Hey y’all, Stephen Jordan here, owner and CEO of SMJ Plumbing in Slidell, Louisiana.
Utility sinks may not get as much attention as the kitchen or bathroom sink, but they sure do plenty of work. From washing muddy shoes to cleaning tools and handling laundry, these sinks take on some pretty dirty jobs.
So when the water stops draining, you’ve got a problem.
What Causes a Utility Sink to Clog?
Utility sinks can collect dirt, lint, grease, soap, and other debris that eventually builds up inside the drain. If the sink is connected to a washing machine, it may also deal with a whole lot of water and debris at once.
Common causes include:
- Dirt and debris buildup
- Grease and oils
- Soap and detergent buildup
- Lint and laundry debris
- Foreign objects going down the drain
- Blockages farther down the drain line
And if y’all are using that sink to clean up after messy jobs, it’s important to remember that not everything needs to take a trip down the drain.
Signs Your Utility Sink May Be Clogged
Watch for:
- Water draining slowly
- Standing water in the sink
- Gurgling sounds
- Unpleasant drain odors
- Water backing up when the washing machine drains
- Frequent or recurring clogs
If water backs up into the utility sink whenever the washing machine runs, that could be a sign of a blockage farther down the drain.
Don’t Let a Small Clog Become a Big Mess
A slow drain might not seem like much of a problem, but utility sinks can hold a good amount of water. If a clog gets worse, that water can end up on the floor instead of where it belongs.
At SMJ Plumbing, we can locate the blockage, clear the drain, and help determine what’s causing the problem in the first place.
Keep That Utility Sink Working
Try to keep dirt, grease, lint, and larger debris out of the drain. If the sink starts draining slowly, don’t wait until it’s completely stopped before doing something about it.
After all, y’all have plenty of things to clean in the laundry room. The floor shouldn’t be one of them.
If your utility sink is clogged, backing up, or just not draining like it should, give SMJ Plumbing a call. We’ll help get things flowing again and keep your utility sink ready for whatever dirty job comes next.
— Stephen Jordan
Owner & CEO, SMJ Plumbing
Slidell, Louisiana


