Why Your Drains Keep Slowing Down

Drains usually slow down long before they clog completely. This happens because buildup forms inside the pipes over time. In kitchens, grease and food particles coat the inside of the line. Even small amounts of grease create a sticky layer that other debris easily attaches to. In bathroom drains, hair mixes with soap and creates dense mats that cling to the pipe walls. Minerals in Utah’s hard water add another layer that makes the blockage even harder.

As the buildup grows, the pipe diameter narrows. Water still flows, but it moves more slowly. This is why sinks begin to pool water and showers take longer to drain. A slow drain is the first warning sign that the pipe is becoming restricted.

Gurgling sounds are another sign that the drain is struggling. This sound means the line does not have enough airflow because water is pushing past a blockage. In a healthy plumbing system, water and air move freely. When a blockage forms, the system cannot vent properly and the drain begins to “talk.”

Ignoring a slow drain almost always leads to a complete clog or even a backup. Drains keep slowing down until you take action. Cleaning the line early is far easier and less expensive than dealing with an emergency later.

If your drains have been slowing down, gurgling, or backing up, we can clear the line and check its condition before the problem gets worse.