Have a Slow Draining Bathroom Sink?
A bathroom sink full of murky water, toothpaste and soap scum is never a good sign. Don't let a slow draining bathroom sink interrupt the comfort of your home! With a few DIY steps, like the ones listed below, you may be able to solve the issue on your own. If not, the Any Hour plumbing company in Utah is here to help.
The tips below are great for dislodging any blockage that could be partially obstructing your sink, leading to slow drainage. If your pipes are old and covered in residue however, the problem may be impossible to handle on your own. Professional drain cleaning is recommended for pipes that have accumulated sludge, scum and mineral buildup.
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DIY Tips for a Slow Draining Bathroom Sink
Clean the Stopper
Bathroom sink drains are usually fitted with a small metal stopper that prevents large particles of soap, hair or other debris from going down the drain. Sometimes this gunk can get stuck between the stopper and the drain which leads to slow drainage. Check here first and remove anything you see.
Drain Snake or Wire Hanger
If the stopper is not the problem, the clog may be located deeper in the drain. A drain snake or auger can reach deeper into the drain and pull up any blockage. If you don't have one, you can make one from a wire hanger (although it won't reach very deep).
Plunger
If your hanger or drain snake doesn't encounter anything, the clog could be out of reach. A small sink plunger is great for dislodging clogs that are deeper in the pipe. Place the plunger over the drain, fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger and rapidly pump it up and down. This suction force should dislodge the blockage and your drain will flow freely. But be careful! Putting too much pressure into the drain might cause something under the sink to become disconnected and leak water into the cabinet.
Check the P-trap
Your bathroom sink pipe has a U shaped section, called the P Trap, that prevents sewer gasses from rising up the drain. This is also the perfect place for watches, earrings or small plastic toys to become lodged. If something has fallen down the drain, you can easily remove this section of the pipe to retrieve it. First, shut off the water supply, then place a small bucket under the pipe to catch any water or debris that may fall out. Using gloves, loosen the two slip nuts on either side of the P-trap, remove it, dump out any debris and then replace the P-trap and screw the slip nuts back tightly.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
As we stated above, sometimes slow draining bathroom sinks are caused by dirty pipes. While professional cleaning is needed as a permanent solution, you may be able to temporarily address the problem with baking soda and vinegar. Pour half a cup of each down the drain and wait for ten to 15 minutes, then flush the drain with boiling water. This should break up any recent residue that is clinging to the pipes. To remove accumulated build-up, however, you'll need professional assistance.
Call on a Professional Utah Plumbing Company
Bathroom sink drains often get clogged from mineral buildup, grime, hair and other debris. If your bathroom sink drains slow regularly, it's important to fix the drain before a plumbing emergency occurs. Any Hour has state-of-art equipment that can clear even the grimiest, oldest pipes and have them draining like new!
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When it comes to plumbing services, you want a company that is trustworthy and fair. Each of our plumbers is licensed, insured and highly knowledgeable, so you can feel comfortable that they will expertly handle your problem. Don't wait until a major backup occurs. If your bathroom sink is draining slowly, call us today to request an appointment.