Why sinks slow down
Slow drains rarely happen overnight. In bathroom sinks, hair and soap scum gradually build up in the drain and P-trap. In kitchen sinks, grease, food particles and coffee grounds cool and stick to the pipe walls. Eventually the opening narrows until water drains slowly or stops.
Safe things to try first
Remove and clean the sink stopper. Use a plastic drain cleaning strip for bathroom sinks. Run very hot water to soften grease in kitchen drains. A cup plunger can help, but cover the overflow hole first.
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can damage older pipes and make the job dangerous for a plumber later.
Signs it is more than a simple clog
If multiple sinks drain slowly at once, you hear gurgling in other fixtures, or the sink clears and clogs again within weeks, the blockage is likely deeper in the branch line or main sewer. Professional drain cleaning removes the clog, and hydro jetting scours buildup from the pipe walls so it does not come back quickly.
Recurring clogs can also be caused by roots or a sagging section of sewer pipe. A sewer camera inspection shows exactly what is happening.
Kitchen sinks and garbage disposals
A struggling disposal can make a kitchen sink drain slowly. If the disposal hums, jams or leaks, our garbage disposal repair service can fix or replace it.
Quick Answers
Is a slow drain an emergency?
Usually not, but if sewage backs up or several drains stop at once, call for emergency service.
How often should drains be cleaned?
Most homes only need cleaning when problems appear. Restaurants and heavy-use kitchens benefit from scheduled jetting.