How to Fix a Slow Drain

The average American home has ten drains. And no matter where they are located, they all have one thing in common: they are susceptible to clogs and blockage. Drains rely solely on gravity to carry waste water from your home, and constant usage will eventually lead to build-up of hair, soap, dirt, and other matter which can make any drain slow.

There are several steps you can take to clear a slow drain and improve its efficiency.

1. You can call a plumber. Most people view this as a last resort, and for good reason. Plumbing bills can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars, and sometimes a plumber is not available to address your issue for several days or weeks.
2. You can be your own plumber. Some newer drains provide instructions to disassemble the mechanism in order to find the clog. If the clog is just below the drain, you can sometimes remove the stopper and strainer, and then use a pipe cleaner, stick, or professional tool to dislodge the blockage or remove it. If you can access the trap formed by the pipes under the drain, you can loosen that to perhaps dislodge any matter. Be sure to shut off the water supply to the area, use caution, and follow all instructions for your products.
3. You can try household remedies. There are lots of solutions you can find in DIY books or online that utilize simple, everyday products or easy-to-acquire ingredients. The most popular is baking soda and vinegar. For tiny clogs, these remedies are sometimes effective, but they're often less helpful for more stubborn blockages. You can read more about the differences between homemade solutions and our natural enzymes.
4. You can use popular chemical cleaners. There are dozens of commercial products available in retail outlets. Some are more effective than others. But all of them are made with chemicals that are potentially harmful to your family, your pipes and the environment. You can read more about the advantages of natural enzymes over caustic chemicals.
5. You can use Earthworm® Drain Cleaner. Our products use naturally-occurring enzymes to break down organic materials that cause slow drains. And unlike drain cleaners with harmful, caustic chemicals, Earthworm® Drain Cleaner is safer for use in your drains, will not harm the environment and is safer for your pets, kids and family. Just 6-8 ounces of Earthworm® Drain Cleaner poured into a slow drain over a few consecutive nights will safely and cleanly clear your slow drain almost effortlessly.

Whichever method or methods you choose, please be safe, know when you're beyond your abilities, and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.