Kitchen Blocked Drain Causes

Every year, Australians waste an estimated 4,000 litres of water due to blocked kitchen drains. Common causes of kitchen drain blockages include food debris, fats and oils, and even large items like utensils and toys. To avoid this common problem, it’s important to understand the causes of kitchen sink blockages.

One of the most common culprits is grease, which can build up on the walls and floor of your kitchen sink. Grease builds up over time and may require professional help to remove it properly. You should NEVER pour grease down your kitchen sink, as it will slowly accumulate and eventually cause a blockage. While it might be liquid when poured, it will congeal and solidify within the pipes.

Another cause of blocked drains in kitchens is food particles that get caught in the drain pipe. These items can accumulate over time and cause clogs, leading to overflows or blockages. When this happens, it’s important to call a professional plumber for help.

Fibrous items such as string, hair, or cloth can also become entangled in the kitchen sink’s drain pipe, resulting in a blocked drain. These items can be difficult to remove without professional help, so it’s important to call a plumber for blocked drain repairs if this is the case.

Finally, you can also experience blockages further down the system, where the kitchen sink drain pipe connects to the main sewer line. This can be caused by a variety of items, such as tree roots or other debris that have made their way into the drain pipe and become stuck. In this case, professional repairs may be necessary to unblock the drains efficiently.

Food Scraps & Grease

In kitchens, it’s common for food scraps, oils and grease to be washed down the sink. This can cause the drains to become blocked due to food items becoming stuck in the pipe joints, or grease and oil solidifying in the pipes. To avoid this issue, dispose of food scraps in a bin and pour cooking oils and grease into an appropriate container before disposing of it.

What should you put down the kitchen sink? The best way to avoid blocked kitchen drains is to only put items that are designed for the sink down it. This includes food-grade soaps and detergents, and small amounts of water. Avoid putting any solid material such as tea leaves, coffee grounds or potato peels down your drain.

In some cases, even after following the above instructions, a blocked kitchen drain may still occur. If that’s the case, you should contact a professional plumber to identify and fix the problem. They can use tools such as drain snakes and hydro-jetting methods to unblock your pipe and restore it to good working order.

However, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure that you take the necessary steps to avoid blocked kitchen drains in the first place. Regularly cleaning your sink and disposing of food waste properly can go a long way towards preventing blockages from occurring. Additionally, it’s always wise to inspect your plumbing regularly, especially if you have an older system, to ensure that no issues arise.

If you do experience a blocked kitchen drain, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for help. With their expertise and the right tools, they’ll be able to quickly identify the problem and get your pipes running smoothly again in no time. Don’t take any risks when it comes to tackling kitchen blockages on your own – leave it to the pros!