The kitchen sink is a known problem area for clogs. For some, clogs seem to form at least once every month, or even every week. Having your sink drain professionally snaked and cleaned is no big deal, but it can add up if you need it so often. Many homeowners don’t know what they’re doing that causes these clogs to form or how they can keep it from happening again. This knowledge makes a big difference not only in the functionality of the drain, but the longevity of your pipes.

Common Causes of Clogs

The number one cause of clogs in the kitchen sink is food. Rinsing off plates after dinner spares your dishwasher some of the work, but if not disposed of properly, these food particles build up and create a clog. Store-bought drain cleaners will usually break up these clogs, but some can only be fixed by a professional. However, these simple food particles pale in comparison to the problems caused by grease and cooking oil. While they begin as liquids, they congeal and turn into solids once inside your pipes. Grease and oil will begin to coat the inside of your pipes until only a few small food particles are needed to create a full clog.

Another leading cause of kitchen sink clogs is small solid objects. Many times a spoon or other utensil is the culprit as they are easily washed down without noticing. This is especially true of kitchens that store their utensils right next to the sink as they can be knocked into the drain. However, there are many reasons inappropriate objects end up in the drain. For example, kids love to play with water; it would be no surprise for a small toy to be washed into the pipe. This type of incident can go unnoticed for a while as water is still able to wash around it, but the drain will probably be noticeably slow-moving. Once food and other particles encounter these objects, they pull together to form a full clog. These objects usually need to be retrieved to fully relieve the obtrusion. Fortunately, many piping systems have outlets through which a professional can pull the offending object out. However, the best thing to do for your drains is to prevent clogs from occurring at all.

How to Prevent Clogged Sink Drains

There are several easy and inexpensive ways to prevent your kitchen sink from clogging. First and foremost, if you don’t already have one, have a garbage disposal installed. Passing food through the disposal gives food a much better shot at flowing through the pipes without blockage. Secondly, it is wise to change your habits. If you have a bad habit of throwing things down the drain without thinking, be more aware of what you are doing to your pipes. Continual blockage and clogs wear down your pipes and make them run inefficiently. Throw food in the trash rather than down the drain, and never pour grease or cooking oil in the sink. Consider using old jars or disposable cups to pour grease into; let it harden, and then throw it in the trash. Additionally, having your drains professionally cleaned annually keeps them performing at their best. After a professional cleaning, drains run and function just like new; this prolongs the life of your entire piping system.

Alvarez Plumbing Service, Salinas, CA

If you are experiencing chronically clogged kitchen sinks, it is in your pipes’ best interest to pursue professional cleaning or repair. Sinks that become clogged more often than usual probably have a hidden problem under the surface. If you live in the Salinas area, consider Alvarez Plumbing for your drain cleaning needs. They are the leading source in the area for all clogged drain issues. Call Alvarez Plumbing today: (831) 757-5465

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