We’ve listed some of the most common causes of slow-draining sinks, with some simple solutions, to get your sink back into working order.
A Gradual Blockage
Kitchen sinks are generally more likely to have a gradual blockage. It is a result of the gradual build-up of solid material. The culprit can be fat, oil and grease that has been poured down the sink. This solidifies, causing a stubborn mass that can partially, or completely block the flow of the water.
Slow-draining water isn’t the only way to identify this issue. You’re also likely to notice gurgling noises from the drains, even after the sink has emptied. In some cases, the plughole will emit bad odours as the blockage in the pipe starts to rot.
This issue usually tends to require professional attention.
Damage To The Pipes
A damaged pipe network can also lead to a slow-draining sink.
Older pipes have been known to lose their shape over time. This creates narrow entryways and allows water flow to become blocked.
It is also possible that the pipe has been damaged due to the growth of tree roots. These may have penetrated the joints of a system, growing to a point where water can no longer pass through.
In these cases, urgent attention from a professional is needed to avoid the problem getting worse.
A Pipe Obstruction
In some cases, there can be a singular, simple cause behind slow drainage. This is an easily identifiable object that has become lodged in the pipe, obstructing the water flow. This is relatively easy to fix compared to stubborn causes of slow-draining issues.
Usually, a single obstruction tends to be a large clump of food or hair that has become lodged in the pipes. Occasionally, the cause can be another foreign object that has been washed down the plughole such as a toy.
Once you have narrowed down the object causing the blockage, it can be easily solved.
What should you do next?
Initially, if the obstruction is visible, you should try and remove it by hand.
The next option would be to use a shop-bought drain cleaner, but it’s worth noting that if these products don’t clear the blockage, they can build up inside the pipe and create a hazard when performing maintenance work later on.
Another useful tool to try is a plunger, as this allows you to harness the air pressure, breaking up solid masses that are unreachable.
The best option for dealing with any slow-draining sink, however, is to always ask a professional! Here at Origin Drainage and Plumbing, we can offer our high-level expertise to quickly solve the problem without breaking the bank!
Call today to enquire about our blocked drains clearance service.
