What slows a sink down
Kitchen sinks slow from grease and food buildup; bathroom sinks from hair, toothpaste and soap scum. The clog usually sits in the P-trap or the first few feet of drain line — but if several drains are slow, the problem is further down.
Why chemical drain cleaners backfire
Lye and acid-based cleaners generate heat that damages PVC and corrodes metal pipe, and they rarely dissolve the whole clog. They also make the pipe dangerous for a plumber to work on. A plunger or a hand auger is safer; professional cabling or hydro jetting is better.
The 'multiple slow drains' warning
If the sink, tub and toilet all drain slowly or gurgle, the main sewer line is likely restricted by roots, grease or a collapse. That calls for a sewer camera inspection, not another bottle of drain cleaner.
Keeping drains clear
Use strainers, wipe grease into the trash, flush drains monthly with hot water, and schedule professional drain cleaning once a year for older homes.
Need a plumber for this?
MGA Plumbing provides drain cleaning 24/7 in every Missouri city — Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia and hundreds more. Upfront pricing, same-day service. Call (888) 480-9811.