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Dealing with a slow-draining shower or sink is frustrating, and it's one of the more common issues we are called out for here at Plumberoo. Mostly, the client is tired of standing water in their shower or sluggish drainage in the kitchen sink, and who can blame them?
There are some easy fixes for a slow drain, which you may even be able to tackle alone. Sometimes, though, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Let's get into it.
Some obvious signs of a slow drain include water draining slowly after you turn off the faucet. Or if you're standing in ankle-deep water in the shower, there's a pretty good chance you have slow drainage.
Sometimes, you may also notice unpleasant odors coming from the drain, which could be a clue that a clog is forming. However, you recognise poor drainage, it's important to act on it sooner than later because, over time, slow drains can lead to bigger issues, such as bathroom flooding, leaking pipes, gaps in shower grout, mould growth or caulking which is where water begins to seep into the walls. Like all plumbing issues, it's better to nip it in the bud before such bigger problems develop.
If you're experiencing slow drainage, whether it be in the kitchen sink or the shower, chances are it's due to a buildup of materials. The common culprit for kitchen sinks is food, which is why you should use those sink strainers or drain strainers.
For the bathroom, slow drainage is often the result of soap scum, dirt, or hair, especially longer hair which is notorious for clogging shower drains. Soap can make things worse by helping it stick to the pipes—it's a bad combination.
Over time, this buildup can create stubborn blockages that slow water flow. In some cases, the problem runs deeper—severe blockages in the main plumbing system can lead to recurring clogs that won’t budge with simple fixes. For sinks, hair and soap scum are common culprits, gradually accumulating until water struggles to drain properly.
The good news? You don't always need to call a plumber for slow drainage—sometimes, a few simple DIY plumbing tips can do the trick. However, like most things, prevention is the best measure. Regularly cleaning your drain is one of the easiest ways to prevent clogs before they become a bigger issue.
As previously touched on, use a sink strainer in your kitchen. They are typically metal or silicone mesh screens that fit over or inside the drain to catch food particles while still allowing water to pass through. Some models function as sink stoppers, which can seal the drain when needed.
For the bathroom, a hair catcher in the shower can also help keep debris out of the pipes, especially if you have people with long hair regularly using the bathroom.
Using Natural Cleaners
Here's a hot tip for minor blockages—try pouring a mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain to break up buildup. After a few minutes, pour down boiling water to clear away any remaining gunk. This homemade cleaner is a great natural solution without harsh chemicals, keeping your pipes clean and free flowing!
Using a Plunger
While plungers are often associated with toilets, they can be a great tool for clearing hair blockages in your sink or shower drain. A few firm plunges can help dislodge trapped hair and get water flowing again.
A plunger is a great prevention and plumbing maintenance tool as using one regularly can prevent buildup before it becomes a bigger problem. If you're motivated, remove any visible hair from the drain after each shower.
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners as the harsh chemicals can eat away at your pipes over time and eventually cause more plumbing issues than they solve.
If your DIY plumbing methods are not working, do not resort to chemical cleaners. Instead, it’s best to call a professional plumber for shower repairs to safely and efficiently unblock your pipes without risking damage to your plumbing system.
Having the right tools on hand can make your DIY efforts much easier.
A Drain Snake
Also known as a plumber’s snake, this tool is a thin, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-like end that can insert into your pipes and dislodge stubborn clogs in bathroom or kitchen sinks.
Using an Auger
A drain auger works similarly but is longer—sometimes up to 25 feet—making it ideal for deeper clogs in shower drains. To use a drain auger, feed the coiled end down the drain until you feel it stops, then turn the handle clockwise to work the coil through the clog and break it apart. Of course, a professional plumber is an expert in using these tools.
Using a Drain Zip Tool
For a quick and budget-friendly option, a drain zip tool is great for catching hair and soap scum. This flexible tool slides easily into sink drains, even those with pop-up stoppers, and hooks onto debris for easy removal.
We hope this has been a helpful guide. Here are a few key takeaways.
Avoid washing food scraps, grease, or hair down the drain, as they’re the biggest culprits behind blockages.
Establish a regular cleaning routine—flushing your sink with hot water, the baking soda and vinegar hack, or even boiling water weekly or monthly can help dissolve grease and soap scum buildup.
In the shower, use a drain screen to catch hair and debris, especially if you have long hair.
If slow drains keep coming back, it may be time for a professional solution. Plumberoo offers expert blocked drain repairs. Contact us today for friendly, reliable, and long-term drain solutions!
Why is my shower and sink draining slow?
A slow sink drain is usually caused by a buildup of food. A clogged shower drain is usually a result of hair, soap scum, grease, or other debris restricting water flow.
What do plumbers recommend to unclog drains?
Plumbers often recommend using a plunger, drain snake, or natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar for a clogged drain before resorting to professional drain cleaning.
What is the best way to fix a slow shower drain?
Clearing hair and soap buildup with a drain snake or zip tool, followed by flushing with boiling water down the drain pipes, is an effective way to restore drainage.
Why is my bathroom sink draining slowly but not clogged?
A slow-draining sink without a visible clog may have buildup in the pipes or a drainage issue further down the line.
Does baking soda really work to unblock drains?
When combined with vinegar and followed by hot water, baking soda can help break down minor clogs and clear buildup.
