How to Clear a Slow Drain – 3 Easy Methods

Are you  standing water when you take a shower?

Is your kitchen sink draining longer than expected?

We know it can be frustrating. Clogs in drain pipes are usually due to soap scum, grease and hair that can buildup over time.

Luckily, you can usually fix a slow draining sink on your own.

We are going to show you how to clear a slow drain by following 3 easy methods. We believe that at least one of our methods will fix your sink drain problem. It may take several attempts to get the water flowing as normal, but patience is key.

First things first

For a bathroom sink, you should disconnect the drain stopper if you feel comfortable. Although it is not necessary to remove the stopper from the sink, this can be helpful before trying any of the methods below. Once you’ve cleared your drain, reconnect the stopper.

Method 1 – Vinegar & Baking soda

You can tackle a slow draining sink by using baking soda, vinegar and some hot water.

Follow the steps below to clear your slow sink drain using baking soda and vinegar:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Once boiling, take it off the stove and carry it to any drain that you need to clean. Be sure to not splash your face with the boiling water.
2. Half a cup baking soda should be poured down the sink. If needed, use a cotton swab to help push the baking soda down into the drain.
3. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup hot water. Then pour the mixture into the drain so that it mixes with the baking soda. You will see bubbling from the reaction of vinegar and baking soda mixed together. This is what helps to loosen any sludge in your drain pipe.
4. Cover the drain. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes.
5. Bring another pot of water to boil. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and pour the boiling water down the drain.
6. Turn on the water to the sink. If the sink’s drain is now working properly you are good to go. You can repeat these steps if it is still slow or you could try the other methods.

Method 2 – Dish detergent

You might be surprised to know that dish detergent can clean a slow drain. Yep, it’s true. It’s an excellent degreaser and is why we recommend you try this homemade drain cleaner method.

Here’s how you can clear your slow drain using dish detergent:

1. Pour or squeeze a half cup of dish soap down the sink drain. Use a full cup of dish detergent to clear a larger clog.
2. Allow the detergent to work for thirty minutes down the drain. The detergent will then coat the drainpipe.
3. A pot of water should be brought to boil after the thirty minute period.
4. Take the boiling water off the stove, and then carefully transport it into the area with the clogged drain. Slowly pour the hot water down the drain. Be careful to not splash your face.
5. To flush out the drain completely, run hot water. If the water drains properly, it’s done. If it’s not draining properly, continue to repeat the steps.

Method 3 – Plunger

A plunger is a quick and easy way to clear slow drains. You can use a plunger to unclog drains in the kitchen, basement, and bathroom.

This is how to use a plunger for clearing a slow drain:

1. Get rid of any standing water.
2. Take off the drain cover to see the drain opening.
3. Place the plunger over the drain opening.
4. Push the plunger handle up and down for 30 seconds or more.
5. Turn on the water to see if the clog has been cleared.

You may need to do the same process again if your drain does not unclog.

Chemical Drain Cleaners: Why we don’t recommend them

We do not recommend using hash chemical drain cleaners such as Drano and Liquid-Plumr in any part of your plumbing system.

These products are made to disintegrate any obstructions causing the slow draining. They can cause damage to your metal or plastic pipes due to the chemical reactions and heat that they generate.

These products can also be dangerous to your skin and eyes if they get on your person. They are also bad for the environment.

We recommend that you try the above 3 methods instead for you drain cleaning tool.

What should I do if I still have a slow drain?

If after trying all of the 3 methods above and you still have a slow drain, you next step is to contact a local professional plumber.

They will be able to inspect your drain and employ more advanced techniques in order to unclog it.

Always keep your sink drain clean

With a little cleaning and preventative maintenance, you can keep your sink drains clear and working properly all the time.

• If you have kids or someone with long hair in the household, think about adding a wire mesh hair catcher.
• Wipe up waste and hair with a paper towel and throw it in the trash instead of washing it down the drain.
• Clean your drain stopper on a regular basis.
• Flush hot water down the drain on a regular basis to dissolve soap and gunk.