One day, you notice the water in the sink isn’t draining as quickly. You hope that maybe the issue will go away, that it isn’t a clogged sink, but as days pass it continues to drain increasingly slower.

There are many issues that can cause a slow draining sink. By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common causes, you may be able to keep your sink draining at its optimal level for longer periods of time. We’ve provided you with the top 5 reasons for a slow draining sink below.

1. The sink may be clogged by a collection of small materials. It’s easy to think that if an item makes it down the drain, it’s safe and will drain without an issue. A small piece of food here, the tiniest amount of grease, a few small hairs, that won’t clog my sink, right? Wrong. Even small materials that make it down the drain can become lodged in your pipes and create a kind of nest, catching more and more small particles as they’re washed down.
2. A large object may clog the sink. This scenario is very similar to the first; however, the item that was washed down the sink was probably large enough for you to second-guess your decision to do so. If you’re ever wondering, “Should I wash this down the sink,” don’t do it and save yourself a call to the plumber.
3. Believe it or not, the slope of your pipes may cause a slow draining sink. When the slope of the pipes is too steep, it can cause the water to drain too quickly, leaving waste behind. That waste will eventually build up and result in a slow draining or clogged sink.
4. Your pipes may be deteriorating from within. This happens often in older homes or homes where the pipes have not been properly maintained. It is an inevitable situation, which will end with shiny, new pipes for your sink.
5. A clogged sink can result from an issue with your main drain line. We’ve seen clogged sinks due to outdoor issues such as roots impeding drainage.

A slow draining or clogged sink can be caused by a multitude of issues, some avoidable and some not. When your sink does become clogged, it’s best to reach out to the professionals to find the underlying issue.