What Blocks a Kitchen Sink?

Clogged kitchen sinks on the Gold Coast are a frustratingly common issue, disrupting the smooth running of homes and businesses alike. Whether it’s the morning rush or the evening clean-up, a clogged sink can throw a spanner in the works. But don’t worry! Local Plumbing & Gas Co., your trusted local expert, is here to help.

Last month, we gave you a comprehensive guide to blocked kitchen sinks, and today, we’ll explore the various causes behind clogged kitchen sinks and how our prompt and professional services can keep your drains clear and functioning optimally. So, let’s get started and understand this problem better to tackle it effectively.

Common Causes of Clogged Kitchen Sinks

Clogged kitchen sinks can be a real headache for any homeowner. They’re an unwelcome disruption to your daily routine, but understanding the causes can help you prevent these common issues. Here at Local Plumbing & Gas Co., we’ve seen it all when it comes to clogged sinks, and we’re here to share our knowledge with you. So, let’s explore some of the most common causes of clogged kitchen sinks.

Food Waste

First on the list is food waste. It might seem harmless to wash down leftover food scraps while cleaning dishes, but this can lead to significant problems down the line. Even with the use of garbage disposals like an InSinkErator, food particles can accumulate in your pipes over time, creating stubborn clogs that hinder water flow. Remember, your sink isn’t a bin, and it’s always best to dispose of food waste appropriately to avoid these issues.

Grease and Oil

Next up is the sneaky culprit of many clogged sinks: grease, fats, and oils. When these substances are washed down the sink, they don’t just disappear. Instead, they solidify within your pipes, creating sticky clogs that restrict water flow and cause backups. The key to avoiding this is simple: never pour grease or oil down the sink. Instead, allow it to cool and dispose of it in your regular rubbish.

Dishwashing Detergent Buildup

Lastly, believe it or not, dishwashing liquid is a common household item that can contribute to clogged kitchen sinks. While these products are designed to clean your dishes, they can also accumulate in your pipes over time.

Dishwashing liquids can bind with other debris, like food particles and grease, forming persistent clogs that disrupt the smooth flow of water in your plumbing system. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the buildup of liquids, ensuring your drains stay clear and your water continues to flow without hindrance.

Environmental and Regional Factors Causing Kitchen Clogs

Beyond the common culprits we’ve already discussed, other factors unique to your environment and region may be causing kitchen sinks to clog. In this section, we’ll shed light on some of these factors relevant to us here on the Gold Coast.

Hard Water

One such factor is hard water. Hard water contains a higher concentration of minerals, which, while not harmful to your health, can pose problems for your plumbing. Over time, these minerals can build up in your pipes, leading to reduced flow and eventually causing kitchen sinks to clog. Regular maintenance and water-softening treatments can help manage this issue and keep your drains clear.

Climate Impact

Additionally, the climate of the Gold Coast can also play a role in kitchen sink clogs. With our warm, humid weather, substances like grease and oil can become even stickier, adhering to pipe walls and causing clogs and blockages more readily. Furthermore, periods of heavy rainfall can result in increased pressure in sewer systems, potentially leading to backups and clogs.

Household Habits Leading to Kitchen Sink Clogs

When it comes to keeping our kitchen sinks functioning smoothly, a lot rests on our everyday habits. Unfortunately, some common practices in many households can contribute significantly to sink clogs. At Local Plumbing & Gas Co., we believe that understanding these habits is key to prevention, and we’re here to guide you through them.

Improper Sink Use

One of the prime culprits causing kitchen sinks to clog and become clogged is improper sink use. This often includes washing non-food items or excessively disposing of food waste into the sink. Small items or food particles can accumulate over time, leading to stubborn blockages that disrupt your daily routine. It’s important to remember that your sink isn’t designed to handle everything—as mentioned, even if you have an InSinkErator, kitchen sinks can and DO get clogged; trust us on this one!

We were recently called out to a customer’s home in Miami because of a foul-smelling liquid continuously spewing from her overflow relief gully. Although she thought it was sewage due to the odour, it only overflowed when she used her dishwasher and kitchen sink, which was equipped with an InSinkErator. She believed the InSinkErator would handle all her food scraps, but it’s not a cure-all and does have limitations, as she discovered the hard way. We were able to clear the drain with our handy FlexShaft drain cleaning machine, bringing order back to her kitchen duties.

Being mindful of what goes down the drain can save you from future headaches.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

Neglecting regular sink and drain maintenance is another habit that can lead to blockages. Without routine checks and cleaning, substances can build up and cause blockages in your kitchen sink. Regular maintenance is vital in keeping your drains clear and preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.

Conclusion

Clogged kitchen sinks on the Gold Coast are a common but inconvenient issue. They can occur due to a variety of factors, such as grease build-up, improper disposal of food waste, dishwashing liquids, and environmental factors like hard water and regional climate. Given the complexity of these causes, it’s clear that dealing with blocked sinks is not a simple task and often requires professional intervention. At Local Plumbing & Gas Co., we have the expertise and advanced tools to quickly identify and effectively address these blockages, ensuring your sink returns to its optimal functionality.

At Local Plumbing & Gas Co., we understand that dealing with a clogged kitchen sink can be frustrating. That’s why we’re committed to providing prompt, reliable, and professional service to resolve your plumbing issues. More than just fixing the problem, we’re here to help you understand its causes, empowering you to prevent similar issues in the future. Remember, when it comes to plumbing emergencies, you’re in capable hands with Local Plumbing & Gas Co.

Click here to learn more about our clogged kitchen sink service then contact us to get your sink running smoothly again.