It’s annoying to see water draining slowly down a sink. There are many reasons this could happen, including debris in the drain, problems with the sewer line, and hard water deposits. Our team at Tyler’s Heating & Cooling compiled a list of reasons why most slow drains happen.
A Buildup of Debris
Debris collects in the drain from regular use, which is one of the top reasons why you’d have slow drains in your home. You may notice that the drain gets slower over time or even all at once because of the type of debris clogging your drains.
A common problem in bathrooms is a clog of soap and hair in sink, bath and shower drains. This mixture easily sticks to the drain, especially when it hardens over time and obstructs the flow of water. Grease, fats, and oils from cooking can go down the sink in a liquid state and then harden down the drain when it cools. This creates a sticky layer, which builds up on the inner surfaces of the piping. Over time, the blockage grows, which leads to a slow drain.
There are times when a slow-draining sink is because there is a foreign object in the drain. Rings, earrings, bottle caps, and small toys fall into a sink and slow the passing of water. Once the object gets into the drain, it may lodge in a pipe and be a problem until removed.
Sewer Line Issues
If several drains in your home are slow, there may be an issue with your home’s sewer line. Sewer line issues tend to affect more than one place in your home. Tree roots, shifting soil, and deteriorated pipes are all causes of slow drains. Once the sewer line has a blockage and no more wastewater can get to the public lines, the backup starts. One of the first signs of this is slow draining, especially on the lower floor of the home.
Hard Water Deposits
Other reasons for a slow drain in a sink may be because of mineral deposits. Hard water is water with minerals in it, primarily calcium and magnesium. At times, these minerals go into your home’s plumbing and start to build up. In hard water conditions, the deposits build up quickly and create a limescale that makes it harder for water to flow smoothly. If the problem goes unnoticed for a long enough time, blockages start to happen, causing slow drains.
Misaligned or Improperly Installed Pipes
Recent remodeling or new plumbing may cause slow drains because of improperly installed or misaligned pipes. Incorrect placement of the pipe or slopes and angles that aren’t correct inhibit the free passage of water. Water can back up because of these issues.
P-Trap Issues
The P-trap is a curved pipe under the sink that holds a small amount of water inside to block sewer gases from entering the house. The curvature in the pipe can easily catch hair, food bits, and soap scum. These things accumulate over time, creating an obstruction that can prevent the water from draining.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a big reason for slow drains. If you live in a home with older plumbing made of galvanized steel or cast iron, there may be an issue with corrosion. Corrosion narrows the pipe’s interior, creating a rough surface that traps particles and slows water. As the corrosion progresses, it can lead to significant blockages that restrict water movement.
How Professionals Troubleshoot the Cause of Slow Drains
A professional will consider several factors when trying to understand the cause of a clogged drain. The location and number of slow drains will help a plumber to decide whether the clog is localized or in a mainline. If the clog is in a kitchen or bathroom sink, they will often turn off the water and examine the P trap. This rules out P trap issues and gives them easier access to the pipes below for inspection and snaking.
If it seems like a main line is causing issues, plumbers will often choose a drain closest to the exit point of the home. This means that they need a shorter snake or camera line to examine the issue. A plumber may also choose to access a cleanout pipe in the yard if one exists. These pipes go directly to the mainline and are designed for easy inspection and maintenance without digging up a yard.
At Tyler’s Heating & Cooling in Mishawaka, Indiana, we provide plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, and water heater services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Contact Tyler’s Heating & Cooling for more information today!
