The Most Common Causes of a Clogged Kitchen Sink - And How to Prevent Them

 

There are several reasons why you may have a clogged kitchen sink. Luckily, there are also some steps you can take to prevent the issue from occurring.

One of the most common causes of a clogged kitchen sink is grease, which tends to build up and stick to your pipes over time. Grease combines with soap scum, food particles and other debris to form a gunky clump that doesn’t allow water to pass through.

When this happens, it can cause a blockage that won’t go away. To remove the clog, you’ll need to find out what caused it in the first place and fix the problem.

1. Blocked Drain Traps

Every plumbing fixture in your home has a trap that keeps sewer gas out and lets the flow of water through. As long as the trap is free of accumulated messes, it won’t get clogged.

But grease and other clog-causing materials can build up in the trap and stop it from opening properly. When this happens, you’ll need to replace the sink trap or clean it out.

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2. Soap and Hair Belongings Can Lead to a Clog

When you use soap, it can create soap scum that can build up in your pipes. This can make your pipes corrode and cause other problems down the road. To prevent this, avoid using soap in your sink or dispose of it after each use.

3. Bacteria Can Cause a Clogged Kitchen Sink

A lot of people have bacteria in their homes that can cause a clogged kitchen sink. It’s a good idea to wash your hands regularly, as this will help prevent infections. In addition to washing your hands, you can also run hot water down the sink after using it to kill any bacterial growth.

4. Too Much Food Waste Can Lead to a Clogged Kitchen Sink

There are a lot of foods that you shouldn’t put down the sink, regardless of how tempting they may seem. These include coffee grinds, baby carrots, eggshells and even stickers on produce.

5. Other items That Can Cause a Clogged Kitchen Sink

Another culprit is toys, which can cause a clog in your kitchen sink. If your children have toys in the sink, it’s important to get them out before they cause a clog.

To prevent this, it’s best to store toys in a closet or basement instead of the kitchen. It’s also a good idea to use a strainer on the sink to keep any large objects from washing down the drain and causing a clog.

6. Excess Medicine Can Lead to a Clogged Kitchen Sink

If you’re taking any medications, it’s important to remember that they can make your pipes more prone to clogs. Soap, grease and other clog-causing materials will build up in your pipes as they mix with the medication.

If your clogged sink won’t go away no matter what you do, it might be a sign that there is a larger issue with your pipes. In this case, it might be more cost-effective to have a professional plumber repair or replace the part of the pipe that’s causing the issue.