There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a slow draining sink, is there?
You’ve finished washing up your dinner plates, only to find a pool of murky water refusing to budge.
It’s one of those frustrating moments we all experience – the kitchen or bathroom sink taking an age to drain. But don’t worry, help is at hand.
Fear not, my DIY friend — we’re going to arm you with some quick fixes to bring your sink back to peak performance!
These are just a few DIY methods to fix a slow-draining sink. If the problem persists, it might be time to call in the professionals. But think of the satisfaction when you do manage to clear that blockage yourself!
Boiling Water: It’s simple, it’s effective, and you probably have everything you need in your kitchen already. Boiling water can often dislodge minor blockages. Pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain can often dislodge the gunk that’s causing the blockage. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s worth a try.
Plunger: This old-school method still works wonders. A few vigorous pumps can often get things moving. If the blockage is stubborn, a good old-fashioned plunge might do the trick. Remember to cover the overflow vent before you start! For the ultimate plunger for inside the house (and cheaper alternatives), click the button below:
Vinegar and Baking Soda: Remember the school science experiments? This is a bit like that. A concoction of these household items can create a powerful fizzing action that clears blockages. Simply pour half a cup of bicarbonate soda into the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait 15-20 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
Drain Snake: This is a more specialised tool, but it’s a handy one to have around. A drain snake can reach down into the pipe to break up the clog. There are two versions of a drain snake: Hand Operated or Powered. You can check this out by clicking the button below:
Chemical Drain Cleaner: When all else fails, a specialised cleaner might be the best bet. Remember, always use as directed, and keep out of reach of children.
Why is your sink slow to drain?
Often, a slow-draining sink is caused by a blockage that’s restricting water flow. Over time, hair, soap, oil, and food particles can build up and create a stubborn clog.
Understanding the problem is half the solution.
Oh, the dread of a slow-draining sink! It’s a nuisance that can bring your daily routine to a grinding halt. But fear not, the solution to your problem is likely within arms’ reach.
Before we delve deeper into the world of DIY fixes for a sluggish sink, let’s first understand the culprits behind our pipe problems. Knowing what to look out for can save us from a lot of hassle down the line.
Causes of Kitchen Sink Blockages
In the heart of the home, the kitchen sink, the most common blockages are caused by:
Food Debris: Bits of food that don’t make it down the waste disposal can build up and cause blockage.
Grease and Fat: These can solidify when they cool down, sticking to the pipes and causing a blockage over time.
Coffee Grounds: These tiny particles can gather in the pipes, slowing down the drainage.
Causes of Bathroom Sink Blockages
Moving on to the bathroom, the sink in here gets blocked by a different set of suspects:
Hair: It’s not a secret that hair is the number one cause of bathroom sink blockages. Over time, it can form a solid mass that hampers the flow of water.
Soap Scum: This is the residue left behind by soaps and shampoos, which can cling to the pipes and gradually cause a blockage.
Toothpaste: Just like soap scum, toothpaste can leave a residue that can build up over time and slow down the drain.
Whilst we’re on the subject of causes of slow draining sinks, you may want to check out our pages on drain pests. The two don’t always go hand in hand, but when they do, it’s usually because the pests have a food source (the blockage – or the organic bits that will become the blockage). Check it out by clicking below:
What tools do I need to fix a slow draining sink?
There’s nothing more frustrating than a sink that refuses to drain promptly. It’s a common household issue, but the good news is you likely have most of the tools you need to fix it right at home! Here’s a quick rundown:
Gloves: Because this is a dirty job and you don’t want to touch whatever’s been clogging up your sink without them. You may want to check out our PPE Guide for Blocked Drains below, but really it’s just a matter of common sense:
Plunger: As mentioned above, a plunger is often your first line of defence against a stubborn drain. A good, old-fashioned plunge can often dislodge whatever’s causing the blockage.
Drain Snake or Wire Coat Hanger: If the plunger isn’t enough, these tools can help you reach further into the pipe to clear the obstruction. The key here is something mechanical that can reach the blockage (without getting stuck itself)
Bucket & Rags: For catching any water or debris that comes out of the drain. Trust us, it’s better than mopping it up off the floor.
Wrench or Pliers: These can be used to take apart the pipe if necessary. Always be sure to turn off the water supply first!
Bear in mind, while these tools should handle most slow-draining sinks, sometimes the problem can be more complex. In such cases, it may be best to call in a professional plumber.
Understanding Your Sink’s Drainage System
Before we dive into quick fixes for a slow draining sink, it’s crucial to understand how the drainage system works. This will help you identify the problem and apply the right solution effectively.
The sink’s drainage system, though seemingly complex, is actually quite simple to comprehend. It all begins with the U-bend or trap.
The U-Bend or Trap
The U-bend, also known as the trap, is the curved section of pipe underneath your sink. Its role is to prevent sewer gases from entering your home, trapping a small amount of water to serve as a barrier against these gases.
From the U-Bend to the Rest of the Drainage System
From the U-bend, the water then flows into a waste pipe connected to the rest of your home’s drainage system. This system eventually leads to the main sewer line, which carries the wastewater away from your home.
Note: Understanding how the drainage system works can be beneficial in identifying where a blockage may have occurred. However, it’s always essential to exercise caution when dealing with plumbing issues. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.
U-bend or Trap
This curved pipe beneath your sink traps water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
This is one of the easiest components to take apart and maintain.
If your U bend is heavily clogged, this is the likely cause of blockage. If it’s hard to clear, it could be easier to simply replace with new.
Waste Pipe
This pipe carries water from the U-bend to the broader home’s drainage system.
Sometimes, a sink can appear to be the only thing that’s blocked, but the actual blockage can be further afield, depending on your plumbing setup.
Main Sewer Line
The primary channel transporting wastewater away from your home. If you’re in the UK, bear in mind that as soon as your drainage leaves your property boundary, or becomes shared with another property, it is the responsibility of your local water board (free of charge to you).
Now that we understand the sink’s drainage system, let’s move on to some quick fixes for a slow draining sink. Stay tuned for more tips and advice in the future!
Leave a Reply