A slow-draining sink is one of the most annoying household problems. Not only is it a nuisance, but it can also lead to bigger problems down the road if not fixed. There are a few different reasons why your sink might be draining slowly, but luckily there are also a few different ways to fix the problem.
In this article, we’ll go over five of the most common causes of slow-draining sinks and how you can fix them.
1. Clogged Sink Trap
The most common cause of a slow-draining sink is a clogged sink trap. The sink trap is the curved portion of the pipe that connects the drain to the P-trap. It’s called a sink trap because it’s designed to trap debris and keep it from going down the drain. Over time, the sink trap can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. When this happens, water can’t flow freely through the sink trap and down the drain, which can cause your sink to drain slowly.
To clean a clogged sink trap, you’ll need to remove the P-trap. Be sure to place a bucket underneath the P-trap before removing it so that water doesn’t spill out. Once the P-trap is removed, you can clean out the sink trap with a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
If your sink trap is severely clogged, you may need to replace it. Sink traps can be bought at most hardware stores.
2. Clogged Drain Line
If your sink drain is slow, but there’s no clog in the sink trap, the problem may be further down the drain line. Over time, the drain line can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. This can cause water to back up in the sink and drain slowly.
To clean a clogged drain line, you’ll need to remove the P-trap and use a plumber’s snake to clear the clog. If the clog is severe, you may need to call a plumber to clear it for you.
3. Leaks
Leaks are a common cause of slow-draining sinks. If your sink is leaking, water can collect in the sink and drain slowly.
To fix a leak, you’ll need to find the source of the leak and repair it. This may require calling a plumber.
4. Tree Roots
If your home is connected to a sewer line, tree roots can grow into the sewer line and cause a blockage. This can cause water to back up in the sink and drain slowly.
To fix a blockage caused by tree roots, you’ll need to have the roots removed by a plumber.
5. Buildup of Mineral Deposits
Over time, mineral deposits can build up in your sink’s drain line and cause a blockage. This can cause water to back up in the sink and drain slowly.
To remove mineral deposits, you can soak a rag in white vinegar and wrap it around the drain. Leave the rag in place for an hour or more, then remove it and flush the drain with hot water.
If the mineral deposits are severe, you may need to call a plumber to remove them.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why a sink might drain slowly, including a clogged P-trap, a clogged drain line, or a vent stack that is blocked. If you have a slow-draining sink, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself, including using a plunger or a snake. If these methods do not work, you may need to call a plumber.
Professor Plumb is a plumbing and drain service in Columbiana, AL, that has been in business for 20 years. We have a team of licensed experts bonded and insured to fix plumbing and gas problems in your home or commercial space. Call us now!