FREE Consultation!
clogged sink

How to Fix a Slow Drain: Simple DIY Tips & Solutions 

Did you know 80% of homeowners experienced slow drains at some point? It’s a common pain, but fear not! We have got your back with some easy step-by-step guidelines about how to get that water flowing again.

From plungers to baking soda, we’ll walk through fixing that blocked mess. By the end of it, you’ll almost feel like a professional tackling all clogs. Your drain remains stubborn, and now it is probably time to call TurnKey Drainage.

So let’s jump in—because no one has time for a slow sink or tub. Tackling that slow drain problem? Let’s do it right!

What Causes Slow Drains

Everyday items can slow down drains. Things like toothpaste caps, hairpins, and small jewelry can create blockages. For instance, a toothpaste cap can trap hair and debris, causing stubborn clogs. Using a drain catch can help prevent this.

Most problems occur with hair, responsible for clogging about 80% of all blockages in drains and particularly in showers or sinks. Soap mixes with water and then forms soap scum inside the pipes which becomes blocked.

Food particles and grease are also villains in kitchens. Grease collects in pipes, and food particles accumulate under the P-trap in sinks, causing blockages. Not clearing off plates or allowing grease to flow down the sink contributes to this.

Mineral deposits from hard water can constrict pipes as well. Regular cleaning and the implementation of water softeners can prevent this.

DIY Methods to Unclog Drains

1. Use Boiling Water

boiling waterIt’s easy and cheap. Just boil water in a kettle and pour it down the sink. Watch out for splashes! Boiling the water will help break down what’s clogging the drain. It’s like giving your pipes a hot shower.

This method is great at clearing out minor clogs. If you face a tough one, you may need to repeat the process several times.

2. Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are effective for clearing clogs.

  • For small clogs, use 1/2 cup of baking soda; for tougher ones, use 1 cup.
  • After adding the baking soda, pour in 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 cup of hot water.
  • You’ll hear fizzing—this is normal! Let it sit for 15 minutes.

This fizzing action breaks down grime, then rinse with boiling water.

3. Utilize a Drain Zip Tool

If the drain’s still slow, grab a drain zip tool. This handy little plastic stick has teeth that can easily reach down the drain. It quickly pulls up hair, soap scum, and other debris. You insert it, twirl it, and pull it out.

You’d be surprised at what it catches. It’s inexpensive, reusable, and a temporary solution for hair and other junk-related clogs.

4. Clean the Sink Stopper

Could be a dirty sink stopper. Remove it by twisting or pulling it up. Clean off any gunk or hair wrapped around it. Clean the stopper with an old toothbrush. Then, replace it and see if the water drains faster. It’s often not even more than cleaning out the visible areas.

5. Use a Plunger

use plunger on sinkGrab your trusty plunger. Of course, it’s not for just toilets. Place it over the drain, again making sure it’s sealed. Push down and then pull up, repeating for about 30 seconds to a minute.

The pressure you build can move the clog loose. If you don’t see results immediately, try again. This method works best for clogs within the first few feet of the drain.

6. Employ a Plumbing Snake

For more deep-rooted clogs, a plumbing snake is your go-to. Feed the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Then, twist and push through the clog. This tool goes deeper than a plunger to clear clogs. Once you remove the blockage, pull out the snake and run water to check if it’s clear.

7. Inspect and Clear the P-Trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under your sink. Put a bucket below to catch water or debris. Then, unscrew the nuts and take off the trap. Clean out the gunk inside it, then screw it back together. This works for clogs in the trap itself.

Safe Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Different cleaners work in various ways; some use heat to melt grease. Many households prefer these easy-to-use options. Heavy-duty cleaners like lye and sulfuric acid should not be used daily.

Always read the labels carefully. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to contact a professional to fix the issue without the risks of strong chemicals.

Natural Solutions for Drain Cleaning

Natural methods are better than chemicals for many reasons. Chemicals can pollute the environment and harm water sources. Natural solutions are safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable, leaving no harmful residues.

They protect your pipes and help you avoid costly repairs. Plus, they are gentle on plumbing and eliminate the need to store dangerous chemicals at home. You can use pantry items to clear clogs, making it a safer choice for both your home and the planet.

When to Contact a Professional Plumber or a Drainage Contractor

If you’re not comfortable with DIY plumbing, dealing with a bad smell from your drain, or unsure what’s causing a clog, it’s time to call a professional.

Natural remedies like baking soda and hot water may handle small clogs, but tougher blockages or unidentified issues often require expert help.

A plumber can quickly identify the problem and provide an effective solution, preventing further damage or complications.

Keeping Drains Unclogged

Slow drains can be frustrating, but there’s always a solution.

Try some basic DIY tricks first. You’ll be surprised to find that a plunger or baking soda with vinegar does miracles.

If you need a bit more oomph, there are safe chemical cleaners. Remember, nature has its powerful cleaners as well.

If these steps don’t cut it, don’t wait forever—call TurnKey Drainage. Keep your drains running well. Got more questions or need help? Check out our blog for more helpful tips, or reach out to us, and let’s get those drains unclogged together.

Related Posts