How To Fix Slow-To-Empty Drains

A sluggish or slow-to-empty drain can be a frustrating experience. The most common cause of a slow emptying drain is a clog in the drain line. However, there can be other reasons why the water is not flowing down the drain properly which may require the services of a plumber. If you find that your drains are sluggish, it is important to resolve the issue to prevent further more damaging problems. Before you call in a plumber, you can first try the following things to make sure it is not just a clog in the system:

1. If the water flowing slowly but eventually empties completely, you can try a simple solution to clear the accumulation of organic debris. Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain. Do this a few times until the drain seems to be flowing normally. Then, turn on the hot water faucet and let the water flow through the system. If the water is flowing normally, you will have likely got rid of the debris. You can then add a homemade or store-bought drain cleaner down the drain to clean the pipes.

2. A sink plunger is effective at clearing a clog causing a sluggish drain. Make sure it a sink plunger and not the toilet plunger. Place the rim of the plunger over the drain and push with great force on the plunger to push the water and clog through the system. You will feel the pressure reduce when the clog is cleared. Once you have cleared the clog, run hot water through the system for a minute or two to make sure the water is draining normally.

3. As well as natural drain cleaners available, there are chemical drain cleaners you can purchase. You have to be careful when using chemical drain cleaners because if it gets on the skin or in the eyes, it can cause severe burning and injury. As well, you should not inhale the fumes coming from the drain after you add the drain cleaner. A natural non toxic drain cleaner is safe for the pipes and the environment. You can also make a homemade drain cleaner which is a mix of white vinegar and baking soda. As well, there are natural enzyme drain cleaners available for purchase that contain live bacterial enzymes that digest the organic material in the drain lines. It is an effective solution which can be used every month to keep the drains clean and odour free.

4. Using a snake is helpful if the clog is located deep in the drain line. You have to be careful as you feed the snake through the drain line to avoid damaging the pipes. Once your reach the clog, you can grasp and tear at the obstruction and then pull the snake out with the clog attached. You should use drain cleaning methods after you have removed the clog.

Unfortunately, clogs in the drain line are common and can cause the water to flow much more slowly. If left untreated, the clog can accumulate into a serious blockage and the water will stop flowing through the drain. Practicing proper drains cleaning practices and keeping items out of the drain that do not belong there will go a long way in preventing future instances of sluggish drains.

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