Slow Drains? Here’s Why And How To Fix Them Fast

Slow drains are a common plumbing problem in homes. They are an indication of a clog somewhere in your drain lines. There are several causes of slow drains, and knowing how to fix them in a timely manner can save you a lot of hassles. If you’re dealing with this issue, scheduling a professional drain cleaning service in Pittsburgh can help resolve the problem effectively. Today, Neighborhood Plumbing explores what causes slow drains and the possible solutions.

1. Soap Scum

If you have a hard water supply and are experiencing slow drains, the culprit could be soap scum that has accumulated on the pipe walls. Soap scum forms when soap reacts with mineral ions in hard water to form a white or gray film. This powdery film may also stick to shower curtains, sinks, showerheads, porcelain surfaces, and other fixtures.

Unlike mineral deposits, soap scum in drain lines is relatively easy to clean. A combination of baking soda and vinegar should do the trick and keep your drain lines flowing smoothly. Pour a ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. Next, pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and cover it with a plug or cloth. This mixture causes a chemical reaction that will dissolve the soap scum. Let it sit for 15 minutes and flush the drain with hot water.

2. Hair Buildup

Are your shower drains taking unusually longer to drain water after you’ve finished showering? There’s a possibility of hair buildup in the shower drain lines, and you need to address the clog before it causes further problems. If the hair buildup is within reach, simply pull the hair out of the drain with needle-nose pliers or tweezers. A plunger may not be ideal in this situation because of the stringy nature of hair. If the clog is lodged deeper in the drain line, you may need to use a drain snake to pull it out.

3. Grease and Food Particles

Grease and food waste are major culprits for clogged kitchen sink drains. When hot, grease is fluid and highly viscous, meaning it can easily flow down the drain lines. However, it will solidify when it cools down and form clogs. You can flush boiling water down your kitchen sink drain to dissolve grease and food debris. For more thorough cleaning, opt for a combination of baking soda and vinegar. If you’re wondering how to clear a slow drain, keep in mind that grease can stick to drain pipe walls and harden over time, resulting in stubborn clogs that cannot be cleared using a plunger, drain snake, and other DIY techniques. If you find yourself in this situation, call a professional plumber specializing in drain cleaning in Pittsburgh for effective solutions.

4. Mineral Buildup

Mineral deposits in drain pipes can reduce pipe diameter and lead to slow drains. This is another problem associated with hard water supply. Hard water deposits can be removed through hydro-jetting—a process whereby a plumber uses high-pressure water to clean drain lines and sewer lines. However, the suitability of this drain cleaning method depends on the severity of the mineral buildup and the pipe material. If your pipes are old or mineral buildup has taken a heavy toll on your drain lines, the viable solution would be complete drain line replacement. Get in touch with professional plumbers providing drain cleaning in Pittsburg for a comprehensive inspection and a long-term solution.