Plumbing

Find guidance on leaks, pipework, drainage, water pressure and everyday home plumbing issues.

Fixing a Slow Moving Drain

7th October 2022

Slow moving drains can be a pain and could potentially lead to more serious problems such as burst pipes or flooding. In a time when everyone is increasingly concerned about how much money they are saving, it is common for people to avoid calling a plumber until a bit of a problem transforms into a full-scale emergency. If your drain is running more slowly than normal, you may not need to call a plumber right away, but it is probably not a good idea to ignore it, either.

Follow our easy steps to help clear your drains of grease, gunk and debris.

Equipment

The best thing about this quick-fix home drain unblocker is that you are likely to have everything you need at home already. If not, a quick dash to the shop will help. You will need:

A kettle full of boiling water
Table salt
Baking soda
A cup of vinegar

Method

Although expensive drain unblockers can be effective, there are cheaper and easier ways of unblocking your drain. While some advice sites may recommend that you simply pour a jug of boiling water down the drain to dissolve solidified fats and dislodge other debris, this method is far more effective. Start by pouring half a cup of salt in the drain, followed by the same volume of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Leave this to stand for at least twenty minutes before pouring a jug of boiling water down the drain. Wait another five minutes. If your drain is running a little faster, but not as fast as normal, repeat the above process; bigger blockages may need a little more intervention.

When to call a plumber

It can be tough to know when to call a plumber for seemingly minor home maintenance jobs, and when you can do it yourself. If you are not confident doing any kind of home maintenance, repair or DIY, it is always a good idea to call a professional; tackling it yourself could be a false economy. If more than one drain is running slowly, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. It is worth calling a plumber to diagnose the cause and advise you of the best course of action.

Another time to call a plumber is if your drains are actually backing up or smelling; this could have serious health implications as well as being unpleasant and inconvenient. If this is the case, make sure that you call your plumber immediately and tell them that it is urgent.

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Looking for more plumbing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common plumbing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do if I have a blocked drain or sink?

Start with a plunger - create a good seal and use firm, steady pressure. For a kitchen sink blocked with grease, bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can help. If that's not shifting it, a drain snake reaches further down the pipe. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes and rarely sort the root cause. If the blockage keeps coming back, affects more than one outlet, or you're getting unpleasant smells, call a plumber rather than trying to patch up the problem.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

The most obvious clue is a water bill that's gone up without any change in your usage. Beyond that, listen out for running water when everything's turned off, and watch for damp patches on walls or ceilings nowhere near an obvious water source. A quick self-test is to turn everything off and watch your water meter - if it's still moving, there's a leak somewhere. Tracking down exactly where it is usually needs a specialist detection kit, which a plumber can bring in without having to rip everything up.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off your stopcock straight away - you'll usually find it under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters the property. Once it's off, open your taps to drain what's left in the system, switch off the boiler if you can do so safely, and mop up any standing water before it reaches electrics or flooring. Then call a plumber. With burst pipes, the faster you act, the less damage you'll be faced with.
What is a gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A Gas Safety Record is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after checking that all your gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe. Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to get one every year and give tenants a copy within 28 days. For homeowners it's not a legal requirement, but getting a check done alongside your annual boiler service is a smart idea, particularly in older properties. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the work or issue the certificate - you can check anyone's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Why is my water pressure low and can a plumber fix it?

Low pressure usually comes down to one of a handful of things: a stop valve that's not fully open, limescale build-up in older pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with your water provider's mains supply. In most cases a plumber can sort it - though if the problem is with the mains itself, you'll need to contact your water company first. Either way, don't just live with it - ongoing low pressure can sometimes point to something more serious.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing or just repairing?

If it's under ten years old and it's one specific fault, a repair usually makes sense. If it's over fifteen, has needed multiple fixes recently, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have crept up for no obvious reason - replacement is probably the better investment. A useful rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a new boiler, it's probably time to replace it.
How often should I get my plumbing inspected?

There's no legal requirement for homeowners, but every two to three years is a sensible habit - especially in older properties or hard water areas where limescale builds up over time. Your annual boiler service covers some of the associated pipework too. And if anything seems off between inspections - odd noises, discoloured water, unexplained damp - don't wait. Get it looked at sooner.
Why do my pipes make a banging or knocking noise?

That banging sound (sometimes called water hammer) usually happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, sending a pressure wave through the pipes. It's most common after flushing the toilet, shutting a tap sharply, or when a washing machine valve closes. Pipes that aren't properly secured can also knock against walls or joists. It sounds alarming but it's often an easy fix - a plumber can figure out whether it's a pressure issue, a faulty valve, or just some loose pipework.

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