Do your dreams consist of water flowing freely down the drain rather than pooling on your shower floor and slowly trickling down? Perhaps you're tired of always having to stop and wait for the kitchen sink to drain when you wash dishes.
If multiple drains in your home are slow, this is not an issue to just ignore in the hope that it resolves on its own. Sluggish drains are usually caused by an underlying plumbing issue that your plumber can fix, making your free-flowing sink dreams a reality!
The small pipes leading to each of your home's drains all connect up to larger waste pipes, and all of those waste pipes empty into one big waste pipe known as your main sewer line. If there's a partial clog in one of the bigger waste pipes or in your main sewer line, this can cause all of your drains to slow down.
One common cause of clogs in the main line is tree roots. Roots tend to grow into sewer lines, which are made from clay, since they are attracted to the water and nutrients flowing through the pipe. Over time, debris like toilet paper and wet wipes gets caught on the roots, making the clog even worse.
A clogged sewer line can eventually cause your drains to stop draining completely, and it may even cause dangerous sewage backups. Your plumber can send a camera down into your home's waste pipes to determine whether a clog is to blame for your sluggish drains, and if one is discovered, they can remove it before any serious damage is done.
If your home is relatively new or the drain pipes were recently replaced, it is possible that the pipes were not placed with the proper pitch. The pipes need to be angled at the proper slope to keep all of the waste and wastewater flowing freely. Improperly pitched pipes are frequently seen in homes with DIY plumbing jobs.
When improperly pitched pipes are to blame for sluggish drains, you'll often notice that some drains are slower than others. Your plumber will have to re-pipe your home or move some of the pipes to encourage better drainage.
The problem may not be one particular clog but rather years' worth of soap scum and grease buildup along the lengths of the pipes. These substances can narrow the pathway through which waste and water can flow. If you've never had your drain lines professionally cleaned, then buildup is a likely culprit. Have your plumber come clean your drain lines using their powerful tools. You'll be amazed by how much faster your sinks drain after a professional cleaning.
Your home's sewer system is vented in order to allow air to escape. If the vents become blocked, however, water and waste will stop flowing freely through the pipes. This is similar to how water won't fall out of a straw if you place your finger over one end.
Sewer vents can become blocked by leaves, snow or even birds' nests. If you are able, safe and brave enough to climb on your roof, you can investigate on your own. Look down into the vents and use a grabber tool to pull out any obstructions. If you cannot reach the obstruction, then your plumber can come remove it for you using a plumbing snake or similar tools.
If your drains are as slow as molasses, don't just ignore the problem. Contact a plumbing service, like
Peter Piper's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Service, to come investigate. We'll determine whether a blockage, soap scum, improper pipe slope or plugged vents are to blame for your sluggish drains, and then we'll recommend a solution to get them flowing freely again.
