What Are The Primary Causes Of A Slow Drain?

A slow drain problem may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but if the issue persists, it can create greater drainage complications. Usually, slow drainage is easy to fix, and it may be an early sign of a major problem. For instance, it could mean the drain line is clogged, so you'll need to schedule a drain cleaning service immediately. 

This post will share reasons why wastewater may be draining slowly and what you can do.

Accumulation of Hair in the Sink

Hair can accumulate fast in bathroom tubs, showers, and sinks. The rate of accumulation increases depending on the number of people that use the bathroom. If more people in your home have long hair, you should expect the hair to accumulate quickly too. 

Regular brushing, washing, and combing cause the hair to fall into the sink. If you allow the contents to go down the drain instead of removing it by hand, your sink drain will block. The hair strands will form a giant hairball or net that will clog the drain, causing slow drain issues.

Obstructions on Sewer Lines

Sewer lines are designed to carry sewage and wastewater away from the building. However, the wastewater will not flow out efficiently if there is an obstruction. Obstructions can be caused by sludge buildup in the septic tank, tree roots, or deteriorating pipes. 

When you experience clogs, leaks, sediment buildup, or other issues along the sewer line, the wastewater will drain slowly. You will need to get a plumbing expert to identify the actual cause of the slow drainage and fix it. If the issue is a large clog or roots, you will require a drain cleaning service. Also, you may need to hire septic pumping experts if the slow drain issue is caused by sludge buildup.

P-Trap Issues

The trap is that P-shaped section of the pipe that is usually under the sink. Wastewater content can get trapped in this area and form clogs. This is particularly common for those who like to pour elements like grease down the drain. Once the oil settles on the trap area, other elements will stick to it and, over time, form a clog that will cause slow drain issues. 

These blockages are difficult to see or remove compared to other forms of clog buildups on drain lines. Luckily, you can rely on plumbing experts to remove the clog. This can be done using a snake or by separating the P-shaped section from the drain line and cleaning it separately.

Reach out to a company like All Suburban Emergency Plumbing & Power Rodding for more info.

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