A slow-draining sink can present as a minor inconvenience that just makes your daily tasks take a little longer. But over time this minor inconvenience can quickly turn into a significant plumbing problem as a partial blockage becomes a full blockage.
Today, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks to help you tackle slow-draining sinks before they turn into major plumbing emergencies. Additionally, we’ll let you know the signs that it’s time to put down your tools and call the professionals instead.
Understanding the Causes
Partially blocked or slow-draining sinks can be caused by a number of factors, but most commonly they’re caused by an accumulation of grease, food scraps, hair, soap scum and other debris getting caught in the drains. As more debris accumulates in the pipes the blockage can grow and go from a partial blockage to a full one.
Slow-draining sinks can also be caused by tree roots infiltrating and damaging your pipes as they search for water. Roots can get into your pipes through cracks or joins and as they grow they can cause more damage and block the pipes completely.
DIY Solutions to Try
If your sinks only drain slowly every now and then it could be a minor issue, such as a build-up of dirt or soap scum. When this happens you can use simple DIYs to clear the blockage yourself, such as:
- Boiling Water: The simplest solution to clear a partial blockage is to pour boiling water down the drain. This can help to dissolve any soap scum or small amounts of grease to dislodge the blockage and encourage water flow.
- Plunger: If simply pouring hot water into the drain doesn’t clear the blockage, you may need to use a little elbow grease by employing a plunger. Plungers are one of the most effective ways to break up clogs and get your pipes flowing again. Make sure you have a tight seal and then plunge vigorously for about a minute and then try to flush your drain again.
- Clean the P-Trap: The curved pipework under sinks is known to catch food scraps and debris and cause blockages. To clear a blockage in the P-trap, identify this fitting under your sink and place a bucket underneath it before carefully unscrewing the connections. You can then empty and clean the P-trap and reconnect it.
When to Suspect a Bigger Issue
If these simple DIY methods don’t prove effective, it’s a sign that the blockage could be caused by a more significant problem such as a major blockage downstream or tree roots in the pipes. Other clear signs that the issue is more significant, include:
- Consistent Problems: If one or multiple sinks are repeatedly clogged or draining slowly, despite your best efforts to clear them, then there’s likely a more extensive blockage or damage within your pipes.
- Foul Odours: Persistent sewage smells or odours coming from your drains are a clear indication of a buildup or organic matter (such as food scraps) stuck and possibly decomposing in your pipes.
- Water Backing Up: If wastewater is backing up into the drains around your house, it can indicate a major blockage in the main sewer line.
- Gurgling Sounds: Gurgling or bubbling sounds in your drains are generally from air trapped inside the pipes and can be a sign that your pipes are completely blocked.
When to Call Professional Plumbers
If your best DIY methods fail to clear the blockage or if you notice any of the signs we just mentioned, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Professional plumbers have years of training, experience and specialised tools to identify and repair blockages in your pipes quickly, safely and effectively.
At Essendon Plumbing Services, we specialise in unblocking sinks and have over 33 years of experience in the industry. So, we can provide:
- Advanced Tools and Techniques: We have state-of-the-art tools and equipment like drain cameras to help us identify and locate blockages effectively.
- Professional Assessment: We have seen hundreds of blocked sinks in our time so we can easily identify if a blockage is caused by a more complex issue. We can then determine the cause and repairs required to clear the issue and get your pipes flowing again.
- Preventative Maintenance: Beyond addressing the immediate issue or blockage, we can also provide tips or regular maintenance services to reduce the risk of future blockages.
Ready to Get Your Slow Draining Sink Flowing Again?
In conclusion, while a slow-draining sink is often easily managed with quick DIY solutions, sometimes, if the issue persists, it could be an indication of a larger problem within your plumbing. If you think you have a major blockage in your pipes, call our experienced plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services any time of the day or night for swift and effective repairs.