It starts small: water pooling in the sink, a sluggish drain in the shower, or a faint gurgling sound when the dishwasher runs. You tell yourself it’s just a little clog, nothing urgent. But here’s the truth: a slow drain is never just a minor inconvenience. In fact, it can be an early warning sign of much bigger problems lurking in your plumbing system.
At Holt Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been helping Des Moines and Central Iowa homeowners for over 75 years. We know that addressing a slow drain early can save you time, money, and the stress of a full-blown plumbing emergency. So let’s take a closer look at why slow drains happen, why they matter, and what you can do to fix – and prevent – them.
1. Why Are My Drains Slowing Down?
A slow drain means water is struggling to flow through your pipes as it should. This can happen for a number of reasons, depending on the location and type of drain. Here are the most common culprits:
Build-Up of Soap, Hair, and Grease
In bathroom sinks and tubs, hair and soap scum are frequent offenders. In kitchens, grease, food scraps, and detergent residue coat the walls of your pipes over time, narrowing the passage for water to flow.
Tree Root Infiltration
If your slow drain is affecting more than one fixture (especially in the basement or lower levels) it could be due to tree roots growing into your main sewer line. This is a common problem in older Des Moines neighborhoods.
Foreign Objects or Debris
Everything from kids’ toys to hygiene products to kitchen debris can block drains. Even small objects can get lodged and trap other waste, creating a growing clog.
A Broken or Collapsed Pipe
In some cases, slow drains are caused by broken or misaligned plumbing. Shifting soil, age, or poor installation can all lead to more serious structural issues underground.
2. What’s the Real Danger of a Slow Drain?
It might seem harmless now, but a slow drain is often a plumbing system’s distress signal. Ignoring it can lead to:
Sewage Backups
As blockages worsen, wastewater can’t move freely. Eventually, it may come back up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets, bringing foul odors, bacteria, and an expensive cleanup bill.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Stagnant water or leaks caused by trapped pressure can lead to moisture buildup behind walls or under floors, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew.
Increased Repair Costs
A clog you could’ve cleared for a few hundred dollars may lead to pipe replacement or water damage restoration costing thousands.
Complete Drain Failure
The longer you let a slow drain go, the greater the chance of complete blockage, often at the worst time, like a holiday dinner or weekend get-together.
3. How to Know If a Slow Drain Is a Bigger Problem
Here are some signs your slow drain may need more than just a plunger:
- Multiple slow drains in your home
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds in pipes
- Foul smells coming from drains
- Water backing up in other fixtures when you flush or run water
- Changes in toilet water level
If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, it’s time to call Holt for a professional inspection.
4. What to Do About Slow Drains
Try Gentle DIY First (If It’s a Simple Clog)
You can try plunging or using a hand-crank drain snake for isolated clogs. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, they can damage your pipes and often don’t fix deeper problems.
Avoid Drain-Clearing Myths
- Boiling water won’t clear grease, it may just push it further down.
- Chemical drain cleaners can corrode your plumbing and harm the environment.
- “Flushable” wipes? Not flushable! These often cause clogs.
Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning
Our expert technicians use advanced tools like motorized augers, drain cameras, and hydro jetting (high-pressure water cleaning) to completely clear your pipes without damaging them.
Consider Annual Drain Maintenance
Prevention is key. We offer routine plumbing inspections and cleanings to keep your system flowing smoothly year-round—especially before high-usage times like holidays or the Iowa winter season.
5. How Holt Plumbing & Heating Can Help
We’ve built our reputation on doing things the right way the first time. When you call Holt for a drain issue, here’s what you can expect:
Honest Assessment
We’ll never upsell you on something you don’t need. Our licensed, background-checked techs will inspect your system and explain exactly what’s going on.
Flat-Rate Pricing
No guesswork. You’ll know the cost before we start – no surprises, even in emergencies.
Trusted Expertise
We’ve seen every kind of clog Des Moines has to offer. From hairballs to tree roots, we’ve got the tools and the know-how to clear it right.
Fast, Friendly Service
We treat your home like it’s our own. Our team shows up on time, respects your space, and gets the job done right.
6. How to Prevent Slow Drains in the Future
Want to avoid the hassle altogether? Here’s how:
- Use drain strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Never pour grease down the drain. Instead, let it solidify and throw it away.
- Limit food waste in your disposal. Avoid fibrous foods, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
- Flush with hot water weekly. Run hot (not boiling) water through kitchen drains to break up buildup.
- Schedule a yearly plumbing check-up. Catch small issues before they become big ones.
It’s easy to put off dealing with a slow drain. But in our experience, small plumbing issues have a way of becoming big headaches. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or just want peace of mind, let Holt handle that.
We’re here to keep your drains flowing and your home comfortable, with friendly service, guaranteed work, and a commitment to doing what’s right. Call Holt Plumbing & Heating today to schedule your drain cleaning or plumbing inspection.
