Slow water drainage from your sink can be an annoying and frustrating problem. Not only does it make daily tasks like washing the dishes or brushing your teeth take longer, but it can also be an indication of a more serious underlying plumbing issue that no homeowner wants to deal with. No matter the cause, ignoring a sink that takes far too long to drain can lead to more severe problems down the road and should be promptly investigated and dealt with.
In this article, we’ll explain the most common causes of slow water drainage, why a professional plumbing service should be called in to fix the issue, and what steps you can take to help prevent this problem from occurring again in the future.
The Most Common Causes of Slow Water Drainage From Sinks
Water that seems to take forever to drain from one or more of your sinks can be caused by a number of common issues or even a combination of them.
When we are called out to deal with slow-draining sinks, we find the typical causes usually involve:
- Clogged Pipes: Over time, hair, food particles, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs that restrict water flow and impact how quickly water can leave your sink.
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your pipes, which can restrict water flow and eventually lead to slow drainage.
- Broken or Damaged Pipes: Cracked or damaged pipes can also cause slow drainage. This can occur due to age, wear and tear, or even fluctuating extremes in temperature.
- Improperly Installed Pipes: If your drainage pipes were not properly installed when your home was first built, this could be the cause of slow drainage. For example, if the pipes are not sloped correctly, water may not flow properly and become stagnant.
- Old Plumbing Systems: Older homes may have outdated plumbing systems that are not equipped to handle the demands of modern plumbing fixtures, resulting in slow water drainage.
Finding out what the cause is for certain is the first step in tackling the problem and getting things back to normal.
Why a Licensed Plumber Needs to be Called to Fix the Issue
While it may be tempting to try to fix slow drainage issues yourself, it’s important to call a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the issue. Eco Earth Plumbing has the tools and expertise to identify the root cause of the problem and provide you with a long-lasting solution. Attempting to fix the issue yourself can lead to further damage to your pipes and potentially more costly repairs down the line.
One of your qualified plumbers can use a variety of techniques to address what may be causing slow drainage issues, including:
- Drain Cleaning: We can use specialised tools to remove clogs and debris from your pipes, improving water flow and restoring proper drainage.
- Hydro Jetting: Hydro jetting is a technique that uses high-pressure water to clear clogs and debris from your pipes. This method is especially effective for removing mineral buildup and other stubborn blockages.
- Pipe Repair or Replacement: If your pipes are damaged or broken, we’ll be able to repair or replace them to restore proper water flow.
- Camera Inspection: If the cause of the slow drainage is not immediately apparent, we can perform a camera inspection of your pipes to identify any blockages, cracks, or other issues that may be causing the problem.
What You Can Do in Future to Help Prevent Slow Drainage Issues
While slow water drainage can be a frustrating problem, there are certainly a number of precautionary steps you can take to prevent this issue from occurring in the first place, or reduce the likelihood of the problem returning.
Here are a few tips for good drain health:
- Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: Grease can solidify and cause blockages in your pipes. Instead, dispose of grease in the rubbish bin.
- Use a Drain Strainer: A drain strainer is a simple way you can help prevent hair, food particles, and other debris from entering your pipes.
- Regularly Clean Your Pipes: Regularly cleaning your pipes can help prevent clogs and buildup. You can use a store-bought drain cleaner or make your own solution using baking soda and vinegar.
- Invest in Regular Plumbing Inspections: Regular plumbing inspections can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. A plumber can inspect your pipes and identify any areas of concern.
- Upgrade Your Plumbing System: If you have an older plumbing system, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Upgrading your plumbing system can improve water flow and prevent future issues like slow water drainage.
- Be Mindful of What You Put Down Your Sink: Be mindful of what you put down your sink to prevent clogs and buildup. Avoid putting coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables down the drain.
- Check Your Water Pressure: Low water pressure can signal slow drainage issues. If you notice low water pressure, it may be time to call a plumber to investigate.
By taking these preventative measures, you can help keep your pipes in good condition and avoid the inconvenience and expense of slow water drainage issues.
If you are experiencing slow water drainage from one or all of your sinks, then it’s best you deal with it promptly – not only for the convenience of faster drainage but also to prevent more serious complications with your plumbing.
For Sunshine Coast homeowners, Eco Earth Plumbing is your trusted local plumbing service, ready to help with any kind of slow water drainage issue. With our years of expertise and experience, you can trust that one of our licensed and professional plumbers will be able to quickly diagnose and repair the problem, getting your sink draining properly again in no time.
We believe no one should have to live with plumbing problems, so we offer a prompt and responsive service to all areas of the Coast. If you suspect you have a slow water drainage issue. Let’s get that fixed for you. Just call 0404 023 023 today, and we’d be happy to help!