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Frustrated with a Slow Drain? Call Us Today.
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What Is a Slow Drain & How It’s Fixed
A slow drain happens when partial obstructions, grease buildup, or mineral deposits restrict water flow inside pipes. Left unchecked, it can lead to complete clogs, backups, or even water damage. Our professional service clears buildup, smooths pipe walls, and ensures your plumbing flows efficiently again.
8 Times You Shouldn’t Ignore a Slow Drain:
- Water pools in sinks, tubs, or showers before draining
- The problem returns shortly after cleaning
- Multiple drains slow down at the same time
- Gurgling or bubbling noises when water drains
- Foul odors rise from the drain
- Drainage slows after heavy rain
- Plumbing is older or corroded
- You’ve tried DIY fixes without lasting results
Frustrated with a Slow Drain? Call Us Today.
How Can We Help You Today?
What Is a Slow Drain & How It’s Fixed
A slow drain happens when partial obstructions, grease buildup, or mineral deposits restrict water flow inside pipes. Left unchecked, it can lead to complete clogs, backups, or even water damage. Our professional service clears buildup, smooths pipe walls, and ensures your plumbing flows efficiently again.
8 Times You Shouldn’t Ignore a Slow Drain:
- Water pools in sinks, tubs, or showers before draining
- The problem returns shortly after cleaning
- Multiple drains slow down at the same time
- Gurgling or bubbling noises when water drains
- Foul odors rise from the drain
- Drainage slows after heavy rain
- Plumbing is older or corroded
- You’ve tried DIY fixes without lasting results
Common Symptoms of Slow Running Drains
Water Drains Gradually After Use: Sinks, tubs, or showers take noticeably longer for water to clear after each use.
Standing Water in Fixtures: Small pools remain in sinks or tubs even after draining, indicating partial blockages.
Gurgling Noises from Drains: Air trapped behind clogs causes bubbling sounds when water flows through pipes.
Unpleasant Odors from Drains: Food particles, grease, or organic buildup in slow drains can produce foul smells.
Recurring Minor Clogs: Drains that seem to clog repeatedly after temporary fixes may have deeper buildup in the pipes.
Water Backing Up in Nearby Fixtures: Using one fixture (like flushing a toilet) causes water to rise in another (like a shower drain).
Common Causes of Slow Running Drains| Prodigy Plumbing & HVAC
Slow-running drains can be frustrating and may indicate underlying plumbing issues that require attention. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent more serious blockages and water damage. Here are the most common causes of slow drains and what they might mean:
Prevention Tips for SLOW RUNNING DRAIN
Preventing slow-running drains is always easier than dealing with a complete blockage later. Here are some effective tips to keep your drains flowing freely:
Regular Flushing: Once a week, run hot water down your drains to help dissolve grease, soap scum, and minor buildup before it becomes a clog.
Use Drain Strainers: Install strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter your plumbing system.
Be Careful What Goes Down the Drain: Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, starchy foods, or fibrous vegetables into your kitchen sink. In bathrooms, keep hair and excessive soap out of drains.
Routine Professional Cleaning: Schedule annual or semi-annual drain cleanings with a plumber to remove buildup and maintain peak flow in your plumbing system.
DIY Solutions for SLOW RUNNING DRAIN
Hot Water Flush: Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain in two stages, allowing a few seconds between pours. This helps melt grease and loosen soap scum.
Baking Soda & Vinegar Method: First, pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 15–20 minutes, then flush with hot water to clear residue and improve flow.
Plunger Use: For sinks and tubs, cover any overflow openings and plunge the drain with short, forceful strokes. This can dislodge buildup causing the slowdown.
Drain Snake or Zip Tool: Insert a small plastic drain snake to physically remove hair or debris lodged near the drain opening. These tools are inexpensive and highly effective.
Remove & Clean the Stopper: In bathroom sinks, slow draining is often due to hair and gunk around the stopper. Remove it carefully, clean thoroughly, and reinstall.
Call a Pro When Needed
When You Should Contact Experts for Slow Runing Drain
A slow drain can signal buildup, partial blockages, or early-stage pipe damage. Our Long Beach plumbing team uses video inspections to pinpoint the issue, professional-grade augers to clear obstructions, and hydro jetting to flush away grease, soap, and scale. We restore full flow quickly and help prevent future clogs.
Video inspection
Vent pipe repair
Drain line replacement
Preventive maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes a drain to run slowly?
Build-up of soap scum, hair, grease, and mineral deposits can narrow the pipe’s opening, slowing water flow.
Can a slow drain turn into a complete clog?
Yes. Partial blockages can quickly worsen, leading to complete stoppages if not addressed promptly.
Should I use chemical drain cleaners for a slow drain?
It’s not recommended they can damage pipes, especially older plumbing, and may not fully remove the blockage.
How do plumbers fix a slow drain?
Professionals use tools like drain snakes, augers, or hydro jetting to fully clear the blockage and restore flow.
How can I prevent my drains from slowing again?
Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or large food particles down the drain, and use a strainer to catch debris.
