For homeowners on Chicago’s North and Northwest Side, dealing with a clogged kitchen sink drain can be frustrating. Kitchen sinks are the most frequently used drains in your home, making them more prone to issues. In this article, we’ll explore five common causes of kitchen sink drain problems and how to prevent them.
1. Grease and Fat Build-Up
What’s the Issue?
Grease, oils, and fats are major culprits behind kitchen sink clogs. When hot grease is poured down the drain, it solidifies as it cools, sticking to the inner walls of your pipes.
How to Prevent It:
Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it solidify in a container and throw it in the trash.
Why It’s a Problem for Chicago Homeowners:
With the colder climate on the North and Northwest Side of Chicago, grease solidifies faster in pipes, leading to frequent blockages.
2. Food Scraps
What’s the Issue?
Even if you have a garbage disposal, certain food scraps like coffee grounds, potato peels, and fibrous vegetables can clog your drain. These items don’t break down easily and can form clogs over time.
How to Prevent It:
Use a drain strainer to catch food particles, and avoid putting fibrous or starchy foods down the garbage disposal.
Why It’s a Problem for Chicago Kitchens:
Busy Chicago households often prepare large meals, increasing the chances of food scraps getting washed down the kitchen sink drain.
3. Soap Scum Build-Up
What’s the Issue?
Soap, especially in liquid dish detergents, can combine with minerals in hard water to form soap scum. Over time, this scum builds up in your pipes, restricting water flow.
How to Prevent It:
Occasionally flush your kitchen sink drain with hot water and vinegar to dissolve soap scum and keep the pipes clean.
Why It’s a Problem for Chicago Homeowners:
Many homes in the North and Northwest Side of Chicago experience hard water, which exacerbates soap scum buildup in kitchen drains.
4. Foreign Objects
What’s the Issue?
Small foreign objects, such as rings or cutlery, can accidentally fall into the drain, leading to blockages.
How to Prevent It:
Use a drain cover or strainer to prevent objects from falling into the drain. Be mindful when washing dishes to avoid small items slipping into the sink.
Why It’s a Problem for Chicago Kitchens:
With smaller city kitchens on the North Side, busy households may accidentally let small objects slip into the sink during meal prep or clean-up.
5. Improper Garbage Disposal Use
What’s the Issue?
Improper use of the garbage disposal, such as overloading it with food waste or putting non-food items in it, can lead to clogs and damage to both the disposal and the sink drain.
How to Prevent It:
Run cold water while using the garbage disposal and avoid overloading it with food. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on what can and can’t be processed.
Why It’s a Problem for Chicago Homeowners:
In densely populated areas like Chicago’s North and Northwest Side, kitchen drains and garbage disposals may face more frequent usage, increasing the chance of improper operation.
Conclusion
Kitchen sink drain problems are common, but they are preventable with a few simple precautions. By avoiding grease, food scraps, and foreign objects, and by maintaining your pipes, you can keep your kitchen sink drain running smoothly. If you do encounter issues, J Blanton Plumbing, your trusted plumber in North and Northwest Side of Chicago, is here to help. Contact us today for expert drain cleaning and maintenance services.
