5 Ways To Fix a Slow Drain

Waiting out a slow drain is a tried-and-tested practice for patience—dare I say enough to make the final swirling of dirty water exciting or relieving. Of course, while a bit of extra patience is good, it shouldn’t be because of inefficient drain systems. But how did it come to be in the first place?

What Causes A Slow Drain?

Debris build-up is the most common cause, but the causes can be more complex. Tree roots entering a sewer line is one thing, and the degradation of pipes and other plumbing components due to years of usage is another. 

Of course, to know how to remedy these issues, you must first know the cause. A plumbing professional better accurately diagnoses the problem and an accompanying plumbing service. They know the workarounds. 

If all your drains are, there is likely a bigger underlying issue. If it is a seemingly isolated case, you probably look into said fixture and deal with it. For now, here are five first-aid tips you can use to fix your slow drain.

1. Removing the Filter or Pop-Up

Drain stoppers are useful when optimising sink functions. Raising or lowering these pop-ups allows you to regulate the water flowing down the drain freely. You can also decide how to fill the sink based on how you intend to use it. 

Of course, drain stoppers not only act as a barrier between the wastewater smell and your home but also as a supporting tool for water conservation. These are all great examples of how stoppers work. However, they can also become a source of unintended slow water draining. 

When debris like soap, toothpaste, hair, and the like accumulate around the plug, it can cause a painstaking sluggish water flow down the drain. Now, stoppers are usually designed to be easily accessed, so careful removal and cleaning will do. That will exponentially hasten your draining rate.

Drain filters are another object used primarily engineered to catch debris and other contaminants. With this, the removal and cleaning are more straightforward. Do this, and you’re all set. 

2. Fishing Out the Foreign Objects

If filter removal or pop-ups don’t work, perhaps the debris is deeper down the pipe. You can resolve that by summoning simple tools like a zip-it or snake. Its ridges can easily collect any hair or debris clogging up the pipe and minimising the water’s drain rate. 

A few pushes with said tools can also disrupt other accumulations along the pipes’ surface. This will clear out the pipes, bringing back the faster drain rate.

3. Using Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners are tailored for different types of blockage. Some types work better for specific materials (e.g., grease, food, and hair). Dumping them down the drain and waiting for them to dry is as simple as dumping them. 

They come with labels you can read at the supermarket for specific matches. Side note: chemical drain cleaners can be dangerous to people as they are to drains with certain metals.

Hence, knowing your audience and how to tackle it is important. Safety precautions must always be applied. 

If you’re wary of store-bought cleaners, you can make your own. You can make a simple yet effective concoction using materials commonly found in your home. Vinegar and baking soda are a classic combination—you must supplement it with a boiling water rinse. 

4. Plunging 

In plumbing, tools are your friend, especially the right ones. If zip-it tools and snakes can’t reach the supposed accumulation, plungers can help. They create a vacuum to pull the blockage upward and dislodge it. 

5. Unclogging the P-trap

This is quite tricky, as a few pliers or wrenches are needed. But essentially, the bend allows materials to build up and get clogged. Once you open the P-trap, collecting the debris should be fairly easy. 

Now, this assumes that you can manoeuvre through your plumbing systems. However, if you’re a bit apprehensive about doing it, no worries at all. Plumbing professionals are here for a reason. 

Let’s Unclog Your Drain with Link Plumbing

With over three decades of combined plumbing experience and continuous honing of our team’s skills, Link Plumbing will do the job for you. Clogged drains have been in our plumbing service line, and we can guarantee a non-recurrence of the concern. 

Our team works around the clock; you can contact us anytime. We live by consistent work, employing reliable procedures and techniques to get your drain flowing again. Trust that you can rely on us for blocked drain issues in Sydney. 

Reach out to us at 0412 056 027 for booking and enquiries. With Link Plumbing, you don’t have to wait until it’s too late.