Hey y’all, Stephen Jordan here, owner and CEO of SMJ Plumbing in Slidell, Louisiana.
There are few things more frustrating than finishing dinner, washing the dishes, and realizing the water isn’t going anywhere. Instead of draining like it should, it’s just sitting there looking back at you.
A clogged kitchen sink is one of the most common plumbing problems we see, and thankfully, it’s often preventable.
What Causes a Kitchen Sink to Clog?
Kitchen drains have to deal with a lot. Grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, soap, and other debris can build up inside the pipes over time.
And just because y’all have a garbage disposal doesn’t mean everything belongs down the drain. Your disposal can handle certain food scraps, but grease, oils, fibrous foods, and large amounts of food can create some serious trouble.
Signs Your Sink May Be Clogged
Watch out for:
- Water draining slowly
- Standing water in the sink
- Gurgling sounds from the drain
- Unpleasant odors
- Water backing up into the other side of a double sink
- Frequent clogs
If your sink keeps slowing down, don’t wait until it stops draining completely. That little clog isn’t likely to fix itself.
How Can You Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs?
A little prevention can save y’all a whole lot of aggravation. Avoid pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain, scrape food into the trash before washing dishes, and don’t overload your garbage disposal.
If you have a double sink, pay attention to both sides. Water backing up into one side when you’re using the other can be a sign of a blockage farther down the drain.
When It’s Time to Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried the usual fixes and your sink is still clogged—or if the clog keeps coming back—it may be time to have a professional take a look.
At SMJ Plumbing, we’ll find the cause of the blockage and get your kitchen sink draining properly again.
After all, y’all have enough to worry about in the kitchen. Your sink shouldn’t be holding onto yesterday’s dishwater.
— Stephen Jordan
Owner & CEO, SMJ Plumbing
Slidell, Louisiana