What Causes Clogs in Kitchen Sinks?
There are a number of natural and man-made substances that can cause pipes to become clogged or sluggish, including:
Potato peels
The thick texture of the peels makes it almost impossible for garbage disposals to grind them into small enough pieces. Rather than peeling your potatoes in the sink, place the peels directly in the trash can instead.
Grease
When grease cools, it becomes a hard, gel-like substance that is incredibly difficult to remove from pipes. Never place grease or oil down your drains; instead, line an empty tub of Tupperware with aluminum foil and leave the grease to sit until it has cooled. Once the grease solidifys, dispose of it in the trash.
Pasta
Pasta may seem like a soft food that could easily be broken up by a garbage disposal, but when combined with water it becomes a sticky substance capable of causing severe drain clogs.
Coffee Grounds & Egg Shells
Coffee grounds and egg shells are two of the lesser-known (but still common) causes for sink problems. Because of their fine texture, shells and coffee grounds stick to other debris in the garbage disposal to create masses that can (over time) block the drainage pipe entirely.
Flour and Bread
At first glance, flour seems like a fine powder that should go down the drain without any issues. But individuals familiar with baking know that flour becomes a sticky, clumped mass when combined with water. To avoid creating serious clogs in your kitchen sink, always throw excess flour in the trash.
Harsh Drain Cleaners
Although drain cleaners are one of the tools used to keep pipes clear of clogs, some of these harsh cleaners can have the adverse effect on your kitchen plumbing. Before putting any chemicals into your plumbing system, do research online about the brand and product to ensure it doesn’t have a history of creating clogs.
Hair
Although this is a less common issue in kitchen sinks than showers, it’s still possible for your kitchen pipes to become clogged with hair. If you have pets, bathe them outside to protect your plumbing from being overwhelmed with hair. And ladies – dispose of lose hair stands in the trash, not the sink!
Kitchen sink issues are one of the most popular Colorado Springs plumbing services we’re asked about, but they can easily be prevented by monitoring the solid items (and liquid drain cleaners) you put down your sink.
If you’re struggling with chronic kitchen clogs, call us at (719) 232-4720 to discuss your situation with a local plumber.