How Do You Fix a Slow Draining Sink?

2.     Clear the Drain with Baking Soda and Vinegar

If hot water doesn’t clear the clog, turn to baking soda and vinegar. These are inexpensive and readily available household staples that you can use to get rid of minor clogs. Pour ½ a cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, pour ½ a cup of vinegar into the drain and cover it with a plug. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15-30 minutes and then flush with hot water. If the problem persists, you may have to grab a plunger or disassemble the P-trap and clean it out.

3.     Plunge The Drain

A cup plunger comes in handy when you have a slow draining sink, tub, or toilet. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the entire cup of the plunger. Place the tool over the drain hole and make sure that the hole is completely covered. Push down on the handle and make quick thrusts to break up the clog. If the water drains away, you’ve likely cleared the clog.

4.     Clean Out the P-Trap

A clogged P-trap is another common culprit behind a slow draining sink. If the DIY solutions we’ve highlighted above won’t do the trick, chances are good that the P-trap is clogged. Luckily, cleaning this fitting is a fairly simple process.Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water or debris and use an adjustable wrench to loosen the slip nuts. Clean out any buildup in the fitting and reattach it. If you’re in doubt, call a professional plumber specializing in pipe repair in Orange, CA for help.

5.     Unclog the Drain with a Snake

A drain snake is another handy tool that you should have in your plumbing arsenal. It’s a more robust solution than a plunger and can often save you a call to the plumber. This flexible tool can reach further into your drain line to break up or retrieve blockages that a plunger just can’t budge.

Insert the drain snake into the drain opening and crank the handle while slowly feeding the cable further into the pipe. You may feel some resistance when the snake encounters the clog. Continue cranking and work the snake back and forth to break up the clog or snag it so you can pull it out. Once the clog is cleared, flush the drain with water to clear away any remaining debris.

6.     Call a Plumber

If you’re unable to fix a slow draining sink yourself or do not want to go through the hassle of DIY methods, call a professional plumber specializing in sewer repair. While DIY solutions can be effective for minor clogs, some blockages require the expertise and specialized tools of a trained plumber.

Urgent Rooter is here to provide you with professional assistance when you need drain cleaning or pipe repair service. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule an appointment.