One of the most common plumbing problems is a slow draining sink. Although common and quite obnoxious, you’ll be happy to discover that this issue is relatively easy to fix. Even with little to no handiwork experience, it is very likely that you can take on the problem all by yourself.

Continue reading to learn what you need and how to get started!

The first step to determining how to fix a slow draining sink is to figure out what is causing the drain obstruction. There are many circumstances that can cause a sink to drain slowly, namely large blockages. Debris like hair, soap residue, food, garbage, and other items can accumulate or get stuck in the drain, which is often the reason why it drains slowly. To learn what’s causing your slow draining sink, you will need to gather some specific supplies. Then to fix your slow draining sink, you will need some more supplies.

Here is What You Will Need:

→ Drain Cleaner (store-bought or homemade; see below)

→ Drain Snake/Auger

→ Plunger

→ Pipe Cleaners

→ Garbage Can or Trash Bag

→ Adjustable Wrench

How to Get Started:

First, use your auger or drain snake tool to clear out any loose debris from the drain. Simply follow the manufacturers’ instructions for using a drain auger. Insert the drain snake deep into the drain, give it a twist, and then slowly pull it out. You will see a lot of nasty residue, hair, dental floss, and other items that have made it down the drain recently.

If you cannot fit your auger into the drain well enough because it has a pop-up (cap-like cover) on top of it, you can remove the pop up and continue cleaning your drain. In fact, even if the auger fits with the pop-up attached, it is better to remove it to begin with in order to get a more thorough clean. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that connects the pop-up cap to the drain.

If there still seems to be an obstruction of sorts, resort to using your plunger. A plunger will help to dislodge any hair balls or heavy soap buildups, and allow better results with a drain auger and cleaner. Just give your drain a few pumps with the plunger, and work the auger in between. You may need to repeat this step a few times.

Next, you want to use your drain cleaner. You can use a homemade drain cleaning solution, or a store-bought cleaner. See our article, “Homemade Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions for Drains and More” to learn how to make your own.

After you have cleaned out any drain obstructions, you are likely done. However, if your sink drain is still draining slowly after the above steps, move onto the sink overflow opening. This is the small round hole in the face of the sink, just below the faucet. The sink overflow opening can sometimes get obstructed with soap residue and other types of sink debris. Use pipe cleaners or another similar, non-abrasive tool to reach inside the opening and pull out (or loosen) any obstructing debris.

Preventing Drain Issues

The only way to prevent a drain blockage in the future is to routinely clean out your sink and shower drains. Regularly use drain cleaner, and periodically snake your drains using a drain auger. Also, be sure to be responsible with your sink drains to prevent other issues. See our article, “Never Put These Items Down the Sink Drain!” to learn more.

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing service and installation at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.