5 Common Sink Drain Clogging Mistakes

Eric McPherson • December 6, 2021

5 Common Sink Drain Clogging Mistakes

A clogged drain can make you feel helpless. You cannot ignore it since it is difficult to do things in your kitchen when you have a sink filled with stagnant water.



You can avoid sink drain problems when you know what to put and what not to put in your sink. Putting things such as grease, rice, and coffee grinds can be a big mistake. 


This article focuses on the most common sink drain clogging mistakes and how to avoid them. It will also give some insight on how to fix a clogged sink.


Grease


Grease is one of the everyday things that clog sink drains. It is a common by-product of cooking, and it solidifies in the drain. Sometimes, it traps other food particles and clogs the drain. 


Don’t let this happen to you. Avoid pouring the grease into your sink, no matter how small the amount is. It accumulates quickly, and you may end up with a badly clogged sink.


Rice and Pasta


It’s hard to resist the temptation of pushing the small leftovers of rice, pasta, or bread into your sink. They look like they can go down the drain without any problem, but this is never true. 


Rice and pasta swell up when they come into contact with water, which means they will expand even more when they are down the drain. They also sometimes mash-up and block the drain. Ensure that you scrape all the food off your plate before putting it into the sink.


Coffee Grinds


Most of the time, coffee grinds go down the drain just fine. But, having a couple of problematic coffee grinds will leave you with a clogged sink. 


Coffee grinds can quickly turn into sludge and trap other food items. Remember to throw out any leftover coffee grinds to avoid this problem.


Fat and Oil


Do you dump the little oil in the frying pan into the sink? This could be the reason why your sink gets clogged. Pour the small oils that remain in your cookware away before putting them in the sink.


Eggshells


Your eggshells should go into the garbage bin. If you wash them down the drain, they can get stuck in the pipes and trap other food particles. This can cause a blockage in your pipes.


Food Scraps


Other food particles such as vegetables and meat leftovers can also find their way into the pipes if you do not clear your plate before putting it into the sink. These particles will rot and block your pipes.


Find a Reliable Strainer


Strainers are a good way to prevent food particles from getting into their pipes. However, the problem may persist if you do not use a reliable kitchen sink strainer, as some strainers still allow food particles to pass through. Using a strainer is an excellent idea so long as it does not allow any particles through.


Have a clogged drain? Hot water can be a good sink clog remover. You can try pouring hot water into the drain to see if it melts the blockage. 


You can also use a plunger to loosen up the particles blocking the drain. Or you can try pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking powder into the sink.


Call the Professionals


Have you tried all the home remedies without favourable results? A professional plumber can help you get rid of that problem. 

This is what the experts at Wade Roberts Plumbing do. They will handle your plumbing needs with the swiftness, professionalism, and transparency it deserves.


Call us at 250-883-7545 or complete the form to get in touch with us. We have an open 24-hour emergency service, and we use the latest top-notch technology to unclog your drain quickly and effectively.


A person is opening a white air vent on a wall.
February 18, 2025
Ensure your furnace is in top condition with Wade Roberts Plumbing's yearly maintenance advice. Discover why a pre-spring check-up is crucial for efficiency and safety.
A plumber is fixing a sink with a wrench.
February 6, 2025
Keep your plumbing safe this winter with expert tips from Wade Roberts Plumbing. Learn essential precautions to prevent freezing pipes and maintenance advice for home plumbing.
February 4, 2025
Embrace the Valentine's spirit by showing some love to your plumbing and heating systems. Discover how small gestures of care can boost their efficiency and longevity. Let Wade Roberts Plumbing help you keep the heart of your home beating strong.
A man is sitting on a toilet in a bathroom talking to a woman.
January 16, 2025
Discover the importance of regular plumbing maintenance to prevent expensive repairs in Victoria homes.
A man is laying on the floor fixing a sink in a kitchen.
January 4, 2025
Master simple plumbing fixes in Victoria with these DIY tips. Learn when it’s best to call a professional plumber.
January 3, 2025
Learn why professional fireplace service is essential for both safety and efficiency. Wade Roberts Plumbing provides expert information designed to keep your home safe and warm.
A man is cleaning a bathroom sink with a plunger.
December 18, 2024
Stay ahead with the latest plumbing trends and technologies for 2025. Ideal for proactive BC homeowners.
A plumber is kneeling on the floor fixing a sink in a kitchen.
December 4, 2024
Explore eco-friendly plumbing upgrades to reduce water usage and save on bills, tailored for environmentally conscious Victoria homeowners.
Show More
Share by: