Slow Drains? Here Are Common Causes and Solutions

Are you dealing with a slow drain? Well, you’re not the only one. Slow drains happen to almost everyone because, over time, our drains get clogged with the debris that goes down the sink.

The type of debris that formed the clog will likely differ depending on what drain you’re dealing with, such as a bathroom sink drain versus a kitchen sink drain. Some of the most common reasons for a slow-draining tub, slow-draining bathroom sink, or slow-draining sink are:

• Accumulation of hair and soap scum
• Grease and food particle buildup
• Tree root intrusions
• Mineral deposits from hard water
• Foreign objects obstructing the drain

The first step is to try a plunger on your slow drain. That is a simple, easy, and cheap fix. However, if that doesn’t work, you likely have a serious clog and need to contact a professional plumber for help.

Accumulation of Hair And Soap Scum

If your slow drain is in the bathroom, there’s a high chance that you’re dealing with an accumulation of hair and soap scum. This is causing a blockage in your drain, so the water is draining slowly.

If you live in an area with hard water, know that this type of water can prevent bar soap from breaking down. Small pieces of bar soap can resolidify in the drain, forming larger sticky clumps and creating a blockage in the pipe.

The other common culprit is hair. It’s normal to shed 50 – 100 hairs a day, and many of these come out in the shower or bath, heading right down the drain. When too much hair accumulates down the drain, it can start to form a mass, blocking the drain.

The Solution: Consider switching to body wash if you’re using bar soap. Body wash is ​“healthier” for your pipes because it is a liquid rather than a solid.

If you’re dealing with a blockage that’s mostly hair, consider purchasing a hair stopper for your bathtub or shower. These small gadgets cover the drain and prevent hair from going down your pipes.

Of course, these are preventative measures, but if you already have a slow drain, you must first deal with that. It’s best to call a plumber for a drain clean. You don’t know how deep your clogs go. Only a plumber has the tools and experience to clean your pipes thoroughly, so you’re not dealing with clogged drains again in just a few short months.

Grease and Food Particle Buildup

Some people are surprised to learn that their kitchen sink shouldn’t be treated like a garbage can. You should not put grease, oil, or food particles down your drain. Food particles are solids that won’t break down with water and can eventually form large clumps in your drain.

Similarly, fats and oils may be liquid when hot and poured down the sink, but that doesn’t last. As these substances cool, they thicken and become solids once again, which can clog your sink.

The Solution: When you’re cooking and washing dishes, dispose of cooking fats and food particles directly into your garbage bin rather than the sink.

If you’re dealing with a grease clog or a large food mass, DIY home solutions for declogging your sink simply won’t work. No amount of vinegar and baking soda down your drain will fix the problem. Instead, call a plumber who will thoroughly and expertly clean your pipes so they work like they should!

Tree Root Intrusions

If you have trees on your property that are located close to your home, your slow drain might be due to tree root intrusions. Tree roots love moisture and naturally gravitate to sewer lines where there is a nonstop supply of wastewater. The roots enter pipes through small gaps in the pipe structure. As they receive more moisture, these roots can multiply and expand. In the short term, this causes a slow drain. But in the long term, this can pose a much more serious problem as the pipes begin to experience structural decay and may collapse.

The Solution: You don’t know how badly your pipes have been impacted, and you don’t want to waste any time finding out. Hire a plumber immediately to inspect and fix your tree roots issue. The good news is that plumbers have many ways of fixing this common problem without necessarily resorting to cutting down the tree.

Mineral Deposits From Hard Water

Many areas have naturally hard water, which is high in dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The good news is that hard water is perfectly safe to drink. The bad news is that hard water can damage plumbing.

The high amounts of calcium in hard water can lead to calcium buildup in your pipes and drains, resulting in a slow drain.

The Solution: A plumber can inspect your drains, find the calcium buildups, and break them apart so your drain works great again. If you live in an area with hard water, your pipes will likely experience these calcium buildups often, so having a routine pipe inspection by a plumber is a good idea every 12 – 18 months.

Foreign Objects Obstructing the Drain

Foreign objects going down the drain is one of the most common problems plumbers deal with. Kids throw toys down the drain, and guests may throw feminine hygiene products.

Even objects advertised as ​“flushable” (such as baby wipes) are harmful to your drains.

When a foreign object gets stuck in your drain, it will inevitably slow down. If you don’t get the object out, other items can attach to it, causing an even bigger clog.

The Solution: If you can’t see the object when you look down the drain, you likely can’t get it out yourself. This is a job for a professional plumber only.

After this type of incident happens, make sure everyone in your family knows what should and shouldn’t go down the drains in your home.