Drainage Problems: Fast Fixes and When to Call a Pro

If water is backing up, dripping slowly, or making weird noises, you’re dealing with a drainage problem. It can happen in a kitchen sink, bathroom tub, washing machine, or even the dishwasher. The good news? Many issues are easy to spot and fix yourself. The bad news? Ignoring them can cause leaks, bad smells, or bigger repairs later.

Common Causes of Drainage Issues

First, figure out what’s behind the slowdown. The most frequent culprits are:

• Food or soap build‑up in kitchen sink traps. Over time, grease and crumbs create a sticky barrier.
• Hair and soap scum that clogs bathroom pipes. A single hairball can block an entire line.
• Lint from washing machines that ends up in the drain hose. The lint filter catches most, but some slips through.
• Foreign objects like small toys or jewelry that fall into the drain.
• Pipe misalignment or corrosion that narrows the flow path.

Knowing the source helps you pick the right tool. For most kitchen and bathroom clogs, a simple plunger or a mix of boiling water and vinegar does the trick.

Do‑It‑Yourself Fixes and When to Call a Pro

1. Use a plunger correctly. Cover the overflow hole with a wet cloth, fill the basin just enough to cover the plunger cup, and push down sharply. Do this 10‑15 times and the pressure often dislodges the blockage.

2. Try boiling water and vinegar. Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain, wait a minute, then follow with boiling water. The fizz loosens grease, and the hot water flushes it away.

3. Clean the P‑trap. Place a bucket under the U‑shaped pipe, unscrew the slip nuts, and remove any debris. Reassemble tightly and run water to test.

4. Check washing‑machine hoses. Disconnect the hose, straighten it, and look for lint or fabric fibers. A quick rinse with a garden hose can clear the line.

5. Use a drain snake. Insert the coil into the drain and rotate clockwise. When you feel resistance, you’ve likely hit the clog—keep turning to break it up.

If none of these steps restore a strong flow, or if you notice water leaking from joints, it’s time to call a professional. Persistent smells, frequent backups, or rust spots indicate deeper pipe damage that needs a specialist’s tools.

Remember, regular maintenance prevents most drainage disasters. Run hot water down each drain weekly, use a mesh screen in bathroom drains, and clean the washing‑machine lint filter after every load. A little effort now saves you time, money, and water damage later.

Got a stubborn drain that won’t clear? Give Bridgewater Appliance Fixers a call. We handle everything from blocked kitchen extracts to washing‑machine drain repairs, and we’re just a phone call away in Bridgewater. Quick response, transparent pricing, and a job done right the first time.