anytime plumbing
sink drain
30 Jul

Professional Help for Slow Running Drains

Have you recently noticed that your bathroom shower and sink or kitchen drains haven’t been working as quickly as they used to? While this is just a minor inconvenience most of the time, this is a plumbing problem that is easy and inexpensive to fix provided the plumber knows the cause.  Whatever the case, no slow-running drain is too difficult to solve when you rely on the experience and expertise of our plumbing specialists.

Can I fix a slow-running drain without calling a plumber?

In most cases, the cause of a slow-running drain is a blockage or clog.  Although this can be very frustrating, most homeowners can fix the issue without having to call a plumber.  Although you may be tempted to purchase some type of commercial drain opener, we recommend you don’t.  Most drain openers contain corrosive and harsh chemicals that will irritate your eyes and skin or harm older plumbing (or both).

Since, in most cases, the blockage can be removed without the use of any chemicals, the plumbing professionals at Anytime Plumbing recommend the following steps:

  • Check the P-Trap (U-shaped pipe) under the sink (requires some basic DIY plumbing skills).
  • Clean the sink stopper by removing hair, soap scum, and any other debris from it.
  • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain and then follow that with 1/2 cup of white vinegar to break up small clogs and remove any sludge that has accumulated on the walls of the drain pipe.
  • Purchase a drain auger (a.k.a. drain snake) and use it to dislodge and clean out clogs that are farther down the drain pipe.
  • Remove hair and any other debris that has accumulated in the drain pipe with a “drain-cleaning tool.”
  • Use a sink plunger (not a toilet plunger) to force air down the drain pipe and dislodge the blockage or obstruction.

If you’ve followed these steps and your drain is still running slow, it’s time to call the experts at Anytime Plumbing. Our plumbers are conversant with all aspects of drainage and plumbing needs for residential and commercial buildings. With emergency and standard appointment scheduling, you have access to our team of plumbers 24/7 all days of the week.

What causes a slow-running drain?

In most cases, one slow-running drain usually results from some type of blockage or clog in the line.  In some cases, you may be able to fix this without calling a plumber.  Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.  Caked-on debris is one of the most common causes of a slow-running drain.  Since dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and other debris pass through the drains in your home, they’re going to get clogged once in a while.

  • Bathroom shower, sink, and tub drains – a lot of different debris washes down these drains and often get caught in the P-Trap or around the stopper.
  • Dishwasher and kitchen sink drains – although food debris is biodegradable, it can easily build-up and hang around in these drains.  Fats, grease, and oils cause most of the clogs in these areas.
  • Toilet drains – there are only three things that should ever be flushed down a toilet – human waste, toilet paper, and water.  The most common causes of clogged and slow-running toilet drains include:
  • bandages
  • cat litter
  • cigarette butts
  • cotton swabs
  • dental floss
  • feminine hygiene products
  • large amounts of toilet paper
  • wet wipes
  • Washing machine drains – while dryers have lint traps to catch the fibers released from fabric as it’s drying, the fibers released during your wash cycle head down the washing machine drain and often form clogs.

If only one of these drains gets clogged, this might be something that you can fix.  But, if a combination of these drains is running slow, there could be a bigger problem that requires the attention of a specialist from Anytime Plumbing. We do not recommend that you try to make this a DIY project because if any pipe gets damaged in the process, it might be an extensive repair job that might cost you more than a simple repair that we would have done initially.

How much does it cost to fix a slow-running drain?

The average cost to clear up a clogged or slow-running drain ranges from $150 to $200.  This includes the cost of locating the blockage and clearing the drain.  Many plumbing companies charge by the hour to clear a blocked or clogged drain while others charge a fixed rate or flat fee for drain cleaning services.  In most cases, the cost will depend on the type of fixture that has the problem and how difficult it is to access it.  For more information about our drain cleaning services, contact Anytime Plumbing at your earliest convenience. Our business representatives are available 24/7 for any emergency drainage cleaning services. Call us today.

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Amer Zaghlouleh is the owner of Anytime Plumbing Inc., a trusted plumbing company serving Santa Cruz County. With a focus on delivering quality work and reliable service, Amer has established himself as a respected professional in the industry. He believes in providing honest and trustworthy plumbing solutions to every customer, ensuring their satisfaction and peace of mind. With years of experience and a commitment to staying updated with the latest technical advances, Amer and his team at Anytime Plumbing Inc. are fully equipped to handle any plumbing job with precision and efficiency. Trust in Amer's expertise and dedication for all your plumbing needs.

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