Kitchen Sink Stoppage

Overall, San Jose Plumbers probably get more calls to open clogged drains than any other service. The most often clogged drain is the kitchen sink. Kitchen sink stoppages are usually caused by liquid fats, emulsified by warm soapy dishwater and then carried through the drain pipes. As the water gets colder it proceeds down the drain and leaves the fatty deposits along the drain line. A film of grease forms on the pipe wall and so on. Coffee grounds, egg shells, etc add to this accumulation layer until the pipe becomes completely clogged. Not only that, but buildup often makes drain pipes smell awful. Here are some recommendations in order to minimize Kitchen sink clogs and back ups.

1. If you have a garbage disposer use it sparingly. This means don’t stuff large amounts of food all at once.
2. When using a garbage disposal, always let sufficient cold water run to carry the particles down and into the main line to prevent buildup in the smaller waste lines
3. Do not let egg shells, stringy vegetables and potato peals go down the drain they are the number one cause of a clogged kitchen sink and back ups.
4. When using a dishwasher, wipe your dishes thoroughly before you put them inside the machine. This appliance is a silent cause of kitchen sink back ups.  It uses the same drain line and soap, greases and food left over’s will do the same damage to the kitchen line as if you would wash tem by hand.
5. Pour excess grease into a tin can, not down the sink drain.
6. Periodically fill your kitchen sink with hot water mixed with vinegar, pull the plug and let it drain. This coupled with the above tips will help keep your kitchen sink line flowing, clog and back up free.