Slow-moving drains are a significant source of frustration. Whether there’s water pooling in your kitchen sink or morning shower, sluggish drains often signal a problem that needs attention. If ignored, these minor issues can become bigger problems that cost more to repair. Wolfer’s Home Services in Wilsonville, OR wants you to know what causes these drain slowdowns and how you can fix them.
Kitchen Drains: Grease and Food Particles
Despite your best efforts, every meal prep and dishwashing session causes grease, food particles, and soap to go down the drain. These substances are one of the top slow-drain causes.
Over time, these substances cling to pipe walls, narrowing the opening. Grease is one of the top culprits! Though it goes down the pipe as a liquid, it solidifies when it cools. The sticky grease becomes a trap for food scraps and debris, perfect for causing kitchen drain clogs.
To avoid this problem, install mesh strainers over your kitchen drains. Never pour oil or grease down the drain; wipe greasy pans and plates with a paper towel before washing. You also need to be careful with garbage disposals since they can cause clogs.
Bathroom Drains: Hair, Soap Scum, and Toothpaste
In bathrooms, drains face a different kind of attack. Hair, soap scum, and grooming products can build up inside sinks, tubs, and showers. These clumps become sticky and cling to the pipe walls, narrowing them.
Hair easily binds with soap scum, forming a glue-like globular structure. Over time, these web-like structures trap more debris and cause clogs. Toothpaste and shaving cream can also contribute to clogs because they thicken as they settle in the drain.
Install hair catchers in the bathroom drains and clean them regularly. Rinse your drains with hot water often to flush any buildup that may be forming. Also, avoid washing large clumps of toothpaste or shaving cream down the drain. These drain cleaning tips can help prevent slowdowns before they start.
Debunking the Drain Cleaner Myth
There are many clogged drain solutions on the market. These chemical concoctions promise to remove the toughest clogs, but they come with a price. Highly corrosive chemical cleaners can cause pipe erosion over time, especially in older metal pipes.
You can try a mix of baking soda and vinegar as a safer alternative. Let it sit in your drain for about 15 minutes. Follow up with very hot water. While this is not a miracle for deep clogs, it can remove buildup that slows your drains.
For recurrent or severe drain issues, it is best to rely on our professionals at Wolfer’s Home Services. We know exactly what to look for and can fix it right the first time.
Unexpected Slow Drain Causes
As a Portland drain expert, we want you to know that unexpected culprits can slow your drains. While grease and hair are the most common, lesser-known factors can also slow things down.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can invade the underground drain lines if your home has older plumbing. They seek water and can enter your pipes through small openings. Our Portland plumber can use hydro jetting to remove invasive tree root growth. This drain cleaning service can help prevent clogs in the future.
Vent Pipe Blockages
Plumbing systems have vent stacks that help release sewer gases and maintain flow. If one becomes clogged, it can cause pipe gurgling and slow drainage.
Old and Collapsed Pipes
Older pipes can begin to deteriorate over the years. They can crack, shift, or even collapse. Our expert plumbers at Wolfer’s Home Services offer pipe repair and repiping services.
When It’s Time to Call in the Pros
If you’ve tried the usual tricks and the clogs aren’t responding, it’s time to call in the pros. Let’s be honest; sometimes you just need to Chet It Out!
Chet Nician, the Service Technician, is your friendly drain warrior. He’s not afraid of a little gurgle and knows how to handle stubborn clogs with a smile. Chet has the experience and know-how to knock out even the nastiest blockages without damaging your plumbing.
Don’t Let a Slow Drain Ruin Your Day
Slow drains are more than a simple nuisance; they are a warning sign. From grease and food in the kitchen to hair and soap in the bathroom, we can help. In addition to practicing proactive solutions, like installing mesh strainers, you can rely on our drain cleaning services. We can get your drains flowing again with expert help and the right tools.
Wolfer’s Home Services has proudly served our customers since 1901. We offer unbeatable service guarantees and long-lasting solutions. You can count on our Better Than We Found It guarantee!
Call our expert plumbers at Wolfer’s Home Services if you have a slow drain in Wilsonville or surrounding areas. We have the solutions to your drain problems.
