If you want to keep everything in your home running right, it’s important to pay attention to everything that is going on. While a slow-draining sink might not seem that substantial at first, if it is left untended, the problem and potential damage can grow over time.
When you understand the likely reasons that your sink may have problems draining, you will be able to take quick action and resolve the issue. By taking action immediately, you’ll restore your drain to proper working order and avoid complications that might call for far more costly future repairs.
Built Up Hair and Soap Scum
If your bathroom sink is draining slowly, it could be because of hair and residue build-up from your soap. Over the course of time, the hair strands can mix with soap scum and then form a clog that restricts the flow of water through the drain and pipe.
These clogs narrow the diameter of the pipe, and will only grow worse if they are not cleaned out. In addition to slowing the drain noticeably, the mix of soap scum and hair can also lead to bacterial growth and odours that are unpleasant. Drain cleaning services can perform regular cleaning and keep your drain running smoothly.
Objects in The Drain
When a drain suddenly starts backing up, you will want to take quick action. Sometimes, this occurs when foreign objects are accidentally dropped into the sink or flushed in the toilet. Items ranging from jewellery to cotton swabs or even small toys can lead to a severe clog and even to the sink or toilet overflowing and causing further damage.
If the drain problem is in a children’s bathroom, it’s quite possible that one of the children has dropped something into the sink or even flushed a small object down the toilet. These often get lodged deep in the drain or pipe, so it’s best to call your professional plumber in Melbourne to resolve the problem.
Accumulation of Food Waste
Another one of the causes of slow drains is the accumulation of food waste in kitchen sinks. Although a garbage disposal can help to some degree, it does not fully protect you against build-ups and clogs in your kitchen pipes or sink. Food debris, coffee grounds and fibrous foods can accumulate and block your pipes and drain over time.
These substances can solidify, obstructing the draining and water flow through the plumbing system. While running hot water after using your sink can flush some of the minor debris, regular cleaning by a plumber is recommended if you want to keep things flowing smoothly.
Deposits of Fat and Grease
In kitchen or utility sinks, fat and grease often go down the drain in their liquid form. As they cool, they solidify and then cling to and accumulate along the pipes. The deposits of grease and fat in turn form sticky surfaces where debris and other food particles can attach.
These build-ups form clogs that may have a snowball effect. The opening of the drain or pipe is gradually narrowed, slowing down the drain. Water flow is impeded, and further worsening of the problem can lead to a near-total clog. With help from your plumber, you will be able to clear your drain and pipes and restore the sink to working condition again.
Problems with Pipe Ventilation
For a drainage system to work correctly, it needs proper ventilation. When the ventilation is functioning correctly, it allows air to flow into the pipes and maintains the right pressure. If your plumbing system has been installed improperly, it can create a vacuum that restricts the flow of water as it goes through the drain.
Similar problems can also occur if a vent is blocked. Some of the signs of poor ventilation in the pipes include slow drainage across multiple drains in the house or gurgling noises. A professional plumber can make a full assessment of the issue, and help ensure that your plumbing vents are functioning properly.
Misaligned or Damaged Pipes
Over time, pipes can become damaged or misaligned due to general wear and tear, poor installation or shifting soil. Any sags or cracks in the piping can create places where debris and water can collect, which contributes to further blockages. Pipes also need to be correctly sloped to help maintain the right drainage.
It’s important to identify and fix these issues as soon as possible. A qualified plumber like J.O. Plumbing can perform an inspection using cameras to diagnose exactly what is going on in your home. Damaged sections of the pipe will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Slow-draining sinks can be caused by a variety of factors. When you notice a problem with the drain, it’s important to get professional help so you can address any problems early on. By taking quick action, you can avoid damage to your home and belongings, and save money on costly future repairs.
