Key Takeaways
- A clogged kitchen sink often happens when food bits or grease block the drain.
- Warm water and baking soda can help clear small clogs at home.
- Never pour oil or fat into the sink because it can harden and block the pipe.
- If the clog does not go away, it is best to call Lew Plumbing for help.
- Regular cleaning keeps your kitchen sink clear and helps water flow well.
Do you see water stay in your kitchen sink? It does not go down and smells bad too. This means your kitchen sink is clogged.
Many homes in Canada face this. A clogged kitchen sink is a big problem if you do not fix it soon. Plumbing/drain service calls in Canada typically cost between CAD $130 and $455 for common issues like clogs and fixture repairs. Which means neglect can turn into a costly repair.
In this blog Lew Plumbing will explore everything you need to know about clogged kitchen sink drain.
Common Reasons For Kitchen Sink Clogs
Here is what you need to know.
Food Waste Build Up
Food can fall into the sink when you wash plates. Some small bits go down the drain and stick inside the pipe. More food sticks to it and makes a thick lump. Water then moves slow or stops.
Grease and Oil
Grease from meat or oil from pans can make a hard layer inside the pipe. When that happens food bits stay there too. The water cannot pass. It is best to wipe grease with a paper towel and throw it in the bin. You should not pour oil in the sink.
Soap and Detergent Leftovers
Soap can leave white marks inside the pipe. It mixes with hard water and makes a layer. That layer stops water from going out fast. You can use hot water once a week to help clean that.
Foreign Objects
Small things like plastic or a sponge can block the pipe. Be sure nothing falls into the drain when you wash dishes.
Faulty Drain Trap
If the drain trap is old it may not work well. A bad pipe shape can also hold dirt. That makes clogs come back. With the help of an expert you can avoid these issues.
How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
Follow the tips below.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
It is also a natural solution for cleaning.
- Add one cup of soda into the sink hole
- Then pour one cup of vinegar
- You will see bubbles
- Wait a few minutes
- After that mix hot water to clean the pipe.
Try a Plunger
A plunger can help move the clog.
- Add some water to the sink first.
- Place the plunger over the drain so it fits tight and press it down.
- Pull it up a few times and check if the water moves out of the sink.
Use Hot Water and Soap
Hot water can help melt fat stuck inside the pipe.
- Take a bowl of hot water and mix some soap in it.
- Pour it down the sink.
- Wait a short time.
- Check if the water goes away fast.
Clean the P-Trap
There is a curved pipe under your sink. That is the P-trap. It can hold dirt or bits of food.
- You can take it off and clean it
- Adjust a bowl under it so water does not spill on the floor
Call a Plumber
If your kitchen sink clogged and have tried everything, you can call Lew Plumbing. The team can use the right tools to clear hard clogs. If other than kitchen sink your dishwasher drains slowly then here is how to fix it.
FAQs
Why does my kitchen sink get clogged?
- Food bits
- Oil
- Soap
These three can block the drain. When they stay inside the pipe water cannot go down.
Can I use hot water to clean my sink?
Yes you can. Hot water helps melt fat that may block the pipe. Pour it slowly and wait a short time.
What if the clog does not go away?
If the clog stays, you can call Lew Plumbing. The experts will fix the pipe and make the water move again.
How can I stop the kitchen clog?
Use a drain cover to stop big bits from going in. Clean the drain often with hot water and soap. Don’t leave any food object or oil inside.
