Kitchen sink blockage is among the most irritating household calamities, especially at inconvenient times. The only thing left is a sink that takes ages to drain or is completely choked up, causing you so much inconvenience and mess.
However, studies indicate kitchen sink blockage results from accumulated food remains, grease, hair, and soap residue.
In this blog, Dript will explore all you need about clogged kitchen sinks.
Clogged Kitchen Sink | Common Causes
Blockage cannot be a one-day affair or happen quickly. There are always some underlying causes, some of which are listed below.
1. Food Waste and Debris
Food particles that take time to dissolve are one of the main reasons kitchen sinks are blocked. While washing the dishes, some food particles may be cleaned off the plates and fall into the sink.
Pasta, rice, and vegetable peels, in particular, will soak water and lodge themselves in pipes if a garbage disposal is not used correctly or often enough.
2. Grease and Oil Buildup
Grease may look like an ordinary liquid when hot, but it hardens when cold and adheres to the walls of your pipes or kitchen sink drain. After some time, this grease accumulates and causes the pipes to narrow, restricting water flow and causing blockages.
People who use sinks should note that pouring water down the sink with little oil or butter can gradually cause blockage.
3. Soap Scum and Residue
Even though soap is designed to remove dirt and pollutants, it can trigger issues in your drain. Soap, mainly when used with hard water, forms a deposit that builds up on the interior of the pipes. This film slowly becomes solid over time, accumulating in the sink, creating a layer that slows down the sink’s draining ability and can cause choking.
4. Foreign Objects
Sometimes, objects unrelated to food can be found in the kitchen sink drain, which is normal. This can include minor items such as spoons, other utensils, packaging materials, or even pieces of shards of glass.
These objects may either hamper the passage of water or trap food particles, forming a clog that tends to thicken.
5. Mineral Buildup
The calcium and magnesium minerals in hard water will likely block your pipes most of the time. In the long run, these deposits eventually take a hard, thick layer that forms on the pipe’s walls and narrows down the passage through which water flows.
It also results in the formation of soap scum, which makes the situation worse than it already appears to be.
DIY Solutions to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
A clogged sink in your kitchen may leave you feeling directionless and a little guidance on what to do next. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry more about “How to unclog kitchen sink” because most of the clogs associated with the kitchen sink can be dealt with independently without involving a plumber.
Below are some standard methods to fix a clogged drain.
1. Boiling Water Method
There are many methods for clearing minor clogs, but the easiest of all is the use of boiling water. This method is perfect for clogs made by grease or soap scum or bits of food that cling to the walls of the drain.
How to Do It
- Heat some water in a kettle or any pot you have.
- Gradually pour hot water into the sink drain in portions so that it clears the clog effectively.
- If you need to, repeat the process between 2-3 times.
2. Plunger Method
Purchasing a sink plunger when handling clogs deeper down the drain can be incredibly helpful. The plunger’s suction clears the blockage, enabling water to flow again.
How to Do It:
- Pour about a quart of water over the base of the plunger in the sink.
- Put the plunger cup over the drain and Pressure it to close around the edge.
- Thrust the plunger up and down in circles fast until you get to thirty seconds, then give it a jerk hard to check if the blockage has been removed.
3. Use Vinegar or Baking Soda
If you want something more environmentally friendly and chemical-free, you may consider baking soda and vinegar. These two substances form a reaction that gives a fizzle to deal with clogs that are caused by grease, bits of food, and soap scum.
How to Do It:
- Bring ½ cup of baking soda close to the drain for the first step.
- Next, pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Let the mixture react more frothy and bubbly, standing for about 15 minutes.
- Pour hot water down the drain to wash out the loosened clogs.
4. Drain Snake or Auger
The drain snake (plumber’s auger tool) is best for more challenging clogs. This versatile, coiled gadget can work into the pipe to snake the obstruction or break it apart.
How to Do It:
- Slide the snake into the drain and continue to feed it until it hits the obstacle of the clog.
- Twist the handle anticlockwise or clockwise to propel the snake through the clog or get hold of it.
- Gradually withdraw the snake back, wiping off any debris with it.
- After that, rinse the drain using hot water.
5. Chemical Drain Cleaners (Use with Caution)
Most chemical drain cleaners effectively clear stubborn drainages but often harm the drains and pose environmental issues.
How to Do It:
- You should always read the instructions on the drain cleaner package you wish to use.
- Empty the bottle of chemical cleaner into the drain and let it stay for the required time.
- Finally, wash any residues of cleaner and debris that might have gone down the drain with hot water.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Kitsilano
“Kitchen sink clogged tried everything” is probably where you might want to call in a plumber. As much as a few clogs can be solved using home remedies, some require professional plumbers to work on kitchen sinks.
1. Repeated or Persistent Clogs
If your sink stresses you with frequent blockage after attempting various home remedies, then you have a situation deep within your pipeline.
Regular blockages may signify a problem deeper into the pipe or a damaged or even a collapsed pipe, which can only be repaired with the help of professional services.
2. Water Backup or Slow Drainage
Another sign of severe issues can be a rising water level in your drains or pipes. It might reflect a blockage in your main pipeline. It can happen in various parts of the house and requires a technician to address it to avoid deterioration.
3. Strange Odours from the Drain
If you smell a peculiar smell coming from your drain yet have attempted to clear the clog, this is a sign of decomposing food, grease, or mould deep in your pipes. Some of these smells could be due to septic system-related problems, which professionals must diagnose and fix.
4. Visible Leaks or Water Damage
In cases where you find water standing at the base of your sink, coming from the pipes or stains on the walls around the kitchen, this could indicate a significant leakage or crack in the plumbing system. This issue is best left to the professionals to address because, if left unchecked, it can significantly harm the structure of your home.
5. Multiple Clogs at Once
When several sinks, toilets, or drains at different locations in the house become blocked, it may indicate a significant problem with the main drain pipe. This problem requires a professional plumber to investigate and develop the right solution.
Conclusion
A clogged kitchen sink is troublesome; however, knowing some causes can ensure that one does not face a similar situation again. One of the most significant advantages of DIY solutions is that you can handle issues quite effectively. However, understanding when to opt for the services of a professional is a vital factor.
If your kitchen sink is choking often, you may be facing water stagnation, funny smells, or leaking issues, so do not wait for the situation to become complicated. Contact Dript Plumbing and Heating today to get our best-recommended plumbing solutions in Kitsilano.
Don’t hesitate to call us for consultation or emergency service and make your kitchen sink blockage-free right now!
FAQs
How can I prevent my kitchen sink from being blocked?
Do not pour fats, oils, or coffee/ tea peels into the drain to avert blockages. Use a sink strainer while eating to trap food and grease, and once or twice a week, clean it using hot water, baking soda, or vinegar.
What is the main root of the clogged sink?
The most common reason why sinks become plugged is through debris and food residue that accumulates in the pipe’s interiors.