowing. Explore the requirements for your home on our website.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to clear a slow drain?

There are multiple effective ways to clear a slow drain. Depending on the nature of the blockage, you can use quick DIY fixes or tools like plungers and drain snakes to unclog your pipes and promote drainage. For heavier blockages, use enzyme-based drain cleaners to flush out debris.

2. What causes a slow drain in sinks and showers?

Drains can get jammed and flush slowly due to multiple reasons. Sticky food particles, gunk, hair tufts, and soap scum are some of the most common causes. Apart from them, mineral accumulation from hard water can also cause pipes to clog and block free drainage.

3. Can baking soda and vinegar help clear a slow drain?

Baking soda and vinegar are an effective combination for clearing a drain clog caused by a minor blockage. Pouring baking soda, followed by vinegar, into the drain pipe and letting it sit for some time can prompt a chemical reaction that breaks down small chunks.

4. Why are all my drains slow at the same time?

If your main sewer line is blocked or the plumbing vent system is facing clogs, all your drains could slow down at the same time. Call in an expert to fix the main sewer line to clear congestion in the plumbing. 

5. What causes a slow septic drain field?

A slow septic drain field is caused by a reduced ability of the soil to absorb dirty water. It can happen from the oversaturation of the soil, clogged pipelines, or a poorly maintained septic tank. In case of clogging, try pumping the tank and using tools to unblock.