sink drains very slowly

[kootenaybk]

Hi... I own and live in a house in Western Canada. I think it was built in the early 60's. About 5 years ago we had our bathroom renovated. The sink was made by a local potter. Everything seemed fine for the first year or so. Eventually it (sink) started to drain slowly. When it would get bad enough, I would pour some Drano or something down it and it always seemed to help. The problem eventually would recur and I'd do the same thing. This time around, the Drano didn't seem to help so I called a plumber. The drain was snaked but it really didn't help. I was told there was no clog. He figured the problem was that this custom sink had no venting. A 'cheater' vent was installed just passed the trap. It still didn't help. Basically what I experience is that the sink drains very slowly. If the water is turned on slowly, the sink will fill and can take a couple of minutes to drain. If however, a stopper is placed and the sink is filled completely, then the stopper removed, it drains very quickly and really creates some suction. The plumber insists that there is nothing wrong and that it is simply a function of the sink shape, etc.. The problem I have with this explanation is that it worked fine for the first year or so. Something has changed. Finally to my question: can a (partially?) clogged main vent cause this type of problem? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[phishfood]

Does the sink have an overflow, as in a hole just beneath the rim of the sink that will drain off the water before the sink can overflow?

I have never seen it, but have had some very experienced drain cleaners say that a clogged overflow drain will cause similar problems. Doesn't make sense to me, but that is what I have heard.

 

[kootenaybk]

There is no over flow drain, but thanks.

 

[phishfood]

Try disassembling the drain that is attracted to the sink, and clean it out.

 

[kootenaybk]

I've already had a plumber snake the drain. You wouldn't suspect a venting problem?

 

[kootenaybk]

Thought I'd attach a couple of photos in case that helps.

 

[phishfood]

Try unthreading the "cheater vent" and see if the problem still exists. Make sure you put it back in with thread seal tape once done with this test, as it stops sewer gas from getting back in your house.

Also, when the plumber snaked the drain, did he use a full size cutter head, or just a small bare end cable? From what you have described, it sounds like a clog that got worse and worse over time, and if the plumber used a small cable with no head on it, all he would do is poke a hole in it instead of completely remove the clog.

 

[IFIXH20]

Grid drains (the metal drain in your sink) are notorious for getting gunky build-up in the small holes and in the tail piece. pull your drain apart under the sink (the abs piping) , clean the matel tail piece of the grid drain and the small holes from top side and bottom side of the grid drain , clean each hole individually. Check the abs piping that leads to the p-trap for build-up to.

 

[kootenaybk]

Thanks guys. How do I remove the drain from the sink? Do I unscrew the large metal nut that is close to the sink?

 

[IFIXH20]

If you remove the ABS (plastic drain piping) that is attach to the grid drain, you should be able to clean the grid drain. To your question-- the answer is yes.

 

[johnjh2o]

Grid drains (the metal drain in your sink) are notorious for getting gunky build-up in the small holes and in the tail piece. pull your drain apart under the sink (the abs piping) , clean the matel tail piece of the grid drain and the small holes from top side and bottom side of the grid drain , clean each hole individually. Check the abs piping that leads to the p-trap for build-up to.

I'd say your right on. Those strainers are mostly used on HC sinks were there is very little water used.

John

 

[IFIXH20]

I'd say your right on. Those strainers are mostly used on HC sinks were there is very little water used.

John

I have ran to more problems with them in ladies restroom than the men, not sure why, maybe due to all the lady product they used on themselves

 

[kootenaybk]

Ok thanks a ton guys. I appreciate the help.