What You Should Know About Slow Plumbing Drains

The water fixtures in your home are made for smooth and relatively quick draining. Your plumbing fixtures are connected to a main drain line where the water will flow out of your home and into a wastewater treatment system. If wastewater is not drained quickly, multiple issues can arise.

All plumbing systems will have issues at some point, including slow drains. A slow drain means the water you are using is not flowing through the wastewater pipes quickly or efficiently. This issue can lead to more serious problems if it is not repaired. Here are the signs, causes, and repair options for slow drains.

Signs of a slow drain

Have you noticed unusual gurgling sounds from inside one of your drain pipes? This is a sign that the water is not flowing down the sewer line quickly enough. Gurgling sounds may come from the toilet, kitchen sink, bathtub, or shower. Wastewater is probably flowing against an obstruction inside the pipe if you hear this type of noise. If you are turning the shower or faucet off during use to let the water drain, you have a problem. If you do not treat this issue quickly, it may become worse and water may back up into your home.

What causes slow drains?

Slow drains are far from the worst plumbing issue, but you need to repair them before they cause more serious problems. Hair is the most common culprit when it comes to slow drains in the bathroom. Placing a drain cover over the sink and bathtub drains should minimize the risk of buildup inside the p-trap. However, this step likely won’t eliminate the issue entirely. The hair will impede the flow of wastewater eventually, causing the water to back up into the bathtub.

The most common causes of slow drains in kitchen plumbing systems are fat, food, and grease. The sink and dishwasher wash away food residue, including grease and fat, from your dishes. The residue can attach to the inner surface of the drain pipes, accumulating over time and eventually blocking the water completely.

Another common issue that can cause a drain problem anywhere in the home are tree roots. Tree roots can penetrate a pipe and grow inside, causing a water blockage.

How to fix slow drains

There are several ways to get rid of the obstructions in your drain pipes including natural methods, DIY methods, and professional plumbing services. You can use all-natural home remedies that involve pouring substances down the drain to clear blockages. There are also a number of DIY plumbing methods that can work. Although these methods are sometimes effective, the safest thing you can do is call a local plumbing company for help. A professional plumber has the tools and experiences to quickly and safely remove blockages from your drain pipes.

If you are experiencing slow drains, contact Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. We are available 24/7 for any residential or commercial plumbing job you may have. You can call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email for more information about the services we provide or to request references. You can also visit us in person at 404 S Hayden in Amarillo.