Kitchen drain clogs are a major hassle. Backups often occur during the holidays and other times when the kitchen sink is being used heavily. At other times, clogged drains develop gradually as grease, food particles, and other debris accumulate inside the pipes. Over time, this buildup restricts water flow, causing sinks to drain slowly or make gurgling sounds. These are the early warning signs of a clogged drain, and they shouldn’t be ignored.
The good news is that by adopting a few simple habits, you can keep your kitchen drains flowing freely and avoid the hassle of clogs and backed up drains. Here are some helpful tips from the plumbers at Central:
1. Keep Grease Out of Drains
Grease, oil, and fat are the leading causes of clogged kitchen drains. Although you might pour grease down the drain without noticing immediate problems, it eventually cools, hardens, and adheres to the inner walls of your pipes. This sticky layer traps food particles, progressively constricting water flow and leading to blockages.
The best way to dispose of cooking grease is to pour it into a container like an empty soup can, allow it to solidify in the freezer, and then discard it in the trash. For small amounts of grease, wipe your pans with a paper towel before washing and throw the towel in the garbage.
2. Don’t Overload the Garbage Disposal
While garbage disposals are a convenient tool for disposing of food scraps, they are not designed to handle all types of waste. Avoid relying too heavily on your disposal by scraping large food particles into the trash before rinsing your dishes. Overloading the disposal can cause jams and even damage the unit.
Foods to avoid grinding in the disposal include fibrous vegetables (like celery), coffee grounds, and large bones. These materials can wrap around the disposal’s blades or get stuck, causing operational issues.
3. Be Careful with Starchy Foods
Starchy foods like pasta, potatoes, rice, and bread expand when wet and become sticky, easily clinging to the sides of pipes. Over time, they can form stubborn clogs that are difficult to remove. Avoid flushing starchy leftovers down the drain. Instead, scrape them into the trash or compost them when possible.
Other food items such as eggshells and banana peels can also cause problems. Eggshells break into tiny shards that can combine with other debris, creating blockages, while banana peels are fibrous and difficult to break down in a garbage disposal.
4. Regular Drain Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing clogs. Whenever you use the garbage disposal, run cold water both during and for at least 30 seconds after turning off the unit to help flush out any remaining food particles.
To maintain your drains, try a natural cleaning products the break down organic matter in the drain. We recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners, as many contain corrosive chemicals like lye, which can damage your pipes and pose health risks.
Looking for a safe and natural way to keep your drains clean and fresh. We offer Bio-Clean®, an effective eco-friendly drain cleaning solution.
Preventing Drain Odors
Unpleasant odors from your kitchen drain are another common issue. These smells are caused by food particles, grease, or other organic material trapped in the pipes. Here’s how to keep your drains smelling fresh:
Clean the Drain Stopper or Strainer
Remove the sink stopper or strainer and clean off any food particles or debris regularly. Build-up around these components can contribute to foul odors.
Use Lemon or Citrus Peels
Running lemon or orange peels through your garbage disposal can freshen up your drain naturally. The oils in citrus help to break down grease and leave behind a fresh scent.
Need Help? Call Kalispell’s Drain Cleaning Experts
If you’re dealing with slow drains, recurring clogs, or persistent odors, don’t hesitate to call the drain cleaning professionals at Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical. We employ the safest, most effective techniques to safely and effectively clear out even the toughest clogs, keeping your drains in top shape. Contact us today for fast service in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, Polson and Somers
