The kitchen sink has to handle many different objects passing through it. It can be oil, grease, or any other kind of food waste. That can cause clogging over time, leading it to stop draining.
In this article, we will explore common causes of clogging. We will also discuss some methods you can utilize for drain cleaning.
Some Common Causes of Clogged Drains
1. Fats and Oils
It is a common mistake to pour the remaining cooking, oil, and grease down the kitchen sink. Although these substances are in liquid form they don’t act like water. They can stick around the walls of the pipes and merge with the debris to form tough clogs. If you don’t want to face this issue you should always separate grease and oils in a jar and dispose of them in the trash.
2. Food Scraps
Food scraps should never be poured down the drain, even if it has a garbage disposal. Since these disposals can only handle small food scraps. It is recommended to compost large food scraps rather than putting them in the trash.
3. Mineral Buildup
Sometimes, hard water can also be the problem of a clog. Hard water has some additional minerals, calcium and magnesium that can collect along pipe walls and create a clog. Hydro Jetting is an effective way of solving such issues. You can also install a water softener to prevent clogging.
4. Tree Roots
There is a possibility that your drainage system is clogged in different places if the sink is disturbing you now and then. In such cases, long tree roots can be a cause of your trouble. Tree roots need a small leak or crack to get into your sewer lines. If they start to grow inside the pipes you can even face complete blockage. In case you are facing such an issue you should call for drain cleaning as soon as possible.
5. Foods that Expand
Some foods can grow a little larger when soaked in. For example, rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, beans, and Brussels sprouts all of them can expand when washed again. What we normally see is that almost everyone would scrape off leftovers down the sink while washing the dishes. You may not face any issues when the chunks are small. However, if any leftover is stuck inside the sink it will grow eventually clogging the sink and creating a problem for you.
6. Heavy Objects
Heavy objects should never be washed down the drain. Frequently heavy things are sand, coffee grinds, eggshells, and bones. These bulky materials in your kitchen drain combine with the grease in the pipes to form clumps. Some clumps stick in your pipes’ horizontal sections due to their weight.
Also Read: How Does Hydro-Jetting Sewer Cleaning Work?
Some Methods for Unclogging Your Kitchen Sink
If you’re trying to DIY the unclogging procedure you may need to go through trial and error. One method may solve your problem and others might not. You can try the following method for your drain cleaning:
Soap and Plunger
You can use soap and a plunger to get rid of the food and grease that is stuck in your drain. Start running hot water down the drain and wait till the clog softens. Now, put a small piece of dish soap in the sink while the water is flowing. When the sink fills up use a plunger over the drain and create a strong suction.
Reset the Garbage Disposal
Turn on the disposal and listen closely. Does it make any grinding noises, or do you hear a humming sound? Grinding is a good sign, but a hum might mean it’s jammed. If there is a humming sound, hit the reset button. Most garbage disposals have a reset button on the underside of the unit.
Baking Soda Mixture
Using chemicals on plumbing connections is not a viable option. However, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to open up clogs. Pour down one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of vinegar in your kitchen sink. Now cover your sink and let them settle down for 30 minutes. Finally, open up hot water to see the results.
Professional Drain Cleaning Service For You
Kitchen Drains can give you a hard time when they start to clog. You can follow some DIY methods to clean them. However, if you are unaware of plumbing basics it is better to take help from a professional. An experienced plumber knows all the proper ways to open up clogs and keep your kitchen free of mess.
So, do you need any help with drain cleaning? Victor Sewer & Drain Services is available 24/7.
