Common Causes of a Slow Draining Sink and Effective Repair Tips
A slow-draining sink often begins with a small change. Water may remain around the drain for a few extra seconds, or the basin may not empty before you finish washing your hands or rinsing the dishes. Although the sink still works, the reduced drainage speed usually means that something is limiting the flow inside the plumbing. Most drain restrictions form over time. A little hair, soap residue, grease, toothpaste, or food waste enters the pipe during everyday use. Some of that material sticks to the stopper, the P-trap, or the inner surface of the drainpipe. Once the first layer develops, it attracts more debris and gradually reduces the open space available for wastewater. The room in which the sink is located can help identify the likely problem. Bathroom sinks frequently collect hair, shaving residue, toothpaste, cosmetics, soap scum, and skin oils. Kitchen drains are more often affected by cooking grease, butter, oil, sauces, crumbs, and food particles. The condition of the...