Kitchen Sink Clogged? The Top 4 Causes and Solutions

Is your kitchen sink clogged? If so, you're not alone. Like most homeowners, your kitchen sink probably sees a lot of action. From dishwashing to food preparation, a lot goes on in that one spot. So it's no wonder your sink will sometimes start to clog up.

Here are four reasons why you're having this problem and some things you can do to help prevent clogs and keep your sink running smoothly.

Pouring Fats, Oils, and Grease Down Your Sink Drain Plumbing

Is your kitchen sink clogged up on both sides?

One of the most common reasons your kitchen sink might keep clogging is because you're putting too much grease down the drain. When hot grease cools, it can solidify and cling to your pipes, eventually causing a blockage. To help prevent this, try to scrape as much grease off your dishes into the trash before washing them.

Fats and oils from cooking aren't the only culprits, either. If you pour milk down the drain, the proteins can also solidify and cause problems. The same goes for egg whites. So, it's best to avoid pouring these things down the drain altogether. Experts at Mackinandsonsplumbing.com recommend these steps to get rid of grease build-up:

• Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain
• Follow with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar
• Plug the drain and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes
• Flush with hot water

Food Remains in Your Kitchen Sink Plumbing

Food remains are also a very common cause of sink clogs. When you wash your dishes, bits and pieces of food can go down the drain along with the water. Over time, these will build up and create a blockage.

To avoid this, scrape all food scraps off of your plates before washing them. You can also install a mesh screen over your drain to catch any food that does manage to slip through.

If you're dealing with a kitchen sink clogged up due to food remains, there are a few things that you can do to try and clear it:

• Use a plunger to try and dislodge the blockage
• If you have a disposal, run it for a few minutes to see if that clears things out
• Try using a plumber's snake to break up the clog

If you've tried all of these things and nothing is working, you may need to call a professional.

P-Trap-Related Problems

Have you ever had your kitchen sink clogged past the p-trap?

If your sink constantly clogs, it might be related to your P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe located under your sink. It's responsible for catching debris and preventing it from going down the drain. Over time, the P-trap can become filled with food remains, soap scum, and grease, which can cause it to become clogged.

If you think this might be the problem, try disassembling your P-trap and cleaning it out. If your P-trap is clean, but your sink is still clogging, there might be a blockage further down the drainpipe. Hire a plumbing professional to identify the problem.

Gunk Build Up In Your Drain Line

All the gunk in your drain line can also cause clogging. All the food remains, dirt, grease, and hair accumulating in your sink pipes can slowly build up and create a blockage on your main drain pipe that connects to your home's septic system or municipal sewer line.

Once this happens, your kitchen sink will start to clog more frequently. Your bathroom sinks and toilet may also be at risk of being backed up. To prevent this, regular drain pipe cleaning is necessary. Hire a professional drain cleaning service to do it for you.

Keep Your Kitchen Sink Clear

The good news is that if you have a kitchen sink clogged, you can fix and avoid them with these tips:

• Run water for a minute before using the disposal
• Never put grease or oil down the drain
• Avoid putting coffee grounds, eggshells, or starchy vegetables like potatoes down the disposal
• Invest in a good quality garbage disposal strainer
• Clean your garbage disposal regularly
• Run cold water for 30 seconds after using the disposal

By following these simple tips, you can hopefully avoid a clogged kitchen sink.

Can you share any other solutions for a kitchen sink clogged in your home?