What’s in This Guide:
- Common Causes of a Slow-Draining Bathroom Sink
- What to Do if Bathroom Sink is Clogged
- Signs Indicating Serious Drain Damage
- Preventative Measures to Keep Your Sink Draining Properly
- Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon for your bathroom sink to drain slowly from time to time. Household items, hair, and other debris can build up and cause a minor clog that may resolve on its own. However, a slow-draining sink can also be a sign of serious plumbing issues that need professional assessment. Keep reading to discover the top five causes of slow-draining bathroom sinks and what you can do to fix them.
Common Causes of a Slow-Draining Bathroom Sink
While the cause of a slow-draining bathroom sink can be anything from a minor clog to a significant plumbing issue, these five causes are the most common culprits:
1. Clogs
Hair, soap scum, dirt, and other debris can build up in your drain and cause clogs that make it difficult for water to pass through.
2. Dated plumbing
The older your home plumbing system is, the more likely you will have a slow-draining sink. As the fixtures age, wear and tear make it harder for the system to drain efficiently.
3. P-trap issues
The P-trap is the U-shaped portion of the pipe underneath your sink. Debris builds up in the bend, causing clogs in the pipe.
4. Tree roots
Tree roots can grow into your sewer line, wreaking havoc throughout your plumbing system. If this occurs, a plumber needs to remove the root and repair the affected section of the pipe.
5. Hard water
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can cause mineral buildup and slow your drains.
What to Do if Bathroom Sink is Clogged
Very minor bathroom sink clogs may wash away on their own, but most require repair. If your bathroom sink is clogged, the issue is getting worse, or any other drains become affected, it’s best to contact a reputable plumber. Attempting to repair the problem yourself can cause further damage and result in costly repairs. Plumbers have the training and experience to identify the root cause of the issue and fix it properly. They’ll also be able to provide tips on how to prevent these issues in the future.
Signs Indicating Serious Drain Damage
While most slow-draining sinks result from minor clogs or build-up, some signs indicate a more significant problem with your drain or sewer line. If you notice any of the following, contact a plumber as soon as possible:
- Multiple slow-draining sinks: If more than one sink in your home drains slowly, this can be a sign of serious blockage or damage in your main sewer line.
- Foul odors: Foul smells coming from your drains or taps are cause for concern, as they can indicate a buildup of waste or a break in the sewer line.
- Sewage backups: If sewage begins to back into your home, contact a professional immediately, as this signals a break in your sewer line.
- Puddles: Broken pipes or blocked drains can cause puddles to form inside or outside of your home.
- Cracks in your foundation: Cracks in your foundation can be caused by leaking drains underneath your home.
- Lush patches of grass: If your sewer line is leaking onto your property, the extra nutrients can cause lush or unusually green patches of grass.
Preventative Measures to Keep Your Sink Draining Properly
You can take strategic measures to prevent clogs and keep your bathroom sink draining properly. Follow these to keep your drain flowing freely:
- Use a drain strainer to catch hair, bathroom products, and other debris
- Run hot water after use to flush soap scum
- Don’t pour grease or any other fatty substances down the drain
- Avoid putting waste into the drain
- Install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup
- We advise against using a liquid drain cleaner that can cause damage to your drainage system and can be dangerous to your plumber
Along with these at-home measures, it’s important to schedule an annual drain cleaning to keep your system running smoothly. During the visit, a technician will conduct a full inspection, use professional cleaning methods to clear the drain, and ensure everything flows properly before they leave.
Call Frank’s Plumbing Repair for Drain Cleanings in Texas
If your bathroom sink isn’t draining, contact our team at Frank’s Repair Plumbing, Inc., to schedule a drain cleaning. Our expert technicians are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services. When they arrive, they’ll quickly diagnose the issue and use advanced tools and methods to clear the blockage before it progresses.
Our family-owned and operated business is proud to offer comprehensive plumbing services to residents in Amarillo and surrounding areas. Whether you require a minor repair or a complete system replacement, our NATE-certified technicians can get the job done right. Use our online scheduler or give us a call at (806) 541-4724 to book your service today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can toothpaste create clogs in the sink drain?
Toothpaste is a common culprit of sink drain clogs. The residue can stick to the inside of your bathroom pipes and build up. Over time, the buildup will grow and cause a clog in your sink drain. Running hot water after spitting toothpaste into your sink is important to ensure it’s properly flushed through the drain.
Do you offer plumbing maintenance services?
Yes! We offer comprehensive plumbing maintenance services in Amarillo and surrounding areas. Join our Diamond Club Maintenance Plan to benefit from discounted rates, no after-hours fees, priority scheduling, and more!
What are the best ways to prevent hair from causing clogs?
The best way to prevent hair from clogging your drain is to install a drain filter or hair catcher. These devices will catch any hair that falls into your sink and prevent it from entering the drain. You can then remove the filter and empty the hair into your garbage. If hair happens to enter your sink, run hot water to attempt to flush it through the pipes.
