Top 4 Ways to Fix a Slow-Draining Sink

A slow draining sink is one of the most common plumbing issues in the kitchen area and the bathroom. The problem is commonly caused by hair, greases, soap scum, and other foreign debris that are caught on the stopper or the pivot rods of the drain. If not attended immediately, they can cause clogs and blockages on the drain. Although it can be easily fixed by a local Sydney plumber, you can always attend to do the job on your own. Small plumbing issues such as slow moving drains can be easily addressed in 15 minutes. 

Here are some simple ways on how you can resolve slow-draining sinks on your own.

Cleaning the Stopper

One of the areas in the sink that catches the most dirt and gunk from your day-to-day use is the stopper. Simply pull the stopper from the drain and wash it with clean water. If grease and oil is present on your stopper, you can use liquid soap or a detergent to help remove the gunk from the stopper. Hair can be also easily caught into the stopper of your drains. You can easily remove it by hand and then wash it with clean water.

If you are having a hard time pulling the stopper, you should remove the pivot rod of your drains first. You will need to loosen the pivot nut by hand or with the use of a plier. Then the pivot rod is already pulled out, you can easily lift the stopper. If you have a hard time removing the pivot rod or the stopper, you can always call an affordable local Sydney plumber to easily do the job for you.

Using a Snake Tool or a Bent Wire

Another DIY method to remove clogs from your drains is with the use of a bent wire or a snake tool. To do this, you need to remove the stopper of the drain as well. Run water to the sink drain without the stopper. Simply fish out the hair or other foreign objects that are clogging the drain. This is the best solution if you are fishing out hair from the sink drain.

Replacing the Stopper and the Pivot Rod

There are times that the cause of slow-draining sinks is the stopper or the pivot rod itself. The best thing to do is to replace the stopper and the pivot rod. You can easily remove and replace the stopper and the pivot rod with a few simple tips. After removing the pivot rod by loosening its nut, you can easily pull out the sink drain stopper. To replace it, simply put the stopper to its place and then tighten it in place with the pivot rod.

Before reinstalling the stopper and the pivot rod, run hot water to the drain to clear out any soap or grease. You should also check the pivot rod for any possible leaks.

Salt, Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution

Another DIY solution that you can use to clear out your sink drains to allow water to flow easily is the salt, baking soda and vinegar solution. Simply mix equal parts of salt, baking soda and vinegar solution and pour it down your drain. Allow it to settle for a few minutes or half an hour before flushing it out with hot water. If the solution fails, you can attempt to do the solutions mentioned above.

All of these methods are DIY and are not guaranteed to be effective all the time. Getting a professional plumber to fix the job for you is still the best way to address plumbing issues in your home.