7 Different Ways to Clear a Slow Drain
A slow draining sink can be a huge annoyance. If your sink takes over a minute to fully drain, it is considered a slow drain. If your sink is not draining, that is a fully clogged drain. A slow drain is usually partially clogged. A slow drain may be able to be taken care of on your own with these DIY methods.
Slow Drain Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your drain from getting clogged. Bathroom drains typically get clogged by hair. The best thing you can do for that is getting a drain cover. The drain cover should catch most of the hair before it goes down. Keeping your sink clear of toothpaste or beauty product spills will help less greasy products go down the drain.
The stopper in your bathroom sink also tends to catch hair, and gets built up on it. Making sure to clean that regularly will help a great deal. While that is out of the sink, we recommend running some hot water to help melt the build up on the drain.
Professional Drain Cleaning
If your sink is frequently draining slowly, we recommend giving us a call. We have specialized tools to help you get your drains fully unclogged. These DIY tips help in the meantime, but a full drain cleaning may need to happen.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
The most common tip for getting a drain unclogged is to put an equal part of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let that mixture work in the drain for 10-15 minutes. After that pour hot water down the drain to finish cleaning the drain.
Boiling Water
If you are going to try this, please make sure to do this safely. Long sleeve shirts and protective eyewear is recommended in case any hot water splashes back at you. We also do not recommend this for PVC pipe as this can damage the pipe.
To do this, simply pour the boiling water down the drain so it can melt any grease, or product away.
Drain Clog Removal Tool
You can find these flexible plastic tools at any home improvement store or places that sell home improvement items. They are long, flexible pieces of plastic that have little teeth on them. These work as a one time use drain snake.
When you put the tool in your drain, the teeth will grab onto hair. As you remove the tool, the hair should come with it.
Sink Plunger
You can also plunge your sink. It is important that you only use a sink plunger for this job as they are slightly different from a toilet plunger. Make sure you fill the sink with some water, and use quick movements to remove the clog.
P-Trap
Under every sink you should see a curved part of the pipe. These P-Traps are generally where clogs get stuck. They typically are able to be removed, you may need a wrench.
Before you remove this part of the pipe, make sure to turn the water off to the sink with the shut off valve. After you turn the water off, remove the piece of pipe and clean it out. After that it will need to be reattached.
Borax
Borax is a great multipurpose cleaner in the home, and it can help clean out slow moving drains. To use, simply pour the borax into the drain, and then pour 2 cups of hot water down the drain. Let that work for about 15 minutes before using the drain again.
Soda
This one may seem a little unorthodox. However, dark colored sodas have dissolving agents, phosphoric acid and other chemicals that are strong enough to break grease down.
Take a 2 liter of cola, and pour it directly into the drain. We recommend using room temperature soda to do this. Leave the soda in the drain for two hours and run water through to clean it.
Final Thoughts
Slow draining sinks, tubs, and showers can be so frustrating. Trying DIY options may work for a short period of time. Your best bet is to give your local 1-Tom-Plumber a call.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
