A slow drain in your shower, sink, or tub can disrupt your everyday life. This plumbing problem is more than just frustrating. It can lead to more serious plumbing issues, including blocked, leaking, or burst pipes. Slow drains can also create an unhealthy or uncomfortable environment in your Maricopa County home. Stagnant water in your pipes creates a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew. This environment also attracts insects and other pests. At A/C Doctors, our team of experienced plumbers can solve your slow drain problems. We use the latest technology to locate and remove clogs, so you can enjoy a clean, comfortable environment in your home.
Warning Signs of a Slow Drain
When you turn on your faucet, water should flow easily through your drain. If you notice water backing up into the sink or shower while running, you have a slow drain. Slow drains develop over time. Homeowners can watch for these warning signs of build-up that can lead to a slow drain:
- Foul odors
- Gurgling noises
- Bubbling noises
- Increased insect activity
- Water level changes
If you hear unusual noises while the water runs, that can indicate air trapped in your pipes. Clogged pipes can have pockets of air behind the clog. This trapped air stops water from draining properly.
You also may notice unusual or foul smells. Standing water in your pipes can lead to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Mold and mildew can smell musty. Bacterial growth may smell like sewage or rotten eggs. If you smell anything unusual around your drain, you need our professional plumbers at A/C Doctors. We can diagnose and repair your plumbing problems.
Common Causes of Slow Drains
If your Gilbert home has a slow drain, one of these culprits may be the cause.
Food and Grease Build-Up
If you have standing water in your kitchen sink, one likely cause is food debris build-up. As you prepare for meals, you may wash off foods like fruits and vegetables. During this process, food particles can end up in your drain. Over time, these particles can accumulate along the walls of the pipes. Eventually, this build-up can form a clog.
After meals, most people rinse off their cookware and dishes. The oils and grease used to cook your meals can create a sticky residue in your pipes. If you use dish soap to wash your dishes, this soap can also accumulate in your pipes. This residue clings to your pipes and attracts more debris. Since water has less room to flow through the pipe, the water will drain more slowly.
Hair and Mineral Build-Up
If your slow drain problems are in your bathroom, the most likely cause is trapped hair in your drain. As you prep for your day, hair and shampoo can form a gooey clog that becomes trapped in your drain. Mold and bacteria may start to grow. If you notice water backing up into your tub or signs of mold growth, you need a professional plumber from A/C Doctors.
Tree Roots
If you have trees around your home, you should watch out for signs of tree root intrusion. Tree roots can cause significant damage to your home’s plumbing system. Over time, tree roots will grow towards sources of water and nutrients. Your home’s drains and sewer lines provide a moist environment that tree roots love. Tree roots can wrap around sewer lines and pipes. As the roots squeeze the pipes, water has less room to flow. Tree roots can penetrate pipes at the joints or grow through small cracks. In this instance, the tree roots can create a partial or complete blockage as they grow. Slow drains in your home are one sign of tree root intrusion.
Corroded or Damaged Pipes
Like other parts of your home, pipes can experience wear and tear with age. When steel pipes encounter moisture or air, rust or corrosion can form. Rust can accumulate on the walls of the pipe, which reduces the pipe’s diameter. Corrosion or rust creates a rough surface that can slow down the flow of water. These rough surfaces can catch debris and create a blockage.
Poor Installation
Improperly installed plumbing can cause slow drains. In order for your drainage system to function properly, it relies on gravity to move water through your pipes away from your home. If the original plumber did not follow recommendations for slope or pitch, water may have a more difficult time flowing to the main sewer line. Poor installation can cause water to pool in your pipes. This stagnant water can lead to clogs or blockages. If your pipes are too small in diameter for your home, you may experience slow drains. Small pipes can carry a limited volume of water, so water will back up into your sinks, showers, and tubs. Since these pipes can’t handle large amounts of water and debris, the pipes are prone to clogs and build-up.
Jewelry and Other Foreign Objects
Sometimes, unexpected items end up in your home’s drain. A wedding ring can fall into the sink, or a curious toddler can flush a toy down the toilet. These items can get stuck in your pipes and obstruct the flow of water.
Many people mistakenly believe that they can flush tissues, paper towels, or sanitary products safely. Even disposable wipes marketed as “flushable” are not safe for your home’s sewer or septic system. These items do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, tissues and other objects can become trapped in your pipes and cause a blockage. A professional plumber from A/C Doctors can remove the blockage and repair any damage to your pipes.
Maricopa County’s Slow Drain Specialists
For over 20 years, residents of Gilbert and the surrounding areas have relied on our team at A/C Doctors for all their heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Our customers count on us because we offer high-quality workmanship and unmatched customer service. We employ knowledgeable, reliable, and friendly technicians and plumbers. Our team members undergo thorough employment screenings, so you can trust the people entering your home. You can call us for more than just drain cleaning services.
Our plumbers can replace pipes, repair leaks, and install water heaters. When it comes to your home’s HVAC system, we offer installation, maintenance, and repairs of your home’s heating and cooling system. We also provide expert installation, repair, and service of ductless mini splits. No matter what you need, you can rest assured that our competitive prices can work with your budget. We don’t add on hidden fees or mileage charges. You can count on us for same-day or emergency services. We arrive with fully stocked trucks, ready to fix the toughest HVAC or plumbing problems. Our flexible schedules mean we are here when you need us. We don’t charge extra for emergency or after-hours appointments.
If you have problems with slow drains, contact our experienced plumbers at A/C Doctors in Gilbert!
