Slow and Steady

When the draining gets slow. (Photo Credits)

Slow drains can be frustrating and at the same time could signify that something is amiss in the sink’s plumbing system. Fortunately there are ways to remedy this type of issue before calling in the big guy AKA The Plumber.

Home improvement website BobVila.com mentioned several reasons for a slow draining sink, and was also quick to mention to not use abrasive and over the counter drains which can further damage plumbing systems especially the older ones. A/C And HVAC

“If you’ve got really old plumbing, harsh drain chemicals can cause damage. Try a naturally biodegrading drain cleaner or this homemade remedy: Pour in a half cup of baking soda, then a whole cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes and flush it with a gallon of boiling water.”

Get the hair out

For bathroom sinks, The Family Handyman mentioned that usually it is hair and soap scum that causes the slowing of drains. It then shared the possible ways to get the blockage out. Plumbing Association of San Diego

“To learn how to unclog a bathroom sink, try lifting out the stopper (Photo 1). Sometimes it’ll come right out. If it doesn’t lift out, it’s held in by the pivot rod. Release the stopper by removing the pivot rod nut and pulling out the pivot rod (Photo 3). If you can’t loosen the nut by hand, use pliers. With the pivot rod pulled out, you’ll be able to lift out the stopper. Then to get the clog out, bend a wire in a tight hook (a light-duty clothes hanger or short length of electrical wire will do) and fish out the hair (Photo 2). “

Check out the rest of the procedure here.

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Apartment Therapy also came up with a step-by-step guide in solving a slow-drain problem. In their Do-It-Yourself suggestion they just used pantry staples to unclog the slow drain.

“Set a full tea kettle on the stove to boil. Dry your sink out with a rag. Now, measure a ½ cup baking soda and dump it down your drain. In most sinks, the sink stopper will be in the way. We used a Q-tip to push the majority of the baking soda down the drain. Don’t worry if you can’t get it all down, the next step will do the rest of the work for you.”

The succeeding steps can be found here.

If slow drains persist, call in a plumber for assistance.