Slow drains are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing issues for Pasadena homeowners. Hair, soap scum, toothpaste, shaving cream, oils, and even hard-water minerals can narrow pipes and create sticky biofilm that traps more debris.
The good news: with a few smart habits and safe DIY steps, you can keep sinks and tubs running smoothly. When problems persist, the pros at Pershing Plumbing, your trusted Pasadena plumbing company, can diagnose and fix the root cause quickly and affordably.
Why Drains Slow Down
- Hair + soap = clogs: Hair binds to soap scum and forms mats that snag in stoppers, traps, and rough pipe interiors.
- Biofilm buildup: Toothpaste and body wash create a sticky film on pipe walls that captures more debris.
- Hard water scale: Mineral-rich water common in Pasadena encourages soap scum and narrows drain openings.
- Grease and oils: Kitchen oils on hands, conditioners, and lotions cool and coat pipes.
- Aging piping: Older Pasadena homes with cast iron or galvanized drains often have rough, scaled interiors that slow flow.
Tip from Pershing Plumbing: If only one sink is slow, it’s usually a local clog. If multiple fixtures slow or gurgle together, the main line or vent may be the issue.
Quick Diagnosis: Local Clog or Bigger Problem?
- Single fixture slow: Likely hair/soap in the stopper, tailpiece, or P-trap.
- Tub or shower gurgles when the sink drains: Indicates partial blockage or venting problem in that bathroom branch.
- Water rises in a tub when a nearby sink runs: The shared branch is restricted.
- Several fixtures slow at once (especially the lowest drain): Call Pershing Plumbing—this suggests a main-line or vent issue.
Everyday Prevention That Works
- Install and clean drain screens: Use stainless or silicone strainers in tubs and showers; empty after each use.
- Brush hair before showering: Reduces shed hair by the handful.
- Switch to liquid soap/body wash: Bar soaps react with minerals to form heavy scum.
- Wipe before you rinse: After shaving or using clay masks, wipe the basin with a paper towel first.
- Weekly hot-water flush: Run the hottest tap water for 2–3 minutes. For sinks, follow with a kettle of hot (not boiling) water to loosen film.
- Monthly enzyme treatment: A bio-enzymatic cleaner digests organic buildup without harming pipes or septic systems.
- Soften hard water: If you see white scale on faucets, a softener reduces soap scum and drain film.
- Keep lotions and oils out of drains: Wipe hands and containers before washing.
Pasadena homeowners: Aging piping amplifies buildup. The prevention steps above go even further in older Craftsman and mid-century homes.
Safe DIY: Step-by-Step Clearing for Sinks and Tubs
Follow this sequence, from simplest to more involved. If the drain remains slow after Step 4, call our Pasadena Plumbing company for a camera inspection or professional cleaning.
- Clean the stopper and overflow
- Remove the sink pop-up or tub stopper. Scrub off hair and gunk.
- For sinks, clean the pivot rod cavity (where the stopper connects).
- Cover the overflow with a wet rag during plunging to improve pressure.
- Plunge correctly
- Use a cup plunger for sinks and tubs (flange plungers are for toilets).
- Fill the basin with a few inches of warm water.
- Seal overflows with a rag, press firmly, and plunge 10–15 times. Repeat as needed.
- Use a hair zip tool or mini drain snake
- Insert gently; twist and pull to capture hair mats.
- Avoid aggressive metal tools that can scratch or puncture thin-walled drains.
- Wet/dry vacuum pull
- Create a seal at the drain with a rubber adapter or a damp cloth.
- Set the vac to “wet,” cover the overflow, and pull out debris and water.
- Clean the P-trap (sink)
- Place a bucket under the trap.
- Loosen slip nuts by hand or pliers, remove the trap, clean thoroughly, and reinstall.
- Hand-tighten, then add a quarter-turn with pliers—don’t overtighten.
Safety and product notes:
- Avoid harsh chemical drain openers. They can damage pipes, are unsafe to mix, and complicate professional service later.
- Hot, not boiling, water on porcelain or PVC to prevent cracking or warping.
- Baking soda and vinegar won’t dissolve hair but can help loosen light film; use as a gentle maintenance step, not a cure-all.
When Slow Drains Keep Coming Back
Recurring slow drains point to bigger issues that require pro diagnostics and equipment. Pershing Plumbing offers:
- HD camera inspection: See inside your drains to confirm hair nests, scale, offsets, or foreign objects.
- Hydro-jetting and descaling: High-pressure water and specialty nozzles cut biofilm, soap scum, and cast-iron scale to restore pipe diameter.
- Branch-line repair or re-slope: Corrects chronic low spots (bellies) that trap water and debris.
- Vent assessment: Blocked or undersized vents cause gurgling and poor drainage; we clear and right-size vents.
- Trap and tailpiece upgrades: Old, corroded, or improperly sized parts are replaced with smooth-bore components that drain better.
In many Pasadena homes, a one-time jetting plus minor repairs can transform chronic slow drains into free-flowing lines—and a simple maintenance plan keeps them that way.
A Simple Maintenance Schedule
- Weekly
- Clean hair screens and disposal splash guards (biofilm loves rubber).
- Hot-water flush in showers and sinks.
- Monthly
- Enzyme treatment overnight in the most-used bathroom and kitchen sinks.
- Use a hair zip tool in showers/tubs.
- Quarterly
- Remove and clean sink pop-ups and traps.
- Inspect flexible drain connectors; replace if kinked or rough inside.
- Annually
- If you’ve had recurring issues or live in an older home, schedule a camera check with Pershing Plumbing.
- Consider professional hydro-jetting/descaling for cast-iron lines.
Signs You Should Call Pershing Plumbing Now
- Multiple fixtures slow or gurgle at the same time.
- Water backs up into a tub or shower when another fixture drains.
- Sewer odors from a sink or tub drain.
- Slow drains return within days of snaking or plunging.
- Older Pasadena homes with galvanized or cast-iron drains, or after a remodel that altered venting or slope.
We serve Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and nearby communities with fast diagnostics, clear pricing, and long-lasting fixes. As your local Pasadena plumbing company, Pershing Plumbing combines prevention-first advice with pro-grade solutions.
Why Pasadena Homeowners Trust Pershing Plumbing
- Local expertise: We know how Pasadena’s older drain systems behave and how to fix them for the long term.
- Evidence-driven service: We show you camera footage and explain options plainly.
- Trenchless and traditional solutions: From simple cleanouts to hydro-jetting and targeted repairs.
- Maintenance plans that save money: Keep drains fast and prevent costly emergencies.
Call to Action
Tired of slow sinks and tubs? Get lasting relief. Contact Pershing Plumbing—the Pasadena plumbing company homeowners rely on—for expert diagnostics, powerful cleaning, and a custom maintenance plan to keep your drains running like new.