Kitchen Sink Clogs: Causes, Fixes & Prevention

A clogged kitchen sink never happens on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you’ve got nothing else to do. Nope – Kitchen sink clogs hits when guests are over, dishes are piling up, or you’re rushing out the door.

If you’re dealing with a stubborn kitchen sink clog, this guide will break it all down: why it happens, how to fix it, and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Let’s get right to the mess (and how to avoid it).

What Causes Kitchen Sink Clogs?

Grease And Fats

This is public enemy #1. Hot grease looks harmless when it’s liquid. But once it cools inside your pipes? It hardens into a solid mess.

Over time, layers of grease build up and trap everything else – food particles, soap, even bits of dish scrubbers. That’s how a full-blown clog starts.

Food Scraps

Most people assume their garbage disposal can handle anything. It can’t.

Rice, pasta, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables like celery or asparagus are notorious for causing clogs.

Garbage disposals aren’t magic – they just grind, not dissolve.

Soap Scum and Detergents

Believe it or not, even your dish soap could be part of the problem. Some soaps, especially cheaper brands, react with minerals in hard water and leave a sticky residue. That residue narrows pipe openings over time.

Hard Water Buildup

Some citites has moderately hard water. That means calcium and magnesium deposits can form in your plumbing. Over time, those deposits reduce flow and cause backups especially if mixed with grease or food particles.

Foreign Objects

You’d be surprised how often we pull out items like bottle caps, forks, or even kid toys from P-traps. Accidents happen but once something solid gets lodged in the curve, expect backups fast.

Fixes: What Works?

1. Boiling Water

This is your first line of attack.

Boil a kettle and slowly pour the water into the sink in two stages, letting it sit for a few seconds in between.

Works best on:

• Mild grease clogs
• Early signs of slow drains

2. Plunger Power

A regular sink plunger (not the toilet one!) can create enough pressure to dislodge partial clogs.

Steps:

1. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
2. Block the other drain if it’s a double sink.
3. Plunge with short, forceful pumps.

Usually clears out light blockages stuck close to the drain opening.

3. Baking Soda + Vinegar Combo

A classic chemical reaction trick.

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
2. Follow with 1 cup of vinegar.
3. Let it fizz for 15–20 minutes.
4. Flush with hot water.

Good for deodorizing and clearing minor build-up but won’t handle serious blockages.

4. Drain Snake or Auger

A drain snake lets you go deep into the pipes and break apart stubborn clogs. Crank it in, twist, and pull back the debris. Works great on hair, grease gunk, or small stuck objects.

5. Remove and Clean the P-Trap

If all else fails – grab a bucket and a wrench.

1. Place the bucket under the P-trap (U-shaped pipe).
2. Unscrew the nuts by hand or with a wrench.
3. Remove the trap and clean out any sludge or solid objects.
4. Reassemble and run water to test.

This fix solves most clogs caused by objects or grease lodged near the sink.

📞 When to Call a Pro

If you’ve tried the above and the sink is still slow, clogged, or smelling bad – it’s time.

Also, if multiple drains are backing up or water starts bubbling in nearby fixtures, you could be dealing with a mainline blockage. That’s a job for licensed and certified plumbers.

How to Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs

Preventing clogs is easier than fixing them. Just a few small habits can save you from big plumbing headaches.

• Don’t Pour Grease – Store It: Use a metal can or glass jar to collect used grease. Once full, toss it in the trash. Some neighborhoods also offer grease disposal points – check your local recycling facility.
• Install a Sink Strainer: These cost just a few dollars but catch everything from pasta to silverware. Empty it after each dishwashing session and thank yourself later.
• Run Cold Water with Your Garbage Disposal: Cold water keeps grease solid as it passes through, making it easier for the disposal to chop it up and push it out clean.
• Know What Not to Put Down the Drain: Cold water keeps grease solid as it passes through, making it easier for the disposal to chop it up and push it out clean.
• Regular Maintenance: Once a month, flush your drains with hot water and vinegar. Once a year, book a professional inspection especially in rental properties or if you host short-term guests.

Item	Why It’s Bad
Grease/Oil	Hardens, causing blockages
Rice/Pasta	Expands, clogs up the trap
Coffee Grounds	Clumps, builds up quickly
Eggshells	Creates gritty sludge
Fibrous Veggies	Wrap around blades, block movement

Extra Tips for Homeowners

Orlando’s weather works against your pipes. The high humidity fuels mold and bio-slime in clogged areas.

Also, if you’re a landlord or Airbnb host in the area, a clogged sink isn’t just an inconvenience – it can cost you 5-star reviews.

💡 Pro tip: If your rental has a garbage disposal, post a simple sign on what NOT to throw in it.

Final Words

Clogged kitchen sinks are annoying, messy, and (if ignored) expensive. But most are preventable with a few small changes.

If your kitchen sink is giving you trouble, don’t wait until the mess gets worse. Let our team handle it professionally, cleanly, and affordably.

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