4 Tips to Fix a Slow Draining Sink

Clogs happen. In fact, they happen so regularly in many homes that they’re seen as an inevitable nuisance. But why are they so inevitable? Some of the most common causes of buildup in your drains include grease, oil, dirt, hair, soap, minerals, and food particles.

So, what to do when a drain begins to run slowly or backs up? Our experienced plumbers share four things you can do to fix the problem yourself.

Get Under the Hood

The simplest thing to do is to lift up or remove the drain cover and unlodge whatever is stuck in your drain. Larger debris or debris that you just watched fall down the drain can sometimes be cleared away by hand. If that doesn’t work, try a plunger!

Use a Plumber’s Snake

Head to your local hardware or all-purpose store and pick up a plumber’s snake (sometimes referred to as a zip-it tool). Simply unroll the snake and push the plastic down the pipe. When you hit the end of the line, pull it back up, and it will pull debris and blockages back up with it.

DIY Drain Cleaner

You’ve probably heard of this DIY method before, but have you ever tried it? Dump one cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow it with one cup of vinegar. Sometimes you may see frothing right away, but if not, don’t fear. Leave your drains for ten minutes to let the mixture work, and when you return, flush the drain with hot water to clear the blockage!

Contact EJ Plumbing

These methods will work in a pinch, but the only way to be 100% sure that your drains are cleared is to hire a professional to do it for you. Chemical cleaners corrode your pipes over time, and using tools incorrectly can create more damage than you started with. Contact our team online or by phone at to schedule an appointment today!