Central Georgia homeowners often deal with plumbing problems like clogged drains, leaky faucets, and low water pressure. Sometimes, you can fix these issues yourself by pouring hot water down the drain or tightening a nut. However, when the issue is too big for you to handle, you don’t have the right tools, or you need an expert to take a look, you can count on the plumbers at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling to do the job right.
Ricky Heath is your one-stop source for HVAC and plumbing assistance. We’re known for our expert care, quick service, and high-quality workmanship. If you need help with a slow-draining bathroom sink, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert plumbers will get your drains working properly again in no time.
Common Causes of a Bathroom Sink Draining Slowly
There could be several reasons your bathroom sink is draining slowly.
Mineral buildup
Although Georgia has relatively soft water when compared to the rest of the country, some areas have up to 60 ppm (slightly hard water), which can cause a slow but steady mineral buildup in pipes throughout your home. Over time, these deposits cause blockages, slowing water flow.
Debris accumulation and foreign object blockages
Debris build-up and clogs formed by foreign objects are a big reason for slow residential drains. Items that may clog your drain include:
- Hair
- Soap scum
- Hardened oil and grease
- Food particles
- Paper products
- Dirt, mud, and sand
- Random objects
Drain covers and avoiding putting items down the drain can prevent the majority of shallow bathroom sink clogs.
Tree root intrusion
Along with blocked pipes and plumbing damage, tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer backups.
Tree root systems naturally seek out water and nutrient sources, making underground sewer and water lines attractive. If you have an older plumbing system or if your pipes are installed close to the surface, tree roots may find their way into your home’s plumbing. This may result in slow-draining bathroom sinks, leaks, gurgling sounds coming from the fixtures, and more.
Ricky Heath plumbers use precision hydro-jetting and mechanical methods to remove the roots and repair or replace damaged pipes.
Pipe collapse
Like tree root damage, a pipe collapse will likely affect more areas of your home than just the bathroom sink. Along with slow draining, you might notice foul sewage odors, gurgling sounds, and low water pressure in the sink, shower, or other areas in your home. Sewage may even back up into the house. Call a plumber if you suspect a pipe collapse and have the problem assessed and fixed before it causes any structural damage to the home.
The best way to avoid bathroom sink clogs is to avoid putting anything down the drain besides water and small amounts of soap or toothpaste when washing or brushing your teeth. Regular plumbing maintenance keeps pipes clear and running their best, proactively helping you avoid future issues.
DIY Fixes To Try for a Slowly Draining Bathroom Sink
There are a few different solutions homeowners can try before calling a plumber when the bathroom sink isn’t draining. It’s not recommended to pour drain cleaner or other chemicals down the sink because these substances are corrosive. They can remove the hair, grease, and other gunk clogging the drain, but they also eat away at the pipes, eventually causing more damage.
Instead of using harmful drain cleaners, try the following DIY solutions.
Hot water
You can try pouring boiling water down the drain to dislodge and melt away stuck soap scum and grease.
Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar foam up when they mix, creating a safe DIY drain cleaner that might help dislodge stuck debris. Pour one cup of each down the drain, and plug it for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
Plunger
Plungers use suction to dislodge drain clogs. To use a plunger, fill the sink with enough water to submerge the plunger’s rubber end, push it down over the drain to create a seal, and plunge about 15 times, pushing and pulling to try and dislodge the clog.
Drain snake
Flexible drain snakes (or augers) are made to safely go down into your drain to manually unclog pipes. Slowly push the drain snake in, rotate it, and pull it out to try and remove grime, grease, and debris from the plumbing system.
While it may be tempting to tackle bigger issues on your own to save money, DIY plumbing jobs come with risks. You may solve the issue temporarily without addressing the root cause of the problem, which leads to ongoing, recurring problems. If you don’t know what you’re doing or don’t have the right tools, it’s easy to damage your home’s intricate plumbing system, making the issue worse.
Exposure to wastewater is also a health hazard, as is working within tight spaces with unfamiliar equipment. It’s better to call your local plumber to get the job done right. Ricky Heath plumbers are licensed, experienced, and ready to help.
Signs You Need a Plumber To Clear the Drain
Signs you need a professional plumber to help clear your drain when the sink is draining slowly include:
- Frequent clogs or slow-moving drains, even after you try DIY drain-clearing techniques.
- Higher-than-usual water bills.
- Gurgling sounds or foul smells coming from the drain.
- Increased pests in or around your house.
- Multiple drain clogs.
- Backed-up drains with water coming up.
At Ricky Heath, we use safe and effective methods to clear your drains without damaging your pipes. We also repair and replace cracked or corroded plumbing as needed, so your household can use the water again without worry. If you notice signs of drain or sewer line problems, give us a call today for an inspection.
Why Booking a Professional Drain Cleaning Is Worth It
Scheduling a professional drain cleaning with your local plumbers at Ricky Heath is worth it because:
- Our expert care helps prevent damage while removing clogs and debris.
- We’re licensed and insured to work on your home.
- We’ll get the job done quickly, and we’ll do it right the first time.
- It reduces health risks, prevents pest problems, and eliminates odors.
- A clean drain can prevent major future repairs due to burst pipes or sewage backups.
We recommend having your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year for optimal results. Professional drain cleaning helps prevent plumbing clogs and keeps your water running freely, saving you time, effort, and money.
Contact Ricky Heath for Professional Drain Cleaning
Clogged bathroom drains are a nuisance, but Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is here to help. We serve Macon and the surrounding Peach State areas, including Jeffersonville, Lizella, Bonaire, and Forsyth. Contact us today for professional durian cleaning so you can get back to your daily routine.
