Kitchen Drain Blockages: Causes and Prevention

Top Notch Sewer Drain Cleaning, drain cleaning, kitchen sink blockage, kitchen drain blockages, drain cleaning, drain inspection

When you love to cook, there’s nothing worse than finding a clog in your kitchen sink when you’re mid-meal prep. Kitchen drain blockages are a common occurrence in many households and in most cases, these backups are preventable. But what causes a kitchen drain blockage?

Kitchen Drain Blockages: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Them

Kitchen drain blockages are usually caused by one of three things: grease, food scraps, or hair. Grease is the most common cause of kitchen drain backups. When hot grease cools and hardens, it can cling to the sides of your pipes and build up over time. This buildup can eventually lead to a complete blockage. 

If your kitchen drain is blocked due to grease build-up, you will need to call a professional plumber to clear the blockage. Grease blockages can be difficult and dangerous to clear without the proper equipment.

Food scraps are also a common culprit of kitchen drain blockages. When food particles accumulate in your pipes, they can create a clog that is difficult to remove.  There are a few foods that you can put down the drain if you have a garbage disposal.  These include:

  • Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds can actually help to clear your drain. They will act as a natural scrubber and help to break down any food particles that are stuck in your pipes.
  • Eggshells: Eggshells can also help to clear your drain. They contain a substance that is known as chitin, which helps to break down food particles.

You should avoid putting any of the following foods down your drain:

  • Potato peels: Potato peels will not break down in your pipes and will only lead to clogs.
  • Rice and pasta: Rice and pasta absorb moisture and can expand in your pipes and cause blockages.
  • Fruit pits: Fruit pits can damage your garbage disposal and should never be put down the drain.

And finally, hair. Hair can easily become tangled up in the drainage system and form clogs over time.

If you have a kitchen drain backup, the first thing you should do is try to determine what is causing the blockage. If you can see the blockage, you may be able to remove it yourself. However, if the blockage is out of sight, you will need to call a professional plumber, like Top Notch Sewer & Drain Cleaning. We have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and safely clear your drain. Being mindful of what you put down your drain is key to preventing kitchen drain blockages and backup.

When you find yourself dealing with a kitchen drain backup, call Top Notch Sewer and Drain Cleaning at (716) 536-3559 so we can restore your plumbing and prevent further, or potentially larger, problems from occurring.