4 Common Reasons You Have a Clogged Kitchen Sink

Clogged Kitchen Sink? 4 Common Causes & How to Fix Them | Miller Plumbing & Drainage

A clogged kitchen sink is one of the most common household plumbing issues, we use it every day and when your sink isn’t draining it can disrupt your daily routine and even lead to more severe drainage problems if left unresolved.

Understanding the cause behind a clogged sink can help you prevent it from happening or can even help address the issue more effectively.

Let’s check these 4 common reasons why your kitchen drain might be clogged and what you can do about it.

1. Food Scraps and Grease Buildup

The number one reason behind a kitchen sink clog is the improper disposal of food scraps and grease. Many people think it’s harmless to rinse leftover food or pour cooking oil down the drain, but these things can build up over time and create very stubborn blockages. Grease, in particular, hardens as it cools which forms a sticky residue that traps other debris creating a drain clog to occur.

Solution

Always dispose of food scraps in the trash or compost bin. For grease, collect it in a container and throw it away once it solidifies. If your sink is already clogged, try using a plunger or a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to loosen the blockage. For more severe cases, calling a professional Vancouver plumber is your best option to avoid doing any further damage.

2. Soap Scum Build-Up

Over time, your kitchen sink drain can build up with soap scum creating a thick-like residue that will coat your drainage piping. The combination of soap scum and food scraps can accumulate over time and can cause your kitchen sink to stop draining properly.

Solution

It’s best to regularly maintain your kitchen sink drainage by cleaning it with either a vinegar and baking soda solution or even to try regularly filling up both sides of your kitchen sink with hot water, fill it to the very top of the brim with and squeeze half a lemon in the water. After letting the sink fill, unplug it and let the large amount of water wash out any lingering debris.

3. Foreign Objects in the Drain

Accidentally dropping utensils, bottle caps, or other small objects into the sink can cause serious drainage problems. These foreign items can get stuck in the pipes, leading to sink clogs that won’t resolve with simple methods.

Solution

Use a drain cover to catch any small objects before they enter your kitchen drain. If an item is already lodged in your pipes, it’s time to call a Vancouver plumber to safely remove the obstruction without causing further damage.

4. Improper Use of the Garbage Disposal

A Garburator is a convenient commodity that many Vancouver residents have but unfortunately, they’re not designed to handle every type of waste as many people falsely believe. Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and coffee grounds can quickly clog the disposal, creating a block in the drain.

Solution

Use your garburator responsibly by avoiding fibrous and starchy foods. Be sure to run cold water while using the disposal to help flush debris through the draining pipes. If your garbage disposal isn’t working properly and the disposal needs repair, seek help from your local plumber in Vancouver to repair your existing disposal or install a new one.

Call Miller Plumbing & Drainage for Expert Help!

When your kitchen sink clog becomes unmanageable, Miller Plumbing & Drainage is here to help. As a family-owned business with over 13 years of experience, we provide reliable and affordable plumbing services in Vancouver and Burnaby. Our expert team can quickly diagnose and resolve your drainage issues, ensuring your kitchen drain functions smoothly again.

Contact us today through our request form or give us a call or text. Don’t let a clogged sink disrupt your daily life—we’re just a call or text away!