Dealing with a slow-draining sink can be a major inconvenience. When your sink takes more than a minute to completely drain, it falls into the category of a slow drain, as opposed to a fully clogged one. A slow drain is typically a partial blockage, and you might be able to address it yourself using these DIY techniques.

Clogged Drain Prevention

To prevent clogs in your drain, especially from hair in bathroom sinks, consider using a drain cover. This cover can capture most hair before it goes down the drain. Additionally, keeping your sink clear of toothpaste or beauty product spills helps facilitate the passage of less greasy substances down the drain.

The stopper in your bathroom sink can accumulate hair, so regular cleaning is essential. While it’s out, running some hot water can help dissolve the buildup in the drain.

Professional Drain Cleaning

If your sink is frequently draining slowly, we recommend giving us a call. We have specialized tools to help you get your drains fully unclogged. These DIY tips help in the meantime, but a full drain cleaning may need to happen.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

The most common tip for getting a drain unclogged is to put an equal part of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let that mixture work in the drain for 10-15 minutes. After that pour hot water down the drain to finish cleaning the drain.

Boiling Water

If you are going to try this, please make sure to do this safely. Long sleeve shirts and protective eyewear is recommended in case any hot water splashes back at you. We also do not recommend this for PVC pipe as this can damage the pipe.

To do this, simply pour the boiling water down the drain so it can melt any grease, or product away.

Drain Clog Removal Tool

You can find these flexible plastic tools at any home improvement store or places that sell home improvement items. They are long, flexible pieces of plastic that have little teeth on them. These work as a one time use drain snake.

When you put the tool in your drain, the teeth will grab onto hair. As you remove the tool, the hair should come with it.

Sink Plunger

You can also plunge your sink. It is important that you only use a sink plunger for this job as they are slightly different from a toilet plunger. Make sure you fill the sink with some water, and use quick movements to remove the clog.

P-Trap

Under every sink you should see a curved part of the pipe. These P-Traps are generally where clogs get stuck. They typically are able to be removed, you may need a wrench.

Before you remove this part of the pipe, make sure to turn the water off to the sink with the shut off valve. After you turn the water off, remove the piece of pipe and clean it out. After that it will need to be reattached.

Borax

Borax is a great multipurpose cleaner in the home, and it can help clean out slow moving drains. To use, simply pour the borax into the drain, and then pour 2 cups of hot water down the drain. Let that work for about 15 minutes before using the drain again.

Soda

This one may seem a little unorthodox. However, dark colored sodas have dissolving agents, phosphoric acid and other chemicals that are strong enough to break grease down.

Take a 2 liter of cola, and pour it directly into the drain. We recommend using room temperature soda to do this. Leave the soda in the drain for two hours and run water through to clean it.

Final Thoughts

Slow draining sinks, tubs, and showers can be so frustrating. Trying DIY options may work for a short period of time. Your best bet is to give your local guy a call – Mike The Salty Plumber.

TEXT the SALTY Plumber Company !!

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 727-686-1427 if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage service. Salty Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or sewer roots problem.