Why Is My Drain Slow? Common Causes and Easy Fixes

A slow drain is a warning. Something is building up inside the pipe. Fix it early and you avoid a full block.

Kitchen sink Grease, food bits and soap stick to pipe walls. Over time the pipe gets narrow.

Bathroom sink and tub Hair and soap scum are the usual causes. A small drain strainer helps.

Toilet Too much paper or wipes can slow it. Never flush wipes, even if the package says flushable.

All drains slow at once This points to the main line. Roots or a build-up can be the cause.

Easy things to try - Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain - Use a plunger with a good seal - Clean the strainer or pop-up stopper

What to avoid Chemical drain cleaners can harm pipes and are unsafe to handle. They also may not clear deep clogs.

When to call a plumber Call if the clog returns, if more than one drain is slow, or if you smell sewage. We use snakes, cameras and hydro jetting for deep cleaning. See our drain cleaning service.