Why Your NYC Apartment Drains Slowly and How to Fix It
April 22, 2026 · 5 min read
That slow bathroom sink isn't just annoying. It's a sign something's wrong with your drains. In older New York apartments, slow drains usually mean one of a few common issues. Here's what we see most and how to fix it.
New York apartments, especially in older buildings, often have plumbing that's seen better days. A slow draining sink or shower is usually your first warning sign that something needs attention. The problem is rarely something simple like hair or soap scum. More often, it's buildup inside the pipes themselves.
Many older NYC buildings have cast iron drain pipes that have developed corrosion and mineral buildup over decades. Grease and sediment accumulate inside, slowly restricting flow. Over time, what started as a slow drain becomes a complete backup. This is especially common in kitchens where grease goes down the drain every day. It solidifies inside the pipes and traps everything else.
The DIY fixes like drain snakes or chemical drain cleaners might work temporarily, but they don't solve the real problem. Snake out the line and the debris builds up again in two months. Drain cleaner can damage your old pipes and is terrible for the environment. Professional hydro-jetting is the answer. We use high-pressure water to scour the inside of your pipes clean, removing years of buildup without damaging the lines.
Before you call a plumber, try removing your drain cover and using a flashlight to see if there's visible hair or debris. If you can reach it safely, pull it out. But if the drain is slow even after that, call us. We can usually get to you same-day and have your drains running fast again.
