Slow drainage is one of the most common issues that call for emergency plumbing in Carmel Valley. Whether it’s located in the kitchen sink or drain or in the bathroom sink or shower, slow drainage won’t go away on its own. It requires immediate action because it can easily lead to frustration, inconvenience, and a serious disruption of your everyday functioning. Underlying all typical causes of slow drainage is the need for regular maintenance and checkups that ensure a smooth flow of your water drainage systems. 

In today’s blog, we take a look at typical reasons for slow drainage to bring awareness and help homeowners deal with this issue before it escalates into something more.

Why is my water draining so slowly?

Slow drainage is a common problem that can stem from a wide variety of causes, from simple clogs caused by flushing insoluble materials to tree roots and municipal sewer line damage. Even if you’re not faced with obvious issues, the best course of action is to schedule an inspection ASAP and avoid the following problems in the future. However, if you’re already stuck with slow drainage, here are the typical reasons why:

Why is my water draining so slowly1. Clogged pipes

Debris like hair, soap scum, food particles, and grease will accumulate over time inside your pipes and create a blockage that can restrict your water flow. Hair tends to be the biggest source of clogs in the bathroom, while in the kitchen sink it’s usually food waste. These materials will accumulate and narrow the passage of water until it’s completely clogged.

2. Grease buildup

If you have a clog in the kitchen, there is a great chance it’s grease-related. While water and grease don’t mix and you may expect it to flow smoothly down the drain, it will stick to the walls of the pipes. This layer of fats, oils, and grease will only get thicker over time until it completely obstructs the water flow.

3. Tree root intrusion

While not as common as the first two, tree root intrusions are a significant cause of slow drainage issues in older homes that have clay or cast iron piping setups. Three roots are in constant search of water so they are naturally attracted to moisture and tend to penetrate the pipes through small cracks. 

4. Mineral buildup

If you live in an area with especially hard water like Southern California, you may suffer from issues like mineral buildup. Often called ‘scale, mineral buildup affects both metal and plastic pipes. Much like grease and food debris, mineral deposits of calcium and magnesium will accumulate in the pipes and lead to restricted water flow.

5. Blocked P-trap

The P-trap is a curved section of pipe located beneath your sink. It’s designed to hold a small amount of water that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. When the usual culprits like hair, soap, and debris accumulate in the P-trap, you’ll start experiencing slow drainage issues. 

6. Faulty & outdated setup

In some cases, a worn-out setup and outdated plumbing with narrow pipes can lead to constant slow drainage. Another common culprit is corroded or cracked pipes. If your home has an older plumbing system, you should do a detailed inspection and preempt the problems instead of waiting for the calamity to strike.

7. Sewer line issues

Sometimes problems are not located in your home but in the municipal sewer line. Whether it’s due to shifting soil, old age, or low-quality setup, if the problem is in the main line, you’ll likely experience slow drainage across the entire home. Keep in mind that going at it alone is not an option so it’s best that you call specialists right away and report the issue to local authorities.

Which company specializes in emergency plumbing in Carmel Valley, CA & the vicinity?

emergency plumbing in Carmel Valley, CAWhether you need made-to-measure water heater solutions, help fixing your malfunctioning toilet, or someone you can trust to handle your faucet leak, San Diego Emergency Plumbing & Leak Detection has the personnel and the equipment to help you bring back your home comfort with minimum inconvenience. 

Feel free to take your loved ones to Garland Ranch Regional Park and enjoy your time making fresh memories while we identify the cause of your drainage problems and apply the fix. Get in touch with us today!