Introduction: A Slow Drain Is a Warning, Not Just an Annoyance
At first, it’s barely noticeable. The water takes a few extra seconds to go down. You shrug it off. “It’ll clear on its own.”
But over time:
- Water starts pooling
- Odors show up
- The sink becomes frustrating to use
A slow draining sink is one of the most common early signs of plumbing trouble in US homes, and one of the most ignored.
The good news?
Many slow drains start small and are fixable.
The bad news?
When ignored, they often turn into full clogs, backups, or pipe damage.
Let’s break down why your sink drains slowly, what you can safely try yourself, and when it’s time to bring in a professional.
1. The Most Common Cause: Buildup Over Time
In most homes, slow drains aren’t caused by a single blockage. They’re caused by gradual buildup.
In bathroom sinks, that buildup is usually:
- Hair
- Soap residue
- Toothpaste
- Skin oils
In kitchen sinks, it’s often:
- Grease and oils
- Food particles
- Coffee grounds
- Starchy residue
Over weeks or months, this material coats the inside of the pipe, narrowing the space water has to flow through. The result: Water still drains, but much more slowly.
With a partial clog:
- Hair
