Why Kitchen Sinks Block
Kitchen sinks are particularly prone to blockages because of food scraps going down the drain, grease and cooking oil solidifying in pipes, coffee grounds accumulating over time, soap scum buildup, and items accidentally dropped down the drain. The curved P-trap under the sink is a common collection point for these materials.
The Grease Problem
Cooking oils and fats are liquid when hot but solidify as they cool in your pipes. Over time, this builds up layers of grease that narrow the pipe until water cannot pass. This is the number one cause of kitchen sink blockages. Never pour grease down the drain - wipe pans with paper towels and dispose of it in the bin.
Our Clearing Methods
For simple blockages in the P-trap, our Strand plumbing team dismantle and clean the trap. For blockages further down, we use drain augers and high-pressure water jetting. We clear the blockage completely and flush the system to ensure proper flow. We also inspect for any damage to pipes that might cause recurring blockages.
Preventing Kitchen Sink Blockages
Use sink strainers to catch food particles, never pour grease or oil down the drain, run hot water after each use to help flush debris, use a waste disposal unit properly if you have one, and have your drains professionally cleaned annually if you do a lot of cooking. These simple steps prevent most blockages.