Why Does My Kitchen Sink Keep Clogging? (Causes and Easy Fixes!)

man plunging sink
The kitchen sink is a hotspot for daily chores, cooking and cleaning. Whether you are doing the dishes or preparing your favorite meal, a kitchen sink that keeps clogging does you no good. If your kitchen sink is clogged and nothing works, altering your cleanup routine is the key to prolonging the life of your plumbing system.

Common Causes of Kitchen Sink Clogs

Why is your sink clogged? Homeowners often think that garbage disposal takes care of everything, but this is far from the truth. Prevent future clogs by discarding the following items properly:

1. Coffee Grounds and Beans

Discarding coffee grounds down the drain cakes up your garbage disposal. Coffee grounds hold moisture, which makes them unsuitable for your kitchen sink. Throw used coffee grounds in the trash or spread them in a compost area instead.

2. Pasta, Potatoes, and Rice

Pasta, potatoes and rice should never go down the drain. All of these foods expand when exposed to moisture, making it easy for them to block the flow of water. Eat your leftover meals or discard them in a trash can.

3. Boiling Water and Kitchen Grease

Parts of your plumbing system may consist of plastic. Pouring hot water down the drain puts your cabinets, flooring and sink at risk of melting or warping. Always wait for the water to cool before running it through your plumbing system.

Kitchen grease is also a danger to plumbing connections, as the liquid dries in a hardened form that can clog pipes. Scoop dry grease into a bag and place it in the trash.

How to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink

Unclogging a kitchen sink requires trial and error. One method may work better than another depending on what is stuck on the walls of plumbing connections. Try the following procedures to tackle stubborn clogs:

1. Use Soap and a Plunger

Run hot water from the faucet down the drain and wait for the clog to soften. Place a small drop of dish soap down the drain followed by a steady flow of water. As the sink fills up, use a plunger over the drain to create a powerful suction. This method releases food and grease you poured down the drain.

2. Reset the Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal may be contributing to the clog. Turn on the garbage disposal switch and listen for unpleasant sounds. Use a switch on the outside of the garbage disposal unit to reset the device. This step puts your installation back to factory settings after overheating.

3. Create a Baking Soda Mixture

Chemical solutions are rough on plumbing connections. Vinegar and baking soda is a little-known trick to clean out drains. Pour one cup of baking soda down the kitchen sink as well as one cup of white vinegar. Cover the sink opening to allow the mixture to react, clearing food, grease, and scraps.

Let the vinegar and baking soda sit for about 30 minutes. Rinse the remains with hot water to see the results.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse for Sink Repairs

If your kitchen sink is clogged and nothing works, it is probably time to call a professional. Mr. Rooter Plumbing specializes in residential plumbing repairs to minimize disruptions during your daily routine. All of our plumbers are fully licensed, and we offer plumbing checkups for your home throughout Onondaga County.