26 September

How to Fix a Slow Draining Sink

The sight of water pooling in your sink, reluctant to disappear down the drain, is a frustration many Ontario homeowners know all too well. While professional plumbers are equipped to handle these issues swiftly, there’s significant value in learning how to address the problem yourself.

Knowing how to fix a slow draining sink can save you money and time. But more importantly, it can help you tackle minor issues before they become major problems, and communicate better with plumbers when professional help is needed. In this guide, we’ll explore practical solutions for slow drains and help you recognize when to call in the experts! Let’s dive right in.

Step 1: Identify the Cause

If you’re dealing with a slow draining sink, the first step is to check what’s causing it. Common culprits include:

• Hair and soap scum
• Food particles and grease
• Foreign objects or small items accidentally dropped down the drain
• Mineral build-up (especially common in areas with hard water, like many parts of Ontario)

Pro tip: You can usually spot the culprit by observing what goes down the drain. If you’re in doubt, grab a flashlight and take a peek—just don’t be surprised if it’s a blob of mystery gunk staring back at you!

Image source: Canva

Step 2: Simple Slow Drain Solutions

Once you know why your sink drains slowly, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try some simple fixes. Here’s how to fix a slow draining sink: 

Remove Visible Blockages

In many cases, the simplest solution to fix a slow draining kitchen sink is to remove visible blockages. Start by checking for hair, food particles, or any foreign objects near the top of the drain. Grab a pair of gloves and carefully pull out anything you can see. This step can fix nearly every slow draining sink.

For stubborn hair clogs, a drain snake or a bent wire hanger can help snag and remove those pesky strands that tangle in the pipes. Want to know how to clear a bathroom sink drain to dislodge deeper clogs? Use a zip tool or drain snake. 

Use Boiling Water to Melt Away Soap Scum and Grease

If you still have a slow draining sink, even after cleaning the drain, use boiling water to help melt away minor blockages and get things flowing smoothly again. Just be cautious if you suspect plastic in the pipes—boiling water and plastic don’t mix well!

Dislodge Minor Clogs With a Plunger

Kitchen or bathroom sink not draining even after trying the previous methods? Grab a cup plunger. Place it over the drain so it covers the opening completely. With a firm grip, push down and pull up quickly, creating a vacuum effect. Do this for about 15-20 seconds, and repeat as needed. The pressure can help break up minor clogs and push them through the pipes. 

Image Source: Canva

Use a Drain Cleaner

If removing visible blockages doesn’t resolve the slow draining sink, try a drain cleaner. These products break down buildup and clear stubborn clogs. Just make sure to choose a cleaner that’s safe for your plumbing system. Enzymatic cleaners are great in a pinch. 

You can make a DIY drain cleaner using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Avoid caustic chemical drain cleaners as much as possible, as they can damage your pipes, especially if they’re older or made of plastic. 

Caution: While drain cleaners can be effective for a slow draining bathroom sink, you shouldn’t rely on them as a permanent solution. Frequent use can lead to pipe damage over time. It’s best to call your local plumbers for assistance!

Clean the P-Trap

Still struggling with how to fix a slow draining sink after everything? The P-trap may have your answer. This curved pipe under your sink can trap debris, leading to clogs. 

To clean it, start by placing a bucket underneath to catch any water. Carefully unscrew the P-trap and remove it, then clean out any buildup or gunk. Once it’s clear, reattach it securely, then check if your sink drains slowly or not.

Step 3: Know When to Call a Professional

While these DIY methods can be effective for minor clogs, some situations call for professional help if:

• You’ve tried multiple methods without success
• You suspect a more serious blockage in your main sewer line
• You hear gurgling sounds from your drains
• Multiple drains in your home are slow
• You have an older home with potential tree root issues

Ready to Restore Your Drainage? Contact PlumbWize Today!

Learned how to fix a slow draining sink yet? If you’ve tried all the DIY solutions and still find yourself frustrated, it’s time to call in the experts!

PlumbWize is the most trusted and experienced plumbing service provider in Ontario. Our comprehensive range of services covers any plumbing issue you may face, including a slow sink drain. Our professional, licensed, and experienced plumbers have a combined experience of 60 years in the industry, so you know you’re in good hands.

Let’s get your drainage flowing smoothly again. Call us today for fast, reliable service!

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