Do you have a slow drain in your sink or bathtub? This is one of the most common plumbing problems that occur in most households. While it is a frustrating issue, it can usually be solved on your own.
Keep reading to learn how you can fix a slow drain yourself or when you might need to call a professional.
1. Remove the Pop-Up Drain
The pop-up drain in your sink has been designed in a manner where it is prone to collecting build-up and debris. This build-up and debris is generally the main reason why you end up with a slow draining sink.
In order to clear this blockage out, unscrew the nut that is attaching the pop-up from the drain just underneath the sink. Then slide the pop-up out of the drain, clean it really well, and reinstall it.
If the water continues to drain slowly from your sink, then the blockage from the pop-up drain wasn’t the only problem. You might need to call a plumber to take a closer look.
2. Use a Zip-It Tool
One of the main reasons why the water in your sink begins to drain slowly is from the collection of debris, with hair being the main culprit. An easy way to get the hair out of your drain is by using an inexpensive tool called the Zip-it.
In order to use this tool you simply have to work it down into your drain and then pull it back out. The Zip-it is thin enough to fit into the drain, even if you have a pop-up, and the barbs will catch the hair and debris as you pull out.
You should work the Zip-it in and out of your drain until you have pulled out all the hair and the water is running freely. These also work great in the shower or bathtub drain too.
3. Use Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaner is an effective way to clear a clogged sink after you have pulled out any larger debris. The chemicals will eat away at the hair or other build-up until they have dissolved. Then you can flush the drain through using hot water.
If you would rather not pour manufactured chemicals into your pipes you can use a homemade drain cleaner instead. One of the most effective ways to clear a clogged drain is by pouring boiling hot water into the drain, then 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 a cup of vinegar. Next cover the drain with a stopper to let the baking soda and vinegar mixture bubble and fizz downwards into the drain.
After roughly ten minutes pour more boiling hot water down into the drainpipe and then continue to flush it with hot water.
4. Use a Plumbing Snake
If you have a serious clog in the bathtub a plumbing snake will be able to reach further depths then a Zip-it tool can. In order to use the snake, you will have to remove the drain cover from the tub so you can work the snake down into it.
Next, place a towel over the exposed drain and unscrew the overflow tube’s cover plate. You don’t want to leave the drain exposed in case you drop one of the screws and lose it down the drain. Then pull the stopper linkage up and out of the overflow tube.
These first two steps will most likely reveal a lot of soap scum, hair, and other debris which will also help your drain run freer. Then insert the tip of the snake down and twist as you work it down past the drain line. Once you’ve hit the end you can pull it free and remove the hair and debris that it has collected.
Move on to the overflow once you have the tub drain cleared and follow the same method as before. The goal is to clear out all the debris as you go, make it into the P-trap, and completely clear the clog.
Once you feel that you have gotten all the mess out, run some hot water down the drain and see if it dispels quickly. If the water is still running out slowly, there is probably still a clog in the P-trap. Don’t give up until the water runs out quickly.
5. Use a Plunger
Most people only think to use a plunger when they have a clogged toilet. The truth is, they also work on clearing a slow drain in your shower. This technique works best when you are in the shower so you can get good leverage over the drain while the water is filling up.
Once the water has risen to about an inch or so, place the plunger over the drain firmly. Make sure the plunger is in full contact with the tub floor and then start making quick downward motions on the handle.
After you have given the plunger a good four or five shoves downwards you can release it to let the water back into the drain. Keep repeating until you see some decent results. If the slow draining tub is due to hair or other debris then the plunger should do the trick.
6. Clear the Vent Pipe
Another reason why the drain on your tub is running slow is the vent pipe might be clogged. A vent pipe is used to equalize the pressure from your drain line and runs out through your roof to the open air.
Sometimes these pipes get clogged when debris such as leaves, sticks, or even insects and animals get into the line. If you feel comfortable climbing on the roof you can check to see if the vent is clear by running water from your garden hose into it. If you aren’t sure how to do this or aren’t comfortable being on the roof you should call a professional to help you out.
Learn More Today About How to Fix a Slow Drain!
These are some of the most effective ways to clear a slow drain. Usually drains get clogged with hair or other types of debris and can be cleared with tools designed to clear them out, drain cleaner, or even a plunger.
If you would like some more household tips or information be sure to visit our website daily!