A sink that drains slowly is particularly frustrating. The situation becomes even worse when it is completely blocked, even turning into a real nightmare. In this article, we will explore the various reasons that can cause sinks to block.
Food residue going down sinks is a major cause of blocked pipes further down the drain. Sewage and soapy water gradually leave deposits along the pipes. Over time, these deposits build up and settle in the pipe, adding layer by layer until they completely clog your plumbing system. As a professional drain cleaner, I have sometimes seen layers of food become as hard as a rock!
Of course, the best way to prevent food from building up is to reduce the amount that goes down your kitchen drain. To do this, I recommend using a mesh strainer instead of the traditional stopper on your sink, since it is much more effective at filtering larger pieces of food. You can find this kind of product very easily in your local hardware store, or e.g. at Canadian Tire.
Grease is your pipes' worst enemy, as it tends to lodge on the walls of your pipes and harden when cooled. Over time, this buildup will reduce the diameter of the pipe's available flow space. The less space available, the more likely your pipe will become clogged.
Avoid at all costs pouring grease directly into your sink, even though it may seem tempting since it is the easiest way to dispose of cooking oil or grease. Instead, opt to throw the oils directly in the trash, or wipe it up with a paper towel before pouring it into your sink.
It is normal that over time, your pipes deteriorate and begin to show certain defects, such as poor slopes or valleys. These can prevent the proper flow of water and encourage the formation of grease blockages. Another phenomenon well known to any good plumber is the beef belly. Similar in nature to a bad slope, potbelly consists of a valley in the drain that has occurred over time, causing water to flow improperly and debris to accumulate within it.
It is more difficult to prevent this type of problem since they appear as your pipes age. However, frequent camera inspection can help detect them early, before they cause a major problem.
Disposers are fantastic for helping you get rid of larger pieces of food by grinding them up, making it easier to flow down your drain. However, you must be very careful not to use them excessively without adding enough water. Unfortunately, I have seen many cases of sink clogging linked to using the disposal without adding enough water.
It's never pleasant to have to pay for the services of a plumber to unclog your kitchen sink. Although there is always a risk of this situation occurring, most blockages can be prevented by paying close attention to what you put in the sink, and by adopting certain hygiene habits. plumbing to maximize its longevity.
