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Blocked Kitchen Sink? Here Are 4 Reasons Why

9 August

Is your kitchen sink causing you a lot of trouble lately? Then, chances are that it may have been blocked.

Blocked sinks are one of the most common problems faced by homeowners today. Not only is it extremely annoying, but it’s also quite unhygienic. After all, you cook food in the kitchen and prepare ingredients in your double sink, so naturally, this space of your house needs to be kept clean and constantly maintained with either a drain cleaner you buy from the local hardware store or a more natural alternative like using common household items like run white vinegar mixture with a cup of baking soda and hot tap water down the drain or other different method.

However, as you continue washing dishes and the kitchen sink becomes blocked, hygiene and cleanliness are at risk. And you end up with a grand mess. No amount of hot water can fix or break up the clog!

But you may wonder, what are the reasons behind kitchen sink blockages or garbage disposal? That is what we have addressed in this brief article. So, if you are curious about your blocked sink and garbage disposer, dive right in!

Symptoms Of A Blocked Kitchen Sink

There are certain telltale symptoms of a blocked kitchen sink, and we have discussed most of them in this section. If you notice these signs, you’ll know it’s time to call your plumber.

Person Stressing Over Blockage In Kitchen Sink

1. Unpleasant Odours

One of the most apparent symptoms of a blocked drain is the emergence of unpleasant smells. It is caused due to a build-up of waste and sewage in the drainage pipe of the sink.

2. Slow Drainage And Overflowing Water

Under normal circumstances, the water in your kitchen sink drains rapidly. But if you have a clogged kitchen sink, the water will not drain as quickly. Instead, it will start to pool in the sink, which can be frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry.

And if anyone turns on the tap, the pooled water will start to overflow off the edges of the sink. You will end up with wastewater all over your kitchen floor. Standing water can also pose a risk to your health, so its best to deal with blocked kitchen sinks quickly!

3. Gurgling Noises

If your kitchen sink is blocked, the water will drain slowly, causing air bubbles in the pipes. You might hear gurgling noises as these bubbles rise through the pipeline.

What Are The Reasons Behind A Blocked Kitchen Sink?

Your kitchen sink may get blocked for any reasons we’ll discuss below.

Dirty Stagnant Water In Blocked Kitchen Sink

1. Oil, Grease And Soap Scum

Most of us use oil in the food we cook. Likewise, many food items, such as bacon, have grease. And it is pretty natural to dump any excess oil or grease down the sink. Due to the dense nature of these substances, they become lodged in the sink drain. Over time, they build up and clog the drain.

The same can be said for soap scum, which is generated in large amounts during dishwashing. It also settles in the drain pipes as a sticky residue, which keeps accumulating and eventually blocks the sink.

We suggest pouring boiling water down the kitchen sink to eliminate this problem. It will melt the sticky residues, blocking the drain and allowing it to flow freely.

2. Food Scraps

Often, fruit and vegetable peels, seeds, coffee grounds, tea leaves and other food scraps may become trapped in the kitchen sink’s pipes. Over time, they can accumulate and cause the drain to clog, attracting drain flies.

You can get rid of such blockages with the help of a pressurised water jet. Directing the jet towards the sink drain will dislodge any food scraps stuck in your pipes. If you do not have one, you can always try pouring boiling water or white vinegar and baking soda to free your clogged sink.

3. Hair

Hair may accumulate in the kitchen drain and ultimately block it. This is especially true if you have long hair. However, a blocked kitchen sink or drain trap caused by hair is relatively unlikely in this case since people don’t usually wash their hair at a kitchen sink.

But it is not unheard of, and if it happens to your kitchen sink, you can clear it up with the help of baking soda and vinegar. You can mix a little bit of these substances in warm water and flush them down the drain opening. That will dissolve and remove the hair from the drain. You can also use a plumber’s snake or wire coat hanger and attempt to remove the hair from your drain. Just remember to wear rubber gloves and follow this with some boiling water.

4. Small Objects Made Of Plastic Or Metal

Small objects made of plastic or metal, such as spoons, bottle caps, toys and so on, may obstruct your kitchen sink drain or p trap and block it. You can use a drain snake to push it out if that happens.

However, if the object becomes even more firmly lodged in the pipes, you will need to call in your local plumber.

Still Struggling With A Stubborn Blocked Drain? Call Us!

Those are the most common reasons behind a blocked kitchen sink or clogged drain. With the provided suitable DIY solutions for each reason, the next time your kitchen sink becomes blocked, you can scan through this article and clear your kitchen drain blockages. Although, you may need to repeat the process to really get the clear drain you’re looking for. Unclog your kitchen sink as soon as possible. The baking soda method is always a great place to start. We advise avoiding chemical drain cleaners, as they can harm your drain pipe and cause further damage.

But if none works, and it’s possible if you’re dealing with a bigger plumbing problem, it’s time for you to call in an expert plumber for your blocked drains.

Seek help from a professional plumber, as they have all the necessary equipment to clear out any type of blockage. So, reach out to our Gold Coast Plumbers today! You can contact us for all your stubborn blockages. Whether you need to replace your dishwasher or your blockage is in your kitchen, bathroom, or outside drain, we can provide you with the solution you need and deserve. We are the number one plumber’s locals trust to unclog a kitchen sink.

And in any case, we recommend acting on the problem fast, unless you like funky odours and the sight of piled-up dishes in your kitchen sink. So, until next time, goodbye and good luck with your clogged kitchen sink!