4 Ways to Handle a Slow-Draining Sink – Our Guide

At one point or another, you are going to encounter a slow drain. That’s something that every homeowner has to face and hopefully learn from. The thing is, most homeowners either don’t notice, or they choose to ignore signs that tell them there’s a problem with their sink drain until they get to that point where it’s not draining at all. If you’re the same as those homeowners, you have to work on that starting now, or you could find yourself in a disastrous situation later on.

To help you prevent worse drainage problems, a Birmingham and Columbiana drain cleaning company shares some of the things that you can do to fix an already slow drain:

1. Make Use of a Zip-It Tool

 A zip-it tool is a simple yet effective tool that works wonders. It’s a long and thin stick with jagged edges down its side. It’s pretty straightforward to use. You simply insert it into the slow drain and pull out whatever debris may be causing the clog. It sounds gross, and often it is, but it really works. This tool is quite cheap, and you can use it multiple times, so it’s a really economical solution to your problem.

2. Remove the Sink Pop-Up and Clean It 

You don’t have to be an experienced plumber to do this task. You can easily pull out the pop-up and clean it thoroughly. Often, the pop-up is filled with gunk that could affect draining even if there’s no actual clog in the drain. Mind that other pop-ups are secured by a nut under the sink, so check that if you can’t pull your sink pop-out properly.

3. Use a Drain Cleaner 

You can find different brands of drain cleaners that you can try, and you might have to go through them all to find one that you like best. Or you can do one right in your home. Simply mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of salt and ¼ cup of cream of tartar in a container. Use this mixture well and sprinkle half of it into the drain. Leave it for 15 minutes and pour hot water after to flush it. You can do it again until the drain works properly.

4. Clean Your Sink’s Overflow 

The sink’s overflow has two main purposes – to keep the sink from overflowing and to let air into the drain for it to drain faster. If you notice that water drains slowly from the sink, it’s possible that there’s a clog somewhere in the drain. However, it may also mean that the overflow is clogged and keeping air from making its way all the way into the drain. By cleaning the overflow using a zip-it tool or something similar, you can remove any clogs and let air back into the drain so it works as it should.

Conclusion

These are just a few tips that could make a huge difference when you’re already experiencing slow drains. These are fairly easy to do and don’t require a plumber. However, if you have tried these tips and you’re still having problems with your drain, it’s likely that the issue is beyond your scope. You need a professional who provides reliable plumbing services in Columbiana, AL.  Make sure that you choose a plumbing contractor with a solid reputation.

Professor Plumb is among the most seasoned contractors that can provide you with expert plumbing and drain services in Columbiana, AL, as well as Birmingham and other nearby areas. Contact our team today, and we’ll get your drains working properly in no time at all!

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